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The sound of firecrackers, the smell of grill outs and the sight of people dressed in red, white and blue can only mean one thing: Fourth of July weekend is here.
Whether you’re in the city or the suburbs, there are plenty of ways to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary this Independence Day weekend.
For family-friendly fun, head to Brookfield Zoo for a patriotic America 250 celebration. Don’t want to spend money? Check out one of the free concerts at Navy Pier or Grant Park. And, of course, cap the night by seeing one of Chicagoland's many fireworks shows. Read on for the best Fourth of July weekend events in Chicago.
RECOMMENDED: Where to see Fourth of July fireworks around Chicago
Fri, Sat
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.
2. Get festive at the 4th on 53rd Parade
Sat
Celebrate the Fourth of July with a parade in Hyde Park that steps off at 11am. Afterwards, stick around for a free festival featuring performances, games, bouncy houses, face painting, a petting zoo, magicians and more.
3. Learn about iconic American species at Brookfield Zoo
Sat
The Brookfield Zoo is celebrating the country's 250th birthday with a lineup of America-themed events and limited-time discounts. On July 4, kids aged 3-11 get in for $2.50, and family combo meals are on sale for $17.76 at the zoo's Fourth of July grill out in the East Mall Beer Garden. Guests can also check out a free bald eagle craft and the expanded schedule of Zoo Chats that explore iconic North American species and conservation stories.
4. Revel in a free concert at Grant Park
Sat
For classical music lovers who enjoy taking in a show set beneath Chicago's skyline, the annual Grant Park Music Festival is a perennial favorite summer event. The annual Independence Day salute by the Grant Park Orchestra kicks off at Pritzker Pavilion at 7:30pm.
5. Celebrate “The People’s Fourth” at the Obama Presidential Center
Sat
The brand-new Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park is hosting a free event on July 4, complete with live music, performances and activities for the whole family, from 2-7pm.
6. Learn the history of the Declaration of Independence
Fri-Sun
In honor of America's 250th anniversary, the American Writers Museum presents a pop-up exhibition titled "Declarations: 250 Years of Writing Toward Independence." An 1832 William Stone print of the Declaration of Independence, a 1776 British edition of Thomas Paine's Common Sense, which advocated for the independence of U.S. colonies, and more artifacts will be on view. Visitors can also explore works related to the Declaration by Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglass and other historical figures, as well as edit the document into their own words through interactive activations.
7. Watch a World Cup match at Recess
Fri-Sun
The city’s Major League Soccer team, Chicago Fire, is hosting a massive, 39-day World Cup celebration at Recess in the West Loop. On July 4, watch the Round of 16 matches on the 360-degree jumbotron on Recess' patio. Matches start at noon, and doors open at 11am.
Sat
What's more American than a baseball game on Independence Day? Watch the Cubs take on the St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field on July 4.
9. Rock out at a free music fest in Rosemont
Fri-Sun
Hop on the Blue Line to Rosemont's Parkway Bank Park for the inaugural (and free!) Rockin' in the USA fest, featuring performances by Garth Guy, Toby Keith Made in America and Hillbilly Rockstarz. There will also be food, drinks, games and a patriotic costume contest.
10. Watch a movie under the stars
Fri-Sun
Enjoy screenings of classic and popular movies against the backdrop of the city skyline on the roof of The Emily Hotel in Fulton Market. This year's Fourth of July lineup features Hoppers (10:30am), The Sandlot (1pm), Independence Day (7:15pm) and Friday (10:30pm).
Fri-Sun
Navy Pier's former Crystal Gardens space is transforming into a retro roller skating rink this summer. Grab your skates and patriotic gear, and hit the rink for some of the best views in the city, plus an arcade, drinks and groovy disco tunes.
12. Attend a free concert at Navy Pier
Fri-Sun
Enjoy outdoor live music at the Navy Pier Beer Garden. On July 4, artists Fernando Jones (4:30pm) and RICO (7:35pm) will take the stage for free concerts before the fireworks show.
13. Cruise down the Chicago River
Fri-Sun
See the fireworks from the water on a First Lady cruise this Independence Day. The 4th of July Fireworks Extravaganza experience sets sail at 7:45pm. Snacks and 3D glasses for the fireworks are included.
14. Be wowed by ART on the MART
Fri-Sun
Displaying a 25-story-tall video installation on the side of THE MART, ART on THE MART is the largest permanent digital art projection in the world, with programming that changes seasonally. From July 2-5, a special Independence Day projection will transform THE MART into a red, white and blue masterpiece.