The mysterious Great Impresario, the man who has designed and created the World’s Fair, brings the magic of the season to life! Photo by Tod Ros for the Joffrey Ballet.
The Nutcracker Ballet and Other Holiday Shows for Kids in Chicago
Let one of these Chicago restaurants do the cooking this Thanksgiving.
Kid-Friendly Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving in Chicago
The Annual Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs
25 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in Chicago for Kids
Pumpkin picking is a firm fall favorite. Photo courtesy of Keller's Farmstand
GUIDE
Chicago Fall Day Trips Guide: Orchards, Festivals, and Family Getaways 2024
Chicago Thanksgiving Parade. Photo by Brian & Jaclyn Drum via Flickr 2.0
Best of November: Day of the Dead, Thanksgiving Parade, and More Things to Do in Chicago
It's apple season! Photo courtesy of Apple Holler Orchard
Fall Bucket List for Kids: 37 Things To Do in Chicago This Fall
The Persian Lilies in the Aroid house were stunning. Photo by Lisa Warden-3
Garfield Park Conservatory with Kids: Best Things to See and Do
Free activities for kids in Chicago include the Lincoln Park Zoo, which is always free. Photo courtesy of the museum via Facebook
GUIDE
Guide to Free Things To Do in Chicago with Kids
Photo courtesy of the Chicago Architecture Center
Best Chicago Museums For Kids and Families
St. Louis has tons of kid-friendly things to do. Photo courtesy of the City Museum in St. Louis
Fun Budget Weekend Getaways for Chicago Families
Chicago has so many things to do with little kids. Photo courtesy of Aster Hall, Chicago
25 Things To Do With Little Kids in Chicago Before They Turn 5
An offbeat Chicago museum makes a fun outing for teenagers. Photo courtesy of the WNDR Museum
Chicago's Best Indoor Places for Tweens and Teens To Hang Out
The Skydeck at Willis Tower has spectacular views spanning four states.
100 Best Things To Do in Chicago with Kids Before They Grow Up
State parks near Chicago offer more than just hiking. Photo courtesy of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources
State Parks Near Chicago to Hike, Camp, and Swim with Kids
There are both woodland and paved trails at the Morton Arboretum. Photo courtesy of Canva
Best Places to Hike with Kids Near Chicago
Stroller hikes make it easier to get outside with babies and toddlers. Photo courtesy of the Morton Arboretum
Best Stroller-Friendly Hikes and Trails Near Chicago
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for Chicago Kids
Photo courtesy of Enterrium in Schaumburg
Themed Restaurants in Chicago for Family-Friendly Interactive Dining
Obstacle courses and climbing gyms provide indoor fun for big kids. Photo courtesy of Brooklyn Boulders
Best Ninja Warrior Gyms and Climbing Gyms in Chicago for Kids
The Chicago Skydeck offers kids a great view of the city. Photo courtesy of the 360 Chicago Skydeck
3 Days in Chicago with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom
Free activities for kids in Chicago include the Lincoln Park Zoo, which is always free. Photo courtesy of the museum via Facebook
GUIDE
Guide to Free Things To Do in Chicago with Kids
Happy Kids Chicago offers some of your kid's favorite characters as birthday party entertainers.
The Ultimate List of Chicago Children's Birthday Party Entertainers and Rentals
There are plenty of fishing lakes in Chicago. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Park District
Fishing Lakes Near Chicago and More Kid-Friendly Places To Go Fishing
Photo courtesy of the Museum of Science and Industry
Free Museums and Free Museum Days for Kids in Chicago
Pancakes served all day long in Chicago's West Loop! Photo courtesy of The Little Goat, Facebook
Things to do with Kids in Chicago's West Loop
Illumination photo courtesy of the Morton Arboretum
Children's Theater, Light Shows and More Things To Do in Chicago This Weekend With Kids

Where to See 4th of July Fireworks and Drone Shows in Chicago 2024

Chicago Navy Pier fireworks. Photo by Nick Ulivieri Photography, courtesy of the Pier.
Chicago Navy Pier fireworks. Photo by Nick Ulivieri Photography, courtesy of the Pier.
6/9/24 - By Maureen Wilkey

Fourth of July fireworks in Chicago are a hallmark of summer. Independence Day is on a Thursday this year; some spots will have their Fourth of July fireworks on July 3rd or July 5th—and some places have fireworks displays even earlier. Those late to the party can also see post-4th fireworks at Navy Pier on July 6th. New this year is a drone light show at Northwest Fourth Fest in Hoffman Estates—a great way to see the sky light up without the big booms. 

