From to ice cream socials to parades to large pyrotechnic events illuminating fields and lakes, the Northern Illinois region is set to mark the 243rd anniversary of the 13 American colonies formally declaring independence from England in a revolutionary manner.

Here’s a rundown of events throughout northern Illinois on and around July 4

COOK COUNTY

Chicago

Fireworks on Thursday, July 4 at 9:30 p.m. at Navy Pier.  On Wednesdays and Saturdays from Memorial Day through Labor Day, Navy Pier presents fireworks show set to music.  On July 4, it is anticipated that Navy Pier will reach capacity and the gates will close.  More information is available at https://navypier.org/

Barrington

A three-day Fourth of July Festival runs  from Wednesday, July 3 to Saturday, July 6 and includes music, food, beverages. A parade, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the American Legion, steps off at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 4.  Fireworks at dusk on July 4 at Barrington High School.  More information available at https://www.barrington-il.gov/

Buffalo Grove

July 4th Fireworks and Symphonic Band Performance.  On Thursday, July 4, the Buffalo Grove Symphonic Band will kick off the evening with a performance beginning at 7 p.m. at the Ernie Karge Rotary Village Green, 260 N. Buffalo Grove Road. The fireworks display will follow at dusk. More information available at https://www.vbg.org/cms

Chicago Heights

C.H. Spectacular Fireworks Display, Wednesday, July 3, at dusk at Bloom High School – North Campus, between Dixie Highway and Chicago Road.  More information available at http://www.cityofchicagoheights.org/calendar.aspx?eid=337

Elk Grove

Fireworks Spectacular on Thursday, July 4 hosted by the Lions Club of Elk Grove Village, will coincide with the first concert of the Mid-Summer Classics Concert Series featuring a free concert by Melissa Etheridge.  The concert will begin at 8 p.m. at Rotary Green, 164 Lions Drive, East of Lions Park, with fireworks directly following the concert.  More information available at https://www.elkgrove.org/Home/Components/News/News/4610/31

 

Elmwood Park

 

Fourth of July Parade, Fireworks, and Celebration.  The parade begins at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 4 at the Elmwood Park Village Center.  A celebration at Elmwood Park High School follows that includes a concert at 6:30 p.m. and fireworks at 9:30 p.m.  More information available at http://elmwoodpark.org/4th-of-july-celebration/

Evanston

Fourth of July Celebration.  Parade begins at 2 p.m. on Thursday, July 4 and travels from Central Park to Ryan Field. A musical lakefront fireworks extravaganza will be launched from Clark Street Beach at 9:30 p.m. More information available at http://www.evanston4th.org/schedule/

Evergreen Park

Independence Day Parade begins at 6:30 p.m.  on Wednesday, July 3 followed by fireworks in Duffy Park at dusk.  More information available at http://evergreenpark-ill.com/

Glencoe

Party in the Park, Thursday, July 4 at 4 p.m. at Lakefront Park.  Inflatable games, races dunk tank, and music followed by fireworks show at 9 p.m.  More information available at http://www.glencoeparkdistrict.com

Lemont

Independence Day Extravaganza, Wednesday, July 3 at Centennial Park. This event features a premium kids zone, beer garden benefiting the Lemont Park Foundation, food court, DJ, performance by Hey Jimmy and fireworks at 9:30 p.m.  More information available at www.LemontParkDistrict.org

Oak Park

Fourth of July Celebration. The parade steps off at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 4 from Longfellow Park at Ridgeland Ave.  and Adams St. A fireworks display begins at dusk in the football stadium of Oak Park and River Forest High School, near East Avenue and Lake Street. More information available at https://www.oak-park.us/our-community/special-events/july-4-parade

Palatine

Hometown Festival running from Wednesday, July 3 to Saturday, July 7 includes entertainment, food vendors, parade, carnival, business expo and craft fair. Fireworks on Friday, July 5 at dusk. Parade begins at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 6.  Visit http://palatinejaycees.org/hometown-fest/ for more information.

