4th of July Chicago Fireworks Options in City and Suburbs

Looking for a summary of Chicago fireworks shows in the Chicago area? It’s a sad year in the city of Chicago as Chicago officials have also now done away with the three smaller fireworks shows along the lakefront that replaced the July 3 fireworks extravaganza at the Taste of Chicago.   The only place to enjoy fireworks legally in the city of Chicago in 2011  on the Fourth of July will be Navy Pier.

 

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CLICK HERE FOR 2014 SUMMARY OF FIREWORKS OPTIONS IN CHICAGO

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The Chicago Park District is now in charge of the event, having taken it over from what is now the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.    District spokeswoman Jessica Maxey-Faulkner told the Associated Press the fireworks show was “a reasonable expense to cut.” The city is encouraging people instead to attend the Navy Pier fireworks shows on July 2 and 4.  At Navy Pier, fireworks displays are notput on only for the Fourth of July. They occur every Saturday and Wednesday through Sept. 3 but there will be a Monday July 4 show.

One city option is on July 3rd in Chicago on the North side near Foster and Marine Drive.  Every year there is the annual Saddle and Cycle Club fireworks show about 9PM, visible from all around the area. The best viewing is from the lakeshore, so you see the reflections of buildings in the neighborhood.

One option is the Arlington Park – 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular – Fireworks will light the skies over Arlington Park racecourse during the July 2, 2011 ‘Racing, Music and Fireworks’ spectacular and the display will be the largest in entire Chicago metropolitan area.

There are also lots of suburban options and we are adding info all the time (Please leave a comment with your town’s info below). See bottom for Suburban fireworks shows

 

NAVY PIER FIREWORKS SCHEDULE

 

Wednesday, June 29	9:30pm	Summer Season
Saturday, July 2	10:15pm	Summer Season
Monday, July 4	9:00pm	Summer/4th of July
Wednesday, July 6	9:30pm	Summer Season
Saturday, July 9	10:15pm	Summer Season
Wednesday, July 13	9:30pm	Summer Season
Saturday, July 16	10:15pm	Summer Season
Wednesday, July 20	9:30pm	Summer Season
Saturday, July 23	10:15pm	Summer Season
Wednesday, July 27	9:30pm	Summer Season
Saturday, July30	10:15pm	Summer Season
Wednesday, August 3	9:30pm	Summer Season
Saturday, August 6	10:15pm	Summer Season
Wednesday, August 10	9:30pm	Summer Season
Saturday, August 13	10:15pm	Summer Season
Wednesday, August 17	9:30pm	Summer Season
Saturday, August 20	10:15pm	Summer Season
Wednesday, August 24	9:30pm	Summer Season
Saturday, August 27	10:15pm	Summer Season
Wednesday, August 31	9:30pm	Summer Season
Saturday, September 3	10:15pm	Summer Season

Wilmette – July 3 – Independence Day 2011 festivities, take place Sunday, July 3, in Gillson Park. The annual Fun Run/Walk for Fun—beginning and ending in Gillson Park—will also be held on Sunday, July 3.  Games and rides for children, entertainment, roving performers, and a TasteFest are all part of the festivities beginning at 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 3. A traditional concert of patriotic music by the Palatine Concert Band is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. in the Wallace Bowl. It will be preceded by a sneak preview of this summer’s Starlight Theatre musical feature, Carousel, at 7:15 p.m. The Grand Fireworks display lights up the sky at 9:30 p.m.

Palos Heights – July 3rd – 2:30pm parade, 3:30pm festivities and 9:15pm fireworks at Palos Heights – Memorial Park. Petting Zoo, pony wheel, moonwalk, giant slide, adrenaline rush obstacle course, inflatable catapiller, Velcro wall, bungee run, mini golf, Pop’s hot dog eating contest and of course fireworks! Parade is on Harlem Ave., festivities at Memorial Park, 76th St. and College Dr. and fireworks at Lake Katherine, 123rd and 72nd Ct.

Park Ridge – July 3 events held at Maine East High School in Park Ridge. Children’s entertainment starts at 6:30 p.m., a big band will start playing around 8 p.m. and perform until it’s dark enough for the fireworks show to begin around 9:30 p.m., according to the City of Park Ridge.

Skokie – July 4 – The Village of Skokie 2011 Independence Day festivities kick off on Monday, July 4 at noon with a parade on Oakton Street beginning at the Oakton Community College parking lot, heading east from Downtown Skokie to Oakton Park. The parade takes place rain or shine. The celebration continues into the evening with a concert and fireworks display at Niles West High School, 5701 Oakton Street with a “Picnic in the Park,” featuring food, drinks and music. The concert begins at 6 p.m. The Village of Skokie is known for its breathtaking fireworks display and this year is no exception. The spectacular 3-D Fireworks Fest begins at dusk. Skokie’s traditional customized 3-D fireworks glasses will be distributed to the first 10,000 visitors.

