The best things to do on the Fourth of July in Chicago

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.

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.

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. This year's series of classical concerts runs through August 15 with performances ranging from symphonies by Mozart and Brahms to an evening of classic Broadway arrangements and the annual Independence Day salute. Take a look at the complete schedule of events below and find more information on the Grant Park Music Festival website.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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).

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.

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. 

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.

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. ART on THE MART's array of 34 digital projectors show the creations after dusk every evening.