July 4th weekend is upon us, bringing with it cookouts, fireworks, and outfits of red, white, and blue. Chicagoland is home to its fair share of festivities, and there are many others within driving distance in the communities of Southwest Michigan, Northwest Indiana, and Southeast Wisconsin. The following are some of our favorites:
Arlington Heights
Arlington Heights’ Frontier Days “Carnival Jamboree” spans from July 1st to July 5th. The five days of fun are held at Recreation Park, and include rides, games, and food.
Barrington
Fireworks in Barrington are scheduled for dusk on July 2nd at Barrington High School, followed by a festive parade on July 3rd.
Burr Ridge
The Village of Burr Ridge’s July 3rd fireworks display takes place at 9:20 p.m. in Walker Park. There will also be food vendors selling funnel cakes, Italian ice, and other tasty treats.
Chicago
The Grant Park Music Festival’s Independence Day Salute takes place July 2nd and 3rd at Jay Pritzker Pavilion. The annual holiday festival showcases the Grant Park Orchestra and Chorus, as well as other performers and patriotic favorites. The concert is also being broadcast on 98.7WFMT and streamed on www.wfmt.com.
Downers Grove
On July 4th, Downers Grove residents are coming together at 9:30 p.m. on 75th Street and Lemont Road for an evening of fireworks. The event is also being hosted with the Village of Woodridge.
Glencoe
Glencoe residents can participate in a range of free activities throughout the village on July 4th, such as games at Kalk Park and a steel drum performance at Glencoe Beach. The Village Independence Day Parade begins at 1:00 p.m. at Central School and ends at Village Hall.
Glen Ellyn
Glen Ellyn’s 4th of July Parade begins at noon with music and a float parade. The celebration continues at dusk with fireworks at Lake Ellyn Park.
Glenview
July 4th in Glenview is a two-day celebration with two parades, fireworks, and music. The weekend kicks off on Saturday, July 3rd with a festive bike parade at Gallery Park, followed by another parade at Community Park West and twilight fireworks at Gallery Park on July 4th.
Hinsdale
The Village of Hinsdale is holding its annual 4th of July Parade event Saturday, July 3rd at 10:00 a.m. The parade begins at 6th and Garfield, and travels all the way to 6th and Grant. The free event is a favorite among locals but will not feature a festival in Burlington Park this year.
Hyde Park
Lake Forest
Deerpath Community Park is the site of the annual Lake Forest Festival & Fireworks. The event runs from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and features food, a beer garden, live music, activities, and fireworks.
Orland Park
The Village of Orland Park’s annual celebration opens with the Veterans Liberty Run & Walk on July 2nd and closes out with a concert and fireworks display at Centennial Park on July 4th.
Tinley Park
The Tinley Park Park District hosts the community’s annual 4th of July Celebration. The event starts at 8:00 a.m. with the Stars and Stripes 5K race and designated time at the Tinley Junction Mini-Golf & Batting Cages. At night, the event features an opening ceremony, live music, and, of course, fireworks!
Wilmette
Runners (or walkers) can kick off the holiday weekend with Wilmette’s Yankee Doodle Dash 5K at Gillson Park on July 3rd. The festivities continue at 4:00 p.m. with live music performances, food, and a fireworks show.
Winnetka
Winnetka’s Fourth of July Celebration is packed with fun. Day-of festivities include a 3.1-mile Freedom Run, parade, and Fourthfest at Skokie Playfields. Fourthfest activities feature a giant slide, inflatables, rides, sports, crafts, and more.
Outside of Chicagoland
Elkhorn, Wisconsin
The City of Elkhorn is hosting fireworks and live music at Sunset Park the night of Friday, July 2nd. The free concert starts at 7:30 p.m.
Baroda, Michigan
The Baroda Fire Department has been putting on Baroda’s Third of July Fireworks for years, and 2021 will be no different! With a beer-and-brat tent and a performance from The Top Secret Band, the evening at Baroda American Legion Field is sure to be a good time.
Valparaiso, Indiana
The 4th of July Blast 5K and 2K in Valparaiso welcomes participants of all ages to race through Downtown Valparaiso on Sunday morning. The community will also come together at night for a fireworks show, live entertainment, and food trucks at Urschel Field.