Morton Grove – July 4   9:30pm  In Morton Grove, a fireworks show will begin at 9:30 p.m. in Harrer Park, at 6250 Dempster St, Morton Grove, IL 60053 at Fernald Avenue.

Evanston – July 4 – Lakefront Fireworks at 9:15 pm – The 2011 musical fireworks extravaganza will be launched from Clark Street Beach and can be viewed from any part of the lakefront area east of Downtown Evanston.   Simply find a place to watch, tune your radio to 90.5 FM, and sit back to enjoy the show.

Itasca – July 4 – The Village of Itasca and Hamilton Lakes present the largest fireworks display outside of Chicago, with internationally known headliners and local music acts!  The family-friendly event is held in an open field surrounded by gently rolling hills in the Hamilton Lakes office campus, 25 miles northwest of Chicago. Attendees enjoy ample parking and plenty of space for blankets. Location: Hamilton Lakes Office Campus at: I290 & Thorndale Ave. in Itasca, IL Phone: 630.773.0835 Festival Hours Sunday, July 4: 6:00pm – 10:00pm  Live music begins at 6pm with Vertigo (U2 Tribute band) and continues at 8 with World Class Noise.  The United States Army will be providing a military display and several interactive exhibits. Vendors will be selling food, drinks and adult beverages.   Admission to the event is free.  On-site parking is $20 per car. The fireworks are set to begin between 9:45 and 10pm, and last approximately 25 minutes.

Naperville – July 4 – One of the largest and most magnificent displays in the Chicagoland area, the Ribfest/Fourth of July fireworks show runs for almost 30 minutes straight and is sure to wow the most fervent fireworks aficionados.  Naperville’s Independence Day fireworks extravaganza will take place in Knoch Park on Monday, July 4, at 9:30 p.m. Residents can also tune into 95.9 FM The River to hear a musical simulcast during the fireworks show.  Please remember, the park may close at or around the free entry period due to capacity. Come early!

Aurora – July 4 – Monday, July 4, 6 to 10 p.m. at the Illinois Math & Science Academy, 1500 W. Sullivan Road.   The celebration continues with a night of family fun, entertainment, live music and culminating with an impressive fireworks display, which is scheduled to start around 9:30 p.m.

Oak Lawn – July 4th – Fireworks start at Dusk at Richards High School, 10601 S. Central Avenue, Oak Lawn, Illinois. What a way to finish the day! You will love the Grand Finale – FIREWORKS !!! Bring your entire family and friends and witness the spectacular fireworks show provided by Melrose Pyrotechnics, who have been entertaining the residents of Oak Lawn with their fabulous fireworks display for over 20 years. The fireworks are choreographed to a musical soundtrack and the fireworks show is about 20 minutes in length. You don’t want to miss it. General seating will be available in the bleachers at the Richard’s High School football stadium. VIP seating on the field only. If you cannot make it to Richard’s High School, bring a blanket or lawn chair and sit back in the open field at the South Side Baptist School located at 5220 W. 105th Street and enjoy the show.

Mokena – July 4 – Parade, fireworks and live entertainment by the Tailspin Band (Oldies)at 6pm and the Encore Community Band later in the evening at 7:30pm.
North on Wolf Road from LaPorte Road to Revere Rd. 708.479.2468

Tinley Park – July 4 – Free 4th of July celebration featuring live music, children’s games and activities, food tent, beer tent, bingo, and fireworks. Location: McCarthy Park Contact Phone: (708) 342 4200 Website: www.tinleyparkdistrict.org Hours: 4pm 10pm

Leyden Township – Saturday, July 2nd —  Veterans’ Park District Fireworks show (in Northlake). It’s on Saturday, July 2nd.

Bensenville –  The Village of Bensenville, along with The Village of Addison, The City of Elmhurst and The City of Wood Dale present the only Festival in Four Towns — CARNIVAL RIDES & GAMES FOR ALL AGES, FOOD VENDORS FROM AROUND THE REGION, PONY RIDES / MAGIC SHOWS / FREE ICE SKATING and fireworks on TWO nights — Sunday July 3 at 9:30 and Monday July 4 at 9:30

DUPAGE COUNTY

Addison Fireworks
CANCELLED – Due to budget constraints, Fourth of July fireworks will be cancelled again this year.

