As July 4th in Chicago approaches, it’s time to start planning how to celebrate Independence Day this year. Patriotic celebrations will include scintillating fireworks, barbecues, rooftop pools, park picnics, and red, white, and blue decorations. The 4th of July is a time to come together and celebrate with friends and family. Here are the best events happening on the 4th of July in Chicago.
1. See a firework show
Navy Pier continues to host its spectacular Independence Day fireworks display, which will occur on July 3rd this year. Throughout the summer, there are live shows lined up with the fireworks schedule. Fireworks at Navy Pier will be happening all summer, starting at 9 PM every Wednesday and 10 PM on Saturdays. However, the 4th of July is a special occasion and calls for even more fanfare.
Address: 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL
2. Attend the Nascar Street Race
On the 4th of July, experience the thrill of a high-speed street race through the bustling city of Chicago. The adrenaline-pumping race will wind through a 2.2-mile course with a series of 12 turns. The race commences at Buckingham Fountain and culminates in Grant Park.
Prepare to witness the spectacle as drivers navigate their way through Lake Shore Drive, Michigan Avenue, Columbus Drive, and other surrounding streets. From the heart-pounding left turn on East Balbo Drive to the electrifying finale at the intersection of Michigan and Jackson, this race promises to be an unforgettable experience for all.
Address: 201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL
3. Head to a family-friendly parade in Hyde Park
Head to Hyde Park for a classic 4th of July parade! The annual parade promises to be a delightful time with floats, decked-out bikes, and more. Bring your favorite picnic blanket for a traditional picnic in the park after the parade. It’s a wholesome way to spend the Fourth of July with your family!
Address: 1355 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL
4. Celebrate at a beautiful patio
Chicago doesn’t play around when it comes to patio season. Drinking with friends on a vast patio is the ideal way to spend the fourth, and if there were a pinnacle to the season, the Fourth of July would be it. Take a spin down to West Loop for Recess’s gigantic patio bar or head to Lincoln Square’s The Warbler with suspended lights. If you’re looking for a spot around the Fourth of July, make that reservation now!
Address: 838 W. Kinzie Street, Chicago, IL
5. Head to Bandit for a week of 4th of July in Chicago festivities
- Wednesday, July 3: Bandit on Two (Bandit’s second floor with two bars and several TVs) opens its doors to kick off the holiday celebrations, inviting guests to enjoy the unique setting.
- Thursday, July 4: Starting at 11:30 a.m., Bandit will serve an all-day menu that includes grilled hot dogs and festive jello shots. The venue will also feature a display of photographs from last year’s celebration.
- Friday, July 5: The festivities continue with a bottomless brunch, a curated menu of some of our top dishes, and bottomless brunch cocktails, offering guests a leisurely start to the holiday weekend.
- Saturday, July 6: The excitement peaks with NASCAR Talladega Nights at Bandit on Two: Round 2, promising an evening of high-speed entertainment complete with a Chicago-style hot dog, NASCAR beer cooler, and bomb pop jello shots, ensuring a uniquely festive experience.
6. Celebrate at Camp Bodega
Bodega Taqueria y Tequila West Loop invites everyone to ignite their Fourth of July weekend with a Red Hot Bodega Summer. The festivities commence on Wednesday, July 3rd. Camp Bodega opens its doors at 2 p.m. on Thursday, July 4, and Friday, July 5, offering guests bucket, bottle, and drink specials. The celebration will be amplified with DJ sets, featuring DJ Scheiny from 8 to 10 p.m. and DJ Girasole from 10 p.m. until 1 a.m. on July 4th, followed by DJ Josh Gomez from 9 to 11 p.m. and DJ Agent Forte until 2 a.m. on July 5th.
7. Sail on an unforgettable cruise on the river
8. Indulge in 4th of July in Chicago with ice cream
The 4th of July in Chicago is destined to be hot, which means there’s one thing you must always have: ice cream. Everything from La Michoacana’s refreshing paletas to Black Dog Gelato’s outrageously cool flavors, there are so many splendid spots to get ice cream in Chicago.