From the beaches to the parks to the lake, these are the best places to view fireworks in Chicago for the Fourth of July weekend. In addition to seeing some super sparklers, consider celebrating the holiday with one of these Fourth of July activities that aren't fireworks.

Many suburbs limit how early you can set up your blanket or lawn chairs in the park, so check the event website before plunking down your gear. Also, if you have little kids or a child who is sensitive to loud noises, consider camping out at a quieter location slightly farther away from the launch site. 

 

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Navy Pier Fireworks as seen from downtown. Photo by Lou Stejskal via Flickr CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Navy Pier Fireworks as seen from downtown. Photo by Lou Stejskal via Flickr CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Best Fourth of July Fireworks Displays in Chicago

Summer Fireworks at Navy Pier

Downtown - FREE
July 3 and 6
Fireworks fans of all ages can enjoy a spectacular display, synchronized to music, for FREE every Wednesday and Saturday night at Navy Pier.  READ MORE

Chicago Fire Fireworks Night

Downtown
July 3
See the Chicago Fire Soccer Club play Philadelphia Union followed by a fantastic fireworks show at Soldier Field.First responders, healthcare workers, and teachers can get discounts for select tickets at his game. READ MORE
Oswego's annual fireworks show sets the night sky ablaze over Prairie Point Park. Photo via PxHere
Oswego's annual fireworks show sets the night sky ablaze over Prairie Point Park. Photo via PxHere

Fourth of July Fireworks in Chicago's Western Suburbs

Romeoville Fireworks

Romeoville - FREE
Wednesday, July 3
The Village of Romeoville sets off fireworks from three separate locationson Monday, July 3. Launching from Volunteer Park, Lukancic Middle School, and Discovery Park, the fireworks should be visible from most locations within the village, so officials hope residents and friends watch from their yards. READ MORE

Burr Ridge Fireworks

Burr Ridge - FREE
Wednesday, July 3
Pleasant Dale Park District welcomes families back for its annual fireworks display at Walker Park. This year, the park district will offer fun family yard games, a balloon artist, a dunk tank, and bounce house for families to enjoy while they wait for the fireworks. Food vendors will be on hand for the event. READ MORE

Lisle Fireworks Display

Lisle - FREE
Wednesday, July 3
On July 3, the village will put on a fireworks display for residents at Community Park. Bring your own blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy the 25-minute show. Live music from local cover bands will entertain families as they wait for the fireworks to begin. READ MORE

Taste of Oak Brook

Oak Brook
Wednesday, July 3
The Village of Oak Brook offers local families a taste of its cuisine and a little fun at the annual Taste of Oak Brook festival. Kids' activities include face painting, a bounce house, and a petting zoo. Fireworks will start at 9:30pm. READ MORE

Wheaton Independence Day Celebration

Wheaton - FREE
Wednesday, July 3
Enjoy a day of lawn games, concessions, music, and giveaways followed by fireworks at Wheaton's Graf Park. A Boy Scout troop will perform a flag ceremony before the fireworks begin at dusk. READ MORE

Village of Roselle Fireworks

Roselle - FREE
Wednesday, July 3
The Village of Roselle will host its annual fireworks celebration on July 3. Food trucks will provide dinner for families before the fireworks show at Lake Park High School West Campus. READ MORE

Aurora Fourth of July Fireworks

Aurora - FREE
Wednesday, July 3
The City of Lights celebrates Independence Day with fireworks visible from RiverEdge Park, Wilder Park and McCullough Park on July 3. All locations will have live music. Wilder Park will host a food truck court for families to buy dinner. READ MORE