Glen Ellyn Fireworks
When:  July 4th (dusk)
Where:  Lake Ellyn, North Park Blvd and Forest Avenue
Parking / Information:  Free parking is available in the lot between Park Blvd and Montclair Ave south of the train tracks. Parking is limited. More information is available here.

Lisle Fireworks
When:  July 1st, July 2nd, July 3rd (Finale) @ 9:45PM
Where:  Lisle Community Park (Eyes to the Skies Festival), west side of Rt.53, south of Odgen Avenue
Parking / Information:  Of all of the fireworks displays in DuPage, this is of my favorites. The Eyes to the Skies festival is a great time, but not overcrowded. For parking and more information, please visit http://eyestotheskies.org.

Lombard Fireworks
When:  July 4th @ 9:30PM
Where:  Madison Meadow Park (Taste of Lombard), Meyers Rd north to Madison St west
Parking / Information:  Limited onsite parking is available. Additionaly limited parking on nearby city streets. More information can be found on the Taste of Lombard website.

Naperville Fireworks
When:  July 4th @ 9:30PM
Where:  Knoch Park (Ribfest), Aurora Avenue & Washington area
Parking / Information:  Free parking is extremely limited. You may be able to find some street parking in the neighborhoods west of Knoch Park, but that is not guaranteed (and you may need to walk for a mile or so to the park. Plan to walk to the fireworks or take a free shuttle. Get to the fireworks early; due to capacity issues, Naperville may deny entry to the park. Personally, I’ve found the display to be no more impressive than many of the other DuPage County villages’ displays, and it’s twice the headache getting in and out. Ribfest is a great time, but if I were just going for the fireworks, I’d go elsewhere. More information about the Naperville firework display can be found here.

Warrenville Fireworks
When:  July 4th @ 9:15PM
Where:  Cerny Park, off River Rd just north of Ferry Rd
Parking / Information:  Parking available as posted on the streets, at the south parking lot of Bower Elementary School and the Ferry & River Rd. parking lot of AT&T. More information can be found here.

Wheaton Fireworks
When:  July 3rd @ 9PM
Where:  DuPage County Fairgrounds, County Farm Rd and Manchester
Parking / Information:  There is a decent amount of parking onsite, but it is recommended you get there early to find a spot. The lots usually open by 6:30PM. This is one of the better firework displays in DuPage.

 

MCHENRY COUNTY – BY DATE

Cary Fireworks Friday, July 1 – The Cary Fireworks will take place at Lions Park on Friday. Kick Off to the Fourth of July Friday, July 1 at Lions Park, 1200 Silver Lake Road in Cary Music starts with Final Say at 7:00 pm. there is food available for purchase and fireworks begin at dusk. Raindate for fireworks is July 8. FREE Admission! Parking $5 (grass) / $10 (pavement)

Crystal Lake – 2011 Parade – Fireworks and Lakeside Fest –  Fireworks show is at dusk on Sunday, July 3.

Spring Grove–  July 4 – The parade theme is “Home Town Heroes, ” with the Grand Marshall “Blue Star Mom.” The parade begins at noon in downtown Spring Grove. The fireworks are at dusk at Horse Park.

Woodstock –  July 4 – The fireworks show is on Monday night, the 4th of July so bring your blankets and lawn chairs out to Emricson Park and enjoy a Woodstock tradition – 4th of July Fireworks!

Fox River Grove – July 9 – The fireworks show is Saturday, July 9, at Picnic Grove Park. The event begins at 6:00 p.m, with bands and refreshments. Fireworks begin at dusk.

 

LAKE COUNTY – BY DATE

Grayslake July 2 – The celebration includes the ‘Taste of Grayslake,’ live entertainment, a live animal show and music. The fireworks show is at dusk of Saturday.

Deerfield July 3 Sunday, July 3rd – Brickyards Park   Noon Poster contest entries due at Koenig & Strey and the Italian Kitchen.
5:00 p.m. GATES OPEN: Concession sales begin (Food and Soft Drinks Available)
6:00 p.m. Enjoy live entertainment by Bizar Entertainment!
7:00 p.m. Raising of the Flag by the American Legion and singing of the National Anthem
9:15 p.m. FIREWORKS: A new and thrilling display!-

Great Lakes Naval Base -July 3-4   This is the 100th anniversary year for Great Lakes and the base is celebrating its centennial year. The celebration is open to the public at Great Lakes Naval Station on Saturday – Monday, July 2 – 4.    The two day festival includes music, entertainment, illusionists, bingo, jugglers, kid’s activities, food and more. The spectacular fireworks shows light the skies two nights this year, on Sunday (7/3) and Monday (7/4) nights.