Palos Heights

Independence Day Celebration, Wednesday, July 3, at Memorial Park, 7607 W. College Drive. Fireworks start at dusk and are set off near Lake Katherine.  The Independence Day Parade starts from BMO Harris Bank at noon on Thursday, July 4.  More information is available at https://palosheights.org/250/Independence-Celebrations

Park Forest

Fourth of July Parade will begin at Main Street and Orchard at 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 4. Music on the Village Green from 7 to 9:15 p.m. with fireworks to follow.  More information available at http://www.villageofparkforest.com

Park Ridge

Patriotic Salute.  The fireworks display begins at dusk at Maine East High School on Wednesday, July 3. The annual Kiwanis Kiddies Parade takes place at 8:45 a.m. on Thursday, July 4 at Hodges Park. Visit https://www.prparks.org/Events/List/ArtMID/964/ArticleID/1086/3rd-of-July-Fireworks-Celebration  for more information.

Roselle

Independence Day Celebration takes place on Wednesday, July 3 at Lake Park High School West Campus, 500 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. The free family event includes a “Party in the Park” with live music from Modern Day Romeos starting at 7:00 p.m. The fireworks display begins at 9:30 p.m. More information available at http://www.roselle.il.us/556/Independence-Day-Celebration

Rosemont

Fireworks on Thursday, July 4 following Lisa McClowry’s “Rock the 80s” concert which pays tribute to top artists of the 1980s at Parkway Bank Park.  More information is available at https://www.rosemont.com/thepark/

Streamwood

Fireworks on Thursday, July 4 at 9:30 p.m. at Dolphin Park on Park Blvd.  More information available at https://www.streamwood.org/Community/Community-Events.aspx

Tinley Park

The annual 4th of July Celebration Thursday, July 4 at McCarthy Park, 16801 W 80th Avenue includes a 5K race, followed by opening ceremonies at 4 p.m.  The event includes music, beer tent, bingo, games, and a fireworks display at dusk. More information is available at  https://www.tinleyparkdistrict.org/4th-of-july-celebration/

Westchester

Fourth of July Parade will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 4. More information available at https://www.westchester-il.org/311/July-4th-Parade

Wilmette

Independence Day Celebration, Wednesday, July 3 at 4 p.m.  at Gillson Park includes music, games, kids’ activities, food vendors, and fireworks display at dusk.  More information available at   http://www.wilmettepark.org/district-calendar/events/independence-day-fun-fireworks

Worth

Fireworks, Wednesday, July 3 at dusk, Altman Park, 115th and Harlem.  More information available at https://www.worthparkdistrict.org/

DEKALB COUNTY

DeKalb

Fourth of July Celebration at Hopkins Park, 1403 Sycamore Road, beginning at 3 p.m. and will include food vendors and a performance by the DeKalb Municipal Band before and during fireworks.  Fireworks are scheduled to start at dusk. More information at www.dekalbparkdistrict.com.

Sandwich

Fourth of July Celebration on Saturday, July 6 at 10 a.m. a parade steps off from the Sandwich Fairgrounds.  Fireworks display begins at dusk on Saturday, July 6.   On Sunday, July 7 a Freedom Run will take place at 8 a.m. at Knights Park.  More information available at https://sandwichparkdistrict.org/4th-of-july/

Shabbona

Annual Fourth of July Festival and Parade includes fun events throughout the day and featuring some of the best of small town America. Pancake breakfast at 7 p.m., festival and parade at noon followed by a pork chop dinner  beginning at 4:30 p.m. Fireworks at dusk.

Kirkland

The community’s 71st  Fourth of July celebration runs from July 3-6.  It includes arts & crafts, bags tournament, 50/50 raffle, flea market, food, parade, carnival, queen contest, bingo, car show and cruise night, FFA alumni tractor show, beer garden, HHS school open house, and live entertainment including Rodney Adkins live at 8 p.m. Friday. It all wraps on July 5 with what is claimed to be the largest fireworks display in northern Illinois.

