Your guide to the Fourth of July in Chicago

The Fourth of July is approaching, and now's the perfect time to plan your celebration. From fireworks displays to drinking and dining specials, check out all the exciting ways to spend the Fourth of July in Chicago.

Navy Pier

Ranked as the best firework display in the nation by USA Today, Chicago’s favorite Fourth of July fireworks are scheduled for Wednesday, July 3, at 9 p.m. Navy Pier hosts Chicago Fireworks displays every Wednesday and Saturday until Labor Day Weekend. Enjoy these free shows from boats, rooftops, Maggie Daley Park, and Chicago’s Lakefront Trail.

• When: Every Wednesday and Saturday until September 2, 2023
• Time: Wednesday at 9 p.m. and Saturday at 10 p.m.
• Location: 600 E. Grand Ave.

Navy Pier Fireworks Paddle

For a unique way to watch fireworks, kayak along the Chicago River to Lake Michigan. The paddle trip is about 3 miles round, an ideal expedition for amateur and seasoned kayakers.

• When: Every Wednesday and Saturday until August 31, 2024
• Time: Wednesday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 8 p.m.
• Location: 500 N Kingsbury St.

Aurora Fireworks display

Known as the “City of Lights”, Aurora’s Fourth of July fireworks display will occur on Wednesday, July 3. With food trucks and vendors all over the park, enjoy the show alongside music spun by the area’s top DJs. The best viewing spots are at RiverEdge Park and McCullough Park.

• When: Wednesday, July 3
• Time: 6 p.m.
• Location: RiverEdge Park, McCullough Park, or Wilder Park and Promenade

Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk

Chicago Burger Company at Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk is firing up the grill for a star-spangled Fourth of July celebration on the Riverwalk. From July 4th to 7th, enjoy a special grilled-to-order menu featuring their signature All American burger and Maxwell Street Polish Combo. Both combos come with roasted corn on the cob and creamy potato salad for a complete Independence Day feast. Cool down with refreshing drink specials including Frozen Piña Coladas and John Dalys.

• When: Thursday, July 4
• Time: All day
• Location: 301 E North Water St

LG’s Bar & Kitchen

LG’s Bar & Kitchen in Old Town is celebrating the Fourth of July with can't-miss drink specials, including $4 select Tallboys, $20 Busch Light pitchers, $10 Bomb Pop Slushies, and $3 Jello Shots. These offers will be available each day from July 4th to 7th before 10 pm.

• When: July 4-7
• Time: Until 10 p.m. each day
• Location: 1525 N Wells St.

Farm Bar

There’s no better place to celebrate the Fourth of July weekend than Farm Bar in Lakeview and Ravenswood! The farm-to-table neighborhood favorite is opening its doors on July 4, offering their classic Midwestern fare and craft cocktails best enjoyed al fresco.

Taking it one step further, head upstairs to Farm Bar Ravenswood’s rooftop ARRIBA lounge for Latin-inspired snacks, margaritas and palomas, while enjoying some of the best views of Ravenswood!

• When: July 4
• Time: All day
• Location: Lakeview location - 1300 W Wellington Ave.; Ravenswood location - 1970 W Montrose Ave.

Fourth of July Patio Happy Hour at Central Park Bar

Join Central Park Bar on the Fourth for a special half-price Happy Hour! Guests can enjoy seasonal cocktails like the Frozen Spicy Mango Margarita or the Summer Luvin’ with Aperol while lounging on the back patio, equipped with a full bar, pool table, porch swings, fire pits, and picnic tables.  

• When: Thursday, July 4
• Time:  4 - 7 p.m.
• Location: 2924 N. Central Park Ave.

Fourth of July Cubs Watch Party at Cody's Public House

Watch The Cubs take on The Phillies this Fourth of July at Cody's Public House in Lakeview. Cody’s will open at 12 p.m. on Thursday, July 4 for a Cubs pregame party and broadcast the big game beginning at 1:20 p.m. At 2 p.m., guests will enjoy a Surfside canned cocktails sampling and can enter a raffle for a chance to win a Surfside cooler. Fourth of July specials will include $5 Sam Adams drafts, $6 Bomb Pop shots, $7 Stateside Vodka cocktails and $30 Surfside and Stateside buckets. 

• When: Thursday, July 4
• Time: 12 p.m.
• Location: 1658 W Barry Ave.