9. Grab a hot dog
Whether meat-based, vegetarian, vegan, or otherwise, hot dogs are a staple for the Fourth of July weekend in Chicago. There are many incredible hot dog joints in Chicagoland, whether they are your go-to stops for a pre-game meal or late-night sanctuaries when you’re looking for a snack.
This Fourth of July, you can choose to support one of the many great Chicago hot dog stands. If you are a hot dog connoisseur and only want the best, you can check out our favorite spots to grab a hot dog for the perfect snack on this year’s Fourth of July.
10. Watch Independence Day on The Emily Hotel rooftop
A relaxing yet memorable way to celebrate the Fourth of July can be had at Emily Hotel’s fantastic Rooftop Cinema Club in Fulton Market. Located on the hotel’s fifth-floor terrace, the one-of-a-kind outdoor cinema experience features a weekly lineup of cult classics and timeless favorites. For the Fourth of July in Chicago, they will be showing Independence Day at 10:15 p.m.
Grab some popcorn, order your favorite beverage, and put on wireless headphones as you kick back to watch this epic blockbuster on the huge state-of-the-art LED screen. You’ll also be in a prime location to catch fireworks all around you after the movie. Also, check out all the free movies playing all summer at different Chicago parks.
11. Check out a thrilling Chicago Fire game with post-game fireworks!
Celebrate the 4th of July early with an exciting Chicago Fire match against the Philadelphia Union on July 3rd at Soldier Field. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m., with festivities starting right after the national anthem around 7:37 p.m., featuring a pre-game flyover by four U.S. Army helicopters from the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade out of Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
Stick around after the match for a spectacular post-game fireworks show. Enjoy plenty of 4th of July and American-themed activities in the South Courtyard, creating a festive atmosphere throughout the evening!
12. S’more sweet for Independence Day
Check out Venteux’s latest s’mores-inspired drink offerings available exclusively for the July 4th weekend in Chicago! The beautiful French daytime cafe on the Mag Mile will offer two delicious drinks inspired by everyone’s favorite Fourth of July treat. The Smores Latte, perfect for coffee lovers, features a double shot of espresso, condensed milk, and a toasted marshmallow & graham cracker garnish – order it iced or hot with your choice of milk for only $12.
Available: Wednesday, July 3rd- Sunday, July 7th
13. Cool Off on the riverwalk with gelato
Beat the heat on the Chicago Riverwalk this 4th of July with some sweet treats from Sweet Home Gelato! Take your pick from a variety of handcrafted gelato and sorbet flavors, as well as shakes and floats, all made with the finest ingredients for an incredibly creamy texture.
14. Celebrate at aliveOne for Third and Fourth of July specials
Chicagoans can start their long holiday weekend early on Wednesday, July 3, at aliveOne in Lincoln Park. They can enjoy a half-price happy hour from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., followed by free live music from the resident band Bonzo Squad at 9:30 p.m. In addition, all-night drink specials will include $8 craft cocktails and $6 half-acre brews. On Thursday, July 4, aliveOne will open late at 8 p.m. for the Fourth of July festivities after the barbecues.
15. Fourth of July Patio Happy Hour at Central Park Bar
Chicagoans can keep the Fourth of July party going and join Central Park Bar on Thursday, July 4, at 4 p.m. on their patio for a half-price happy hour from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Guests can enjoy seasonal cocktails like the Frozen Spicy Mango Margarita (regularly $11) or the Summer Luvin’ with Aperol, Gin Lane 1751 Violet Gin, lemon juice and Q Grapefruit (regularly $13).
16. After-hours Fourth of July party at The Owl
On the Fourth of July in Chicago, The Owl in Logan Square is the place to be for a late-night celebration. The Owl is known for its late-night dance parties and will open at 10 p.m. Their diverse drink menu includes $10 house cocktails served until 4 a.m. For instance, you can try the Spicy House Margaritas made with Ghost Tequila or the Night Call with Four Roses Bourbon, Pimento Dram, lime, angostura bitters, and simple syrup, which cater to a variety of taste preferences.