DUPAGE COUNTY

Bartlett

July 4th Festival runs from Wednesday, July 3 to Sunday, July 7 and includes carnival rides, games, food, and entertainment at Apple Orchard Park.  Fireworks will take place on Thursday, July 4 at 9:30 p.m. The Bartlett Lions Independence Day Parade step off on Sunday, July 7 at 1 p.m. at Bartlett Park More information is available at https://www.village.bartlett.il.us/Home/Components/News/News/2031/222

Bensenville

Bensenville’s Libertyfest includes games, food and music, a parade begins at 10 a.m. at 12 South Center on Thursday, July 4.  Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. More information available at https://www.bensenville.il.us/DocumentCenter/View/12236/LibertyFest-Flyer_2019?bidId=

Bloomingdale

Fireworks are on Wednesday, July 3 at dusk on the Bloomingdale Golf Course property.  Food and beverages available for purchase. Visit https://files.constantcontact.com/d2d9015b001/c5945425-4036-4bdc-b1d1-cc89077fa5ec.pdf for more information.

Burr Ridge

Fireworks on Wednesday, July 3 beginning at 5:30 p.m. Fireworks begin at dusk.  http://pleasantdaleparks.org/pages/events.php

Carol Stream

Fireworks on July 4 at 9:20 p.m. at the Carol Stream Town Center.

Downers Grove (with Darien and Woodridge)

Independence Day Celebration.  On Thursday,  July 4, the parade steps off at Main and Grant Streets at 1 p.m.  In conjunction with the Village of Downers Grove, the Village of Woodridge, and the City of Darien, fireworks will take place at Thursday, July 4 at 9:30 p.m. at 75th Street and Lemont Road. More information available at http://events.downers.us/independence-day

Glen Ellyn

4th of July Celebration begins at 8 a.m. with a Freedom Four  Four-Mile Run at the Glenbard West Football Field. A parade commences at 12 p.m. on Thursday, July 4 in downtown Glen Ellyn,  followed by afternoon festivities including Moonwalks, Inflatable Obstacle Course, carnival games, living music, dancing at Lake Ellyn.  Fireworks begin at dusk at Lake Ellyn. More information available at  http://www.glenellyn4thofjuly.org/paradeandFireworks.html

Hinsdale

Independence Day Celebration and  Parade on Thursday, July 4. The parade begins at 10 a.m. at Sixth and Garfield Street.  A family festival follows at Burlington Park.  More information available at https://www.facebook.com/events/342251106404235/

Itasca

4th of July Celebration Event on Thursday, July 4 includes food, music, and fireworks between 9:45 and 10 p.m. at Hamilton Lakes.  More information available at https://www.itasca.com/1272/4th-of-July

Lisle

Independence Day Parade will begin at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 4 and travel from Lisle Junior High School. An ice cream social  follows at Lisle Station Park.  As part of the annual Eyes to the Skies Festival, a fireworks display will take place every night from Thursday, July 4 to Saturday, July 6 at 9:45 p.m. at Lisle Community Park, 1825 Short Street.  More information available at https://www.eyestotheskies.org/ and http://lisleparkdistrict.org/museumsatlislestationpark-events.html#4thofjuly

Lombard

Fireworks on Thursday, July 4 at 9:30 p.m. at Madison Meadow Park.  More information available at https://www.villageoflombard.org/170/4th-of-July-Fireworks

Naperville

Fireworks on Thursday, July 4 at 9:30 p.m. at Knoch Park as part of the annual Ribfest celebration. South Park free admission after 5 p.m. More information available at http://www.ribfest.net/fireworks/

Oak Brook

Fireworks on Wednesday, July 3 as park of Taste of Oak Brook at the Oak Brook Polo fields at dusk. More information available at http://www.oak-brook.org/375/Taste-of-Oak-Brook

Oak Brook Terrace

4th of July Celebration on Thursday, July 4.  Free picnic for residents at Terrace View Park followed by concert at 8 p.m. and fireworks at 9:30 p.m.  More information available at  https://www.oakbrookterrace.net/

Villa Park

Fourth of July VFW Post 2801 parade on Thursday, July 4 at noon stepping off at Trinity Church. More information available at http://villaparkchamber.org/content/4th-july-parade-villa-park

Warrenville

Independence Celebration.  The celebration kicks off on Wednesday, July 3 with a parade at 6 p.m.  On Thursday, July 4, the Annual Firecracker 5k Run/Walk begins at the Warrenville Park District Recreation Center at 8 a.m., games and events will continue throughout the day culminating with fireworks at Cerny Park at dusk.  More information https://www.warrenville.il.us/index.aspx?nid=395