Warrenville Annual Fourth of July Celebration

Warrenville - FREE
Wednesday, July 3-Thursday, July 4
Warrenville hosts its annual fireworks show at Cerny Park. Before the fireworks, families can enjoy a fun day in the park with the Hometown Pride theme. Entertainment and activities begin at noon. The parade takes place on July 3 at 6pm. Fireworks will be displayed on July 4. READ MORE

Naperville Community Fireworks

Naperville - FREE
Thursday, July 4
The City of Naperville hosts its annual fireworks display at Frontier Sports Complex, where visitors can watch fireworks from large fields in the park or from one of the 906 parking spaces available at the sports complex. READ MORE

Oswego Fireworks

Oswego - FREE
Thursday, July 4
Suburban families can enjoy Oswego's annual fireworks show at Prairie Point Park. Parents are asked to keep kids away from the restricted launch area. READ MORE

Bensenville LibertyFest

Bensenville - FREE
Thursday, July 4
Visit Redmond Recreational Complex for live music performances and food and drink vendors. Fireworks will follow the performances at 9:30pm. READ MORE

Glen Ellyn 4th of July Fireworks

Glen Ellyn - FREE
Thursday, July 4
Lake Ellyn Park hosts its annual fireworks to celebrate America's birthday. READ MORE

Downers Grove/Woodridge Fireworks

Downers Grove - FREE
Thursday, July 4
The Villages of Downers Grove and Woodridge are teaming up for Independence Day fireworks at 75th Street and Lemont Road. READ MORE

Westmont Independence Day Celebration

Westmont - FREE
Thursday, July 4
Westmont celebrates Independence Day at this annual event featuring food trucks, concessions, beer, crafts, games, and music. The day concludes with fireworks at Ty Warner Park. READ MORE

St. Charles Fourth of July Celebration

St. Charles - FREE
Thursday, July 4
Fireworks will be set off from Boy Scout Island in Pottawatomie Park at dusk, and families can enjoy a full day of festivities in the park before the show. Live entertainment, food trucks, sand volleyball, baseball, Frisbee, miniature golf, and paddle boat rides will be available throughout the day. READ MORE

Itasca Fourth of July Celebration

Itasca
Thursday, July 4
Families can celebrate Independence Day in Itasca starting at 4 pm with vendors selling picnic dinner items and Itasca Brewing Company offering beers at its beer tent. Live music begins at 7pm. READ MORE

North Riverside 4th of July Celebration

North Riverside - FREE
Thursday, July 4
North Riverside kicks off Independence Day with a parade at 10am followed by little league games, kids' entertainment, food vendors, and a performance from Hello Weekend. Fireworks will be set off from Riverside Golf Club after 9pm. READ MORE
Yorkville Fireworks and Independence Day Celebration. Photo courtesy of the United City of Yorkville
Yorkville Fireworks and Independence Day Celebration. Photo courtesy of the United City of Yorkville

Fourth of July Fireworks Displays in Chicago's South and Southwest Suburbs

Joliet Slammers Fireworks

Joliet
Wednesday, July 3 and Friday, July 5
Fireworks blast off from DulyMedical Group Field in two extended fireworks shows after a Joliet Slammers games on July 3 and July 5. READ MORE

Tinley Park Ribfest

Tinley Park
Thursday, July 4-Sunday July 7
Enjoy music, ribs, kiddie rides, fireworks and more at Tinley Park's annual Ribfest. Single day admission is $15 or $55 for a family of up to six people. READ MORE

Lemont July 3rd Celebration

Lemont - FREE
Wednesday, July 3
Celebrate Independence Day with fireworks, DJs, food vendors, live music, and a KidZone at Centennial Park. The celebration concludes a week of fun activities in the southwest suburb. READ MORE

Bridgeview 3rd of July Celebration

Bridgeview - FREE
Wednesday, July 3
Live music from a DJ and food trucks will precede fireworks at Commissioners Park in Bridgeview. Music starts at 5:30pm and food trucks continue throughout the night. READ MORE