Lake Zurich July 3 – The family day at Paulus Park begins on Saturday at 9:00 a.m. The day of entertainment includes live music,children’s activities and the Taste of Summer. Fireworks are on Sunday at 9:15 p.m. $3 admission for non member adults and children 4 and older

Waukegan July 3 – The Independence Day Parade, themed “Hometown, USA,” steps off on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. Food vendors and cbegin serving at 11:30 a.m. Children’s games, a petting zoo and pony rides will be avilalbe for 2;30 – 5:00 p.m. in Bowen park. The Waukegan Band will play a program of American music. TheThe 4th of July Fireworks are on Sunday at 9:30 p.m. on the Waukegan Lakefront.

Antioch – July 4 – The July 4th Parade kicks off the celebration on Monday, July 4, at 10am on Main Street. A children’s Fun Fair follows at Williams Park. There is also a 5K run, picnic, entertainment and a fireworks show at dusk.

Barrington – July 4 –  Barrington’s 4th of July Parade is on Monday, July 4, at 10:00 a.m. The parade, themed “Traditions & Memories,” travels on Main Street from Barrington HIgh School to the train station. The Barrington Community Band plays from noon to 2 p.m. Fireworks, at dusk, can best be seen from Barrington High School at Lake Cook and Hart Road.

Buffalo Grove July 4 – The 4th of July concert and fireworks in Buffalo Grove will be on Monday night at the Rotary Village Green Northside of Old Checker Road. The Buffalo Grove Symphonic Band presents a two hour pre- fireworks concert starting at 7:00 p.m. The Independence Day Fireworks Show is at 9:15 p.m. Bring picnic lunches, lawn chairs and/or blankets to sit on and enjoy the free entertainment.

The Village of Hawthorn Woods – The 4th of July Parade will be at 10 am on Monday. The parade begins at Falkirk and Lagoon and Carlisle intersection and ends at the Village Hall Barn. The 4th of July fireworks show is on Sunday, July 3 at Community Park.

Highland Park July 4 – The celebration on Monday, July 4, begins with a parade at 10:00 am in downtown Highland Park. The Parade is followed by Fourth Fest at Sunset Woods Park, which includes a petting zoo, pony rides, food and music. Fireworks by the City of Highland Park are at dusk at Wolters Field.

Lake Bluff 4th of July Celebration – Lake Bluff celebrates on Friday with Taste of Lake Bluff The 4th of July Parade begins on Monday at 10:00 a.m.

Lake Forest – July 4 – Friends of Lake Forest Parks and Recreation Foundation is hosting the 5th annual Festival and Fireworks on Monday, July 4, 2011 at Deerpath Park.  The fun starts at 6 p.m. on July 4th when rocking bands take the soundstage. Sixteen Candles will start the evening off with Rick Springfield as the main headliner. Activities happen all through the evening and the fireworks display starts around 9:30 p.m. Bring your own food and beverages or purchase vendor tickets at the Festival. The celebration is at Deerpath Park.

Libertyville July 4 – ibertyville’s July 4th celebration is on Monday at Butler Lake Park. The event starts at 7:00 p.m. The Village Band plays in the bandstand. Fireworks start at dusk (9:30 p.m.)

Lincolnshire – July 4 Two day event is at Spring Lake Park on Sunday at 4:00 – 10:00 pm and Monday 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. The activities include live entertainmenet, food, beer tent, carnival games and a classic car show. The fireworks show is on Monday night July 4.

Mundelein -July 4   Mundelein Community Days runs from Friday -Monday, July 1-4. Most of the events are held on or near the fairgrounds, including a carnival, games, contests musical performers and more. Fireworks are set for Monday, July 4 at 9:30 p.m. The 4th of July parade will be held on Sunday, July 3th at 2:00 pm. starting at the Village Hall and proceeding down Haley Street to the High School.

Round Lake July 4 – The Round Lake Independence Day celebration, held at the Cultural & Civic Center on Monday, July 4, begins at 6:00, with a patriotic concert by the Park District’s Community Band. At 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. the Incognito’s will perform music from the 50′ through the 90’s. Fireworks begin at about 9:30 p.m.

Vernon Hills – July 4 The 4th of July Parade steps off at 9:00 a.m. At the corner of Deerpath and Atruim, just south of Highway 60 (Town Line Road). Evening festivities run from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., with music by J.P. And the Cats. At approximately 9:30 p.m.Honorable Mayor Roger Byrne will set the skies over Big Bear and Little Bear Lake ablaze with color as Melrose Pyrotechnics, Inc presents a dazzling aerial display of fireworks.

Zion July 4 – . The Fireworks display is on Monday night.