Westmont

Independence Day Celebration on Thursday, July 4 includes food, games, contests, and music.  Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. at the Willow Crest Golf Club. There are also ground display fireworks in conjunction with the aerial fireworks that are launched from the northeast corner of Ty Warner Park.  More information available at https://westmontevents.com/event/4th-of-july/

Wheaton

Independence Day Celebration begins on Wednesday, July 3 at 5 p.m. with carnival rides, games, and food. Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. at Graf Park. A parade will take place on Thursday, July 4 in downtown Wheaton at 10 a.m.  More information available at https://wheatonparkdistrict.com/events/july4/

Outdoor Concert Outdoor Concert at 3 p.m. on July 4 at, Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road.   The Southwest Community Concert Band will perform a Patriotic and Americana concert.  Concert Free; Parking $10.  More information available at https://cantigny.org/event/outdoor-concerts-southwest-community-concert-band/

JO DAVIESS COUNTY

Elizabeth

Elizabeth Freedom Fest on July 1 at Terrapin Park includes music, kids’ activities,  U.S Army Golden Knights parachute jump  into Terrapin Park and fireworks display. More information available at http://www.elizabeth-il.org/ec/

Galena

Annual Independence Celebration on Thursday, July 4 on Main Street, includes a parade at 6 p.m. Event includes entertainment, food, beverages, and fireworks at dusk at Grant Park.  More information at https://www.visitgalena.org/

Hanover

As part of Hanover Days on Wednesday, July 3 the VFW’s traditional annual beef roast dinner is  followed by a parade at 6 p.m. and fireworks at dusk over Apple River. More information available at www.hanover-il.com

Stockton

4th of July Celebration on Thursday, July 4 at Stockton Memorial Park.    The event includes Lions Club Chicken Dinner, basketball tournament, car show, kids’ entertainment, and music.  Fireworks begin at dusk.  More information available at https://www.facebook.com/stocktons4th

Fourth at the Fort on Thursday, July 4 includes period games, dancing, speeches, and picnic lunch at Apple River Fort State Historic Site, 311 East Myrtle St. More information available at www.appleriverfort.org

KANE COUNTY

Aurora

The city will hold its annual parade, which will begin at  10 a.m. downtown starting at Benton and River streets.  Serving Aurora and the Fox Valley since 1937, the Aurora American Legion Band returns to RiverEdge Park for a patriotic performance.  Then, the world’s No. 1 Bruce Springsteen tribute band, Bruce in the USA, is going to rock RiverEdge Park. Bring the entire family to rock out to this free concert along the beautiful Fox River that ends in the City of Aurora’s spectacular fireworks display.  There will be food trucks and vendors on-site, and cold beverages will be available for purchase, including adult drinks at the bars. More information available at https://riveredgeaurora.com/events/fourth-of-july-2019/

Also, the Aurora Historical Society’s  52nd annual Independence Day Picnic and Ringing of the Bells will be held on the grounds of the Tanner House Museum, 304 Oak Ave., at the corner of Oak and Cedar Street, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on July 4.  In addition to old-fashioned traditions, there will be a patriotic concert by the American Legion Band and an appearance by race car driver Matt Mc Cain.  The event is free

Batavia

Batavia’s 4th of July Sky Concert on Thursday, July 4 at 326 Millview Drive. The Batavia Community Band’s patriotic music begins at 8:15 p.m. followed by a Sky Concert at 9:30 p.m. Food vendors available.  More information at http://bataviafireworks.org/show-details/

Burlington

Fireworks on  Wednesday, July 3 at the Burlington Park at dusk.

Elburn

Fireworks show on Saturday, July 6 at the Elburn Lions Park.  The grounds open at 7 p.m. and the show will begin at approximately 9:30 p.m. More information available at https://www.elburnlions.com/events/elburn-fireworks-show/

Elgin

Four of July Parade and Fireworks on Thursday, July 4.  Parade begins at at Slade and Douglas at 9 a.m.  Fireworks take place at  Festival Park, 132 S. Grove Ave. at 9 p.m.  Visit http://cityofelgin.org/july4 for more information.