Oak Lawn Fourth of July Fireworks Show

Oak Lawn - FREE
Wednesday, July 3
Families can celebrate Independence Day with fireworks at Richards High School in Oak Lawn. The event is sponsored by the Village of Oak Lawn and the Oak Lawn Park District. READ MORE

Yorkville Fireworks and Independence Day Celebration

Yorkville - FREE
Thursday, July 4
Yorkville is hosting its annual fireworks show from Route 47 and Countryside Parkway. A parade filled with floats from local families and businesses steps off in the town square at 9am. Kids can also enjoy foot races, water games, and rides in Town Square throughout the day. READ MORE

Orland Park Fourth of July Celebration

Orland Park - FREE
Thursday, July 4
Celebrate Independence Day with live music and fireworks at Centennial Park. The celebration is the conclusion of a weekend festival that includes a 5k run, concerts, and more. Concessions, wine, and beer are available for purchase. READ MORE

Frankfort Fourth of July Fireworks

Frankfort - FREE
Thursday, July 4
The Village of Frankfort, Frankfort Firefighters Foundation, and Firefighters Local 4338 present a fireworks show in Main Park. Come early to listen to live music starting at 7:30pm. READ MORE
A Fourth of July fireworks display in Valparaiso. Photo courtesy of Valparaiso Parks & Recreation
A Fourth of July fireworks display in Valparaiso. Photo courtesy of Valparaiso Parks & Recreation

July 4th Fireworks Near Chicago: Indiana

Valparaiso Fireworks

Valparaiso - FREE
Thursday, July 4
The 9:15pm fireworks display tops off a day of celebration including a 5k or 2K run. Gates to the park open at 6:30pm so families can enjoy live music and food from 25 food trucks before the fireworks. READ MORE
View fireworks over the water this Fourth of July. Photo courtesy of the Waukegan Harbor
View fireworks over the water this Fourth of July. Photo courtesy of the Waukegan Harbor

Fourth of July Fireworks Displays in Chicago: Northern Suburbs

Taste of Grayslake Family Picnic and Fireworks

Grayslake - FREE
Saturday, June 29
Live music, local food vendors, and carnival rides lead up to the annual fireworks display in Grayslake. This kicks off the Fourth of July fireworks season in Chicago READ MORE

Des Plaines Independence Day Celebration

Des Plaines - FREE
Sunday, June 30
Kick off Fourth of July weekend with fireworks at Oakton Community College in Des Plaines on June 30. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and kick off the Fourth of July weekend with family and friends. READ MORE

Barrington Fireworks and Fourth of July Celebrations

Barrington - FREE
Tuesday, July 2
Kick off Independence Day with a fireworks show at Barrington High School. Musical performances will be held in the Metra parking lot throughout the weekend, while the parade will take place on Tuesday, July 4. READ MORE

Mount Prospect Lions Club Annual Fourth of July Festival

Mount Prospect- FREE
Wednesday, July 3-Sunday, July 7
A carnival, live entertainment, food, and beer & wine are available at this annual festival. Fireworks shows light up the sky on July 4 and July 7. READ MORE

Wilmette Fun & Fireworks

Wilmette - FREE
Wednesday, July 3
Gillson Park hosts food, live music, and fireworks to celebrate Independence Day. Performances from Wild Daisy and Final Say will precede the fireworks. READ MORE

Celebrate Independence Day in Glencoe

Glencoe - FREE
Wednesday, July 3
Glencoe celebrates Independence Day on July 3 and 4 with a party in the park complete with games, inflatables, live music, food trucks, fireworks, a fun run, family games, and a parade. Fireworks can be viewed from Lakefront Park over Lake Michigan on July 3. READ MORE

Park Ridge July 3rd Fireworks Celebration

Park Ridge - FREE
Wednesday, July 3
Bring a picnic dinner to Maine East High School to enjoy kids music and entertainment before the annual Park Ridge fireworks show. Preferred parking is available for a fee. READ MORE

