Whether you’re looking to grill out at home, hit the beach or enjoy a picnic with friends and family this July 4th, Chicago has you covered. With fireworks at Navy Pier, cookouts at the city’s top BBQ joints and a host of other fun Fourth of July activities to choose from, there’s something for everyone!
Navy Pier Fireworks
If you’re looking for a fun Fourth of July fireworks show in Chicago, there aren’t many better options than the Navy Pier Fireworks. These twice-weekly displays will be blasting over Lake Michigan from May 28 to Sept 4.
In addition to being a fun way to spend an evening, these fireworks are also incredibly impressive! The shows are perfectly synchronized with music over the lake, making them one of the best Chicago firework displays in town.
The shows can be seen from any part of the city, but NEMA Chicago residents have a direct view right from their own homes! NEMA’s South Loop apartments offer a breathtaking view of these fireworks shows from their spacious outdoor terrace.
Cookouts at Home
A cookout is a fun way to spend a summer evening with friends and family. The key is planning, so start thinking about your menu and guest list a couple of weeks in advance.
Then go shopping and thaw frozen foods a few days before the event. You can even ask guests to bring dishes.
A great menu for a cookout includes classic favorites such as burgers, hot dogs, potato chips and corn on the cob. You can also add a few unique spins to the menu with dishes like sugar snap pea fries, watermelon pizza and grilled squash bread.
Picnics
Whether you are celebrating the 4th of July or Canada Day with friends and family, a picnic is a great way to spend time outdoors. Just make sure you have the right supplies, and it will be a successful outing!
Picnics have been a part of life for centuries. They were popular in Medieval times, when the leisure class would stage elegant post-hunt fresh-air feasts.
The word ‘picnic’ has French origins, and the first appearance of the word outside the French language was in 1748. The word was rarely used in English before that.
Boat Tours on the Chicago River
One of the best ways to see a fireworks display in Chicago is to take a boat tour on the Chicago River. There are plenty of options available and each cruise offers different things to see and do.
This is a fantastic way to see the city and hear about its history and architecture. The tours are available throughout the year, so you can choose one that fits into your schedule.
A popular choice is the architectural boat tour. Its tour guide takes you on a narrated ride along the city’s river and highlights the buildings that have made Chicago famous.
The tour also includes a meal and drinks. Depending on the cruise, you can enjoy some music or have an architect-led lecture about the history of Chicago’s architecture.
Patriotic Parades
The 4th of July is the day when Americans celebrate our nation’s independence. If you’re looking for a way to really get into the spirit of this holiday, we recommend incorporating a patriotic parade into your trip.
This city is a great place to celebrate Independence Day, as it hosts a long-running parade that features military and civic floats, a drum-and-bugle corps competition and more. It’s also home to a large variety of fireworks displays across the area.
While Navy Pier is the most popular location for viewing fireworks, there are plenty of other locations around town. You’ll want to arrive early to get a good spot, and you may even be able to score some “diffraction glasses” for an extra layer of visual interest.
Other events that may be of interest:
Chicago 4th of July
Celebrate Independence Day in Chicago.