Pingree Grove

Independence Day Celebration on Friday, July 5 and Saturday, July 6 at the Cambridge Lakes Community Center Baseball Complex, 1125 Wester Blvd.  The celebration includes food, beverages, and music on July 5 followed by an Independence Day Parade starting at 4 p.m. along Wester Blvd on July 6.  Other events include a Cars & Stripes Forever car show, vendors, crafts, games, and activities.  More information available at https://www.villageofpingreegrove.org/286/Independence-Day-Celebration

Sleepy Hollow

Fourth of July Festival on Wednesday, July 3 and Thursday, July 4 at Sabatino Park includes fishing derby, car show, food, games, entertainment. Parade begins on July 4 at 11:30 a.m.  and circles Sabatino Park.   Fireworks begin at approximately 9:15 p.m. More information available at http://www.sleepyhollowil.org

South Elgin

Parade on Thursday, July 4 at 10 a.m. stepping off from the corner of West Spring Street and Wedgewood Drive.  More information is available at https://www.southelgin.com/

St. Charles

Celebration and Fireworks on Thursday, July 4 at Pottawatomie Park includes entertainment, activities and fireworks display at dusk. More information available at www.stcparks.org

LAKE COUNTY

Antioch

Parade begins at 10:30 a.m. at Antioch High School on Thursday, July 4.  Fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m. at Williams Park, 741 Main Street.  More information available at https://www.antioch.il.gov/

Barrington

Fourth of July Celebration beginning on Wednesday, July 3 to Saturday, July 6 at the Barrington Metra Station North Lot and includes music, bingo, activities, and food. Parade begins at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 4 and fireworks take place on dusk at Barrington High School.  On Saturday, July 6, a tribute to first responders and military members will take place.  More information available at http://www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/barringtonil/page-10.php

Deerfield

Family Days.  On Wednesday, July 3 a Fireworks display will take place at dusk at Brickyards Park.  On July 4, a parade will begin at Deerspring Pool.  Other events include dog show, rides, games, petting zoo and pony rides.  More information available at https://www.deerfield.il.us/279/Family-Days

Glencoe

Fourth of July Celebration.  On Thursday, July 4, the Glencoe Park District will host patriotic games, music performances, and activities for all ages.  Fireworks will take place at 9 p.m. at Lakefront Park.  Visit www.glencoeparkdistrict.com for more details.

Great Lakes Naval Station

Fourth of July Celebration. Held on Thursday, July 4, the free event is open to the public and includes live music, bingo kids zone, paintball, and military exhibits.  Fireworks will take place at approximately 9:30 p.m.  More information available at https://www.navymwrgreatlakes.com/-4th-of-july-/july-4th

Hawthorn Woods

Fireworks and Parade.  Fireworks take places on Wednesday, July 3 at dusk following a concert.  The parade begins at 10 a.m. on July 4 at the intersection of Carlisle and Falkirk.  More information available at http://www.vhw.org/4thofjuly

Highland Park

Fourth of July Celebration on Thursday, July 4 in downtown Highland Park includes park at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Laurel Ave. and St. Johns Ave. Big Bash and Fourth Fest takes place at Sunset Woods Park and includes carnival rides, petting zoo, pony rides, carnival games, inflatables, climbing wall, contests and games.  Free birthday cake to honor the 150th anniversary of Highland Park.  Fireworks begin at 9:30 pm. at Wolters Field.  Visit https://www.cityhpil.com/news_detail_T21_R485.php for more information

Lake Bluff

Fourth of July Celebration.  Opening ceremonies begin on Thursday, July 4 at 9:40 p.m. followed by the parade which begins from Oak Avenue and East Center Avenue at 10 a.m.  The 4th Annual Kiwanis Hamburger & Hot Dog Cookout begins at 11:30 at Village Green followed by music, kids activities and the Lake Bluff Park District Band at 6 p.m.  More information available at https://celebrate.lb4july.org/

Lake Forest

Festival and Fireworks on Thursday, July 4 includes live music at 6 p.m. followed by fireworks at 9:40 at Deerpath Community Park. More information available at http://friendsoflakeforestparksandrec.weebly.com/festival-and-fireworks.html

Lake Zurich

Fourth of July Celebration on Thursday, July 4 at Paulus Park.  The annual family day includes music, entertainment, kid’s games, inflatable rides, swimming, and the Taste of Summer.  The day culminates in fireworks launched over the lake at approximately 9:15 p.m. Visit https://lakezurich.org/464/4th-of-July-Celebration for more information.