Deerfield Family Days

Deerfield - FREE
Wednesday, July 3
Deerfield celebrates families and Independence Day at this annual festival. Enjoy a DJ, food vendors, carnival games, bounce houses, and fireworks on July 3, and a 5K, breakfast in the park, an arts and crafts show, a bike parade, a dog show, live music, rides, and games on July 4. READ MORE

Schaumburg Boomers Fireworks

Schaumburg
Wednesday, July 3 and Thursday, July 4
Enjoy a special extended fireworks show after the Schaumburg Boomers July 3 and 4 games against the Ottawa Titans. READ MORE

Rockin' in the Park in Rosemont

Rosemont - FREE
Thursday, July 4
Listen to a different local band every Thursday and select holidays throughout the summer at Parkway Bank Park in Rosemont. Fireworks follow select shows. READ MORE

Mundelein Community Days

Mundelein - FREE
Thursday, July 4
Mundelein's annual community festival includes fireworks, a carnival, a parade, music, food, contests and games and lots of kids activities. This year, the festival has been moved to Village Hall Plaza. READ MORE

Lake Forest Festival and Fireworks

Lake Forest - FREE
Thursday, July 4
Celebrate Independence Day with fireworks and live entertainment in Lake Forest's Deerpath Community Park. Music from live bands will precede the fireworks show at 9:31pm. READ MORE

Northbrook 4th of July Parade & Fireworks

Northbrook - FREE
Thursday, July 4
Northbrook will once again offer a full slate of entertainment before the fireworks display at Meadowhill Park and Techny Prairie Park and Field. Families can enjoy a parade, live music, and mile-long bike parade throughout the day. READ MORE

Glenview Fourth of July Celebration

Glenview - FREE
Thursday, July 4
Glenview's Fourth of July Celebration is back. Families can enjoy a bike parade, entertainment, live music, food trucks, and giveaways. Fireworks start at twighlight and will be synchronized to music. READ MORE

Waukegan Harbor Fireworks

Waukegan - FREE
Thursday, July 4
The City of Waukegan will launch fireworks from the commercial docks at Waukegan Harbor. The event is free and open to the public. READ MORE

Elk Grove Village Fourth of July Celebration

Elk Grove Village - fREE
Thursday, July 4
Elk Grove Village and the Elk Grove Village Lions Club host residents for fireworks, food, and music for the Fourth of July holiday. Join in this 40-year-old tradition. READ MORE

Hometown Fest

Palatine - FREE
Friday, July 5
Palatine Jaycees hosts its annual Fourth of July festival with live bands, food vendors, carnival rides, a craft fair, and family days. Fireworks will light up the sky on July 5. READ MORE

Northwest Fourth Fest

Hoffman Estates - FREE
Friday, July 5
Live entertainment, a carnival, a parade, kids activities, food and fireworks take over the NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates for the week of the Fourth of July. Kids Zone attractions include a petting zoo, inflatables, a balloon artist, face painting, and crafts. A new drone light show takes over the sky on July 5. Fireworks take place on July 6. READ MORE

Winnetka Fourth of July Celebration

Winnetka - FREE
Thursday, July 4
Independence Day in Winnetka includes a celebration for families at Skokie Playfields. Activities include a giant slide, inflatables and rides, sports activities, a balloon artist, crafts, and more. A parade kicks off the activities at 10am, and the day wraps up with fireworks at 9:20pm. READ MORE

Drone Shows to Watch on Independence Day 2024

Northwest Fourth Fest

Hoffman Estates - FREE
Friday, July 5
Live entertainment, a carnival, a parade, kids activities, food and fireworks take over the NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates for the week of the Fourth of July. Kids Zone attractions include a petting zoo, inflatables, a balloon artist, face painting, and crafts. A new drone light show takes over the sky on July 5. Fireworks take place on July 6. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Walker Recreation Center
Lake Park High School West Campus
Frontier Sports Complex
Redmond Recreational Complex
Lake Ellyn Park & Boathouse