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Where to see Fourth of July 2023 fireworks in Chicago

From the lakefront all the way out to the suburbs, Chicago's July 4th fireworks fill the sky with dazzling explosions

Emma Krupp
Jeffy Mai
Written by
Emma Krupp
&
Jeffy Mai
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One of the best parts of summer in Chicago is watching fireworks light up the sky on the Fourth of July! You've got plenty of options for catching a show this year, whether you'd rather head out to the suburbs for weekend-long festivals and parades or stick to Chicago to see Navy Pier's iconic display along the lakefront from beaches or boat cruises. So after you've had your fill of outdoor barbecues and other patriotic festivities, grab a blanket and settle down for an incredible show of sparkling fireworks—you can plan your holiday with the help of our guide to the best fireworks shows on the Fourth of July in the Chicago area.

Where is the July 4th fireworks show in Chicago?

This year, you can see the main fireworks show over Lake Michigan at Navy Pier on Saturday, July 1 at 10pm. 

What are the best places to watch the Fourth of July fireworks in Chicago? 

The Navy Pier fireworks are relatively high-altitude, which means you can see them from a variety of vantage points throughout the city. Stake out a spot along Navy Pier's outdoor areas (Polk Bros Park or the rooftop patio at Offshore are always good bets) or head to downtown rooftops and Chicago beaches like Oak Street, North Avenue and Ohio Street. Navy Pier also offers a number of lake and river cruises that can be booked online

RECOMMENDED: Our complete guide to Chicago Fourth of July

Best Fourth of July fireworks in Chicago

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Navy Pier hosts twice-weekly fireworks shows throughout the summer, including a Saturday night show over Fourth of July weekend that's sure to be dazzling. Stake out a spot on the Pier to see the spectacle up close. Navy Pier. July 1 at 10pm; free.

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For an evening of baseball and fireworks, head to Guaranteed Rate Field to watch the Chicago White Sox take on the Toronto Blue Jays at 7:10pm. Fireworks will follow the game. Guaranteed Rate Field. July 4 at dusk; Starting at $11.

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You can watch Aurora's Fourth of July fireworks from either RiverEdge Park or McCullough Park, where DJs will spin tunes from 7pm onward—get there when gates open to secure your spot. RiverEdge Park and McCullough Park. July 3 at dusk; free.

The village of Itasca will put on an explosive celebration at Hamilton Lakes on the Fourth of July. The show will be preceded by Chicagoland cover band the Maggie Speaks All-Stars and festivities by local food vendors. Church Street Brewing will also be on hand to pour a selection of craft beers. Hamilton Lakes. July 4 at 10pm; free, $20 donation for on-site parking.

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Take the Metra out to Barrington for a weekend full of Fourth of July festivities, including fireworks on Sunday night, concerts Saturday-Monday and a parade on Tuesday, which steps off from Barrington High School at 10am. Barrington High School. July 2 at 9:30pm; free.

The Bridgeview Park District hosts a "3rd of July" celebration on Sunday, complete with food trucks and music from DJ Mike "Italian Stallion." Commissioners Park. July 3 at 9:15pm; free.

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Fireworks will light up the sky above Lake Michigan during Glencoe's Monday night display at Glencoe Beach. Come back on Tuesday afternoon for the town's Independence Day Parade, which steps off at 1pm at the intersection of South and Hawthorn Avenues. Glencoe Beach. July 3 at 9pm; free.

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Kick off Fourth of July celebrations in Glen Ellyn with a parade at noon, which makes its way east along Fawell Boulevard. The fireworks begin at dusk, so stake out a spot early (you can set out you blanket beginning at 6am, so long as you don't use rocks or stakes to hold it down) and settle in for a show. Lake Ellyn Park. July 4 at dusk; free.

Glenview's Fourth of July parade pushes off from Harlem Avenue and Glenview Road at 11:30am (the bike parade starts at 11:15am from Jackman Park). Later, head to Gallery Park at 6pm for food vendors, live music, a DJ-led dance party and a P-8 Poseidon flyover, followed by a fireworks display synchronized to music. Gallery Park. July 4 at 9:20pm; free.

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This Fourth of July celebration will feature live tunes from 90s party band Run Forest Run and rock group Fletcher Rockwell so prepare to dance your heart out before the fireworks start. Deer Path Middle School. July 4, Gates open at 5pm. $30-$35, Lake Forest and Lake Bluff residents $25-$30, kids 5 and under free.

Catch two rounds of half-hour fireworks shows beginning at 9pm as part of the Independence Day celebrations put on by the local Lions Club, with one display on June 30 and another July 4. Folks can also enjoy a packed roster of events in between the fireworks, from tribute band performances to carnival rides. Melas Park. June 30 and July 4 at 9:30pm; free.

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Naperville celebrates Independence Day with a free fireworks show at Frontier Sports Complex, which you can watch from your vehicle or the field. Frontier Sports Complex. July 4 at 9:30pm; free.

Celebrate Independence Day in Orland Park with a performance by The Davenport Project from 7:15–9:30pm; from then, the crowd will be invited to join in singing the national anthem before fireworks begin at 9:30pm. Centennial ParkJuly 4 at 9:30pm; free.

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Attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic (sans alcohol and grills) for an evening of live music before the Park Ridge fireworks show begins at dusk. Maine East High SchoolJuly 3 at dusk; free.

Rosemont's Rockin' in the Park summer concert series hosts this special July 3rd show, where you can watch Heartache Tonight (an Eagles cover group). Afterwards, a musical fireworks display will light up the sky. Check out the Rockin' in the Park event page for a full schedule of shows that will feature fireworks this summer. Parkway Bank Park. July 3, 7–10pm; free.

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After Skokie's downtown parade (which starts at noon on July 4, departing from Oakton Community College) folks can attend a party at Niles West High School that's full of food, drinks and live music. But the main event happens at dusk, when the town presents its stunning 3-D fireworks show—the first 10,000 guests will even receive a free pair of 3-D glasses. Niles West High SchoolJuly 4 at dusk; free.

Even if you're not participating in Wilmette's Yankee Doodle Dash 5K, you can head to Gillson Park for an evening of concerts, Jesse White Tumblers performances and a fireworks show to cap off the night. Gillson ParkJuly 3 at 9:30pm; free.

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Unlike most suburbs, Wheaton's Fourth of July fireworks take place on July 3. Show up to Graf Park for lawn games, music, concessons and giveaways; the fireworks will take to the skies at night. Keep the celebrations going the next morning at the city's parade in downtown Wheaton. Graf Park. July 3; free.

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