Lincolnshire

Red, White and Boom Celebration.  On Wednesday, July 3, this celebration includes live entertainment, food and beer tent, carnival games and a classic car show on Wednesday, July 3. On Thursday, July 4, the day starts with a Pancake Feast, 5K run, the annual 4th of July parade, the Cardboard Boat Regatta, and ends with fireworks at dusk. More information available at  https://www.lincolnshireil.gov/i-want-to/view/calendar/icalrepeat.detail/2019/07/03/1697/-/red-white-boom

Mundelein

Parade, Fireworks and Community Days.  Fireworks will take place on Thursday, July 4 at 9:30 p.m. at the Munch grounds.  The parade will be held on Sunday, July 7 at 2 p.m. stepping off from the Mundelein Metra Station parking lot.  Community Days which include music, food, drinks, a car show, a carnival, and activities will run from July 4 to 7.  More information available at https://mundelein.org/mcd/node/33

Vernon Hills

Parade on Thursday, July 4 at 9 a.m. steps off at the corner of Deerpath and Atrium Drive.  Visit

https://www.vernonhills.org/100/July-4th for more information

Zion

Fourth of July Family Celebration on Thursday, July 4 at Shiloh Park.  The event includes games, activities, musical performances, and fireworks at 9:30 p.m.  More information available at http://zionparkdistrict.com.

McHENRY COUNTY

Cary

Fireworks on Wednesday, July 3 at Lions Park.  Event includes music and food beginning at 6:30 p.m. Visit http://www.carypark.com for more information.

Crystal Lake

Fourth of July Celebration includes a parade, concert and fireworks on Sunday, July 7.   The parade steps off from City Hall at 1 p.m.  A concert follows at the Main Beach, 300 Lakeshore Drive at 7 p.m. Fireworks at dusk.  More information available at https://www.crystallakeparks.org/

Huntley

Fireworks on Thursday, July 4 at 9:30 p.m. Deicke Park.

Spring Grove

Fourth of July Celebration.  A parade steps off at noon on Thursday, July 4 on Winn Road and Highview Street.  Celebration continues at Horse Fair Park and includes entertainments, games, and food. Fireworks will begin at approximately 9:12 p.m. from Thelen Park.  More information available at https://www.sg4thofjuly.com/parade-1

Wonder Lake

Fourth of July Celebration on Saturday, July 6 includes a parade at 1:30 p.m. stepping off from Hancock Drive.  Other events include kids games, face painting, and food.  At 4:30 p.m., the Wonder Lake Water Show Ski Team performs at Center Beach.  Music and fireworks follow at dusk.  Visit https://wonderlake.org/ for more information.

Woodstock

Fireworks on Thursday, July 4 at dusk at Emricson Park.

WINNEBAGO COUNTY

Cherry Valley

Parade and Fireworks on Thursday, July 4 the parade will step off from Village Hall at 1:00 p.m. and Fireworks will begin at dusk at Baumann Park.  Visit http://www.cherryvalley.org/images/newsletter/spring.pdf for more information.

Durand

Durand Fourth of July Festival, July-3-5, includes Thursday fireworks at dusk.

Rockford

Parade in downtown Rockford at 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 4 Other events include a 5K walk & run, a Patriotic Prayer Breakfast, entertainment. Fireworks at Davis Park at 9:30 p.m.  Visit http://www.rockfordfireandice.com/4th-of-july.html for more information.

Winnebago

4th of July Family Festival on Wednesday, July 3 and Thursday, July 4 includes food, carnival rides, music, car show, and contests. Parade begins at 10 a.m. on July 4 and fireworks begin at dusk at Winnebago High School.  More information available at https://villageofwinnebago.com/news/