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Grab a blanket and a patch of grass. It's fireworks time, and you're not going to want to miss these visual displays, taking over the skies in the city and suburbs.
Arlington Heights fireworks
Arlington Park
2200 W. Euclid Ave.
Arlington Heights, IL
60006
(847) 385-7500 http://www.arlingtonpark.com Hours: July 3 at 7:30
Arlington Park has a tradition of lighting up the Northwest Suburb's skies, with its annual Independence Day Fireworks Celebration presented by Bank of America. This year the celebration will occur after racing on Thursday, July 3.
Aurora fireworks
Aurora Central Catholic High School
Indian Trail and Edgelawn
Aurora, IL
(630) 844-3640 http://www.aurora-il.org Hours: July 4 at 9:30 p.m.
The evening fun kicks off with food, moonwalks and clowns, followed by comedy, juggling and a concert by F.O.G. Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m.
Bartlett fireworks
Apple Orchard Community Park
South Bartlett and Stearns Roads
Bartlett, IL
(630) 837-0800 http://www.village.bartlett.il.us Hours: July 4 at 9:30 p.m.
Party from noon to 9:30 p.m. There will be food and beer tents, a carnival, a tractor pull for all ages, face painting, turtle racing, bingo, music by Big Guitars from Memphis and Rt. 66 and the main event: fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
Batavia fireworks
Batavia High School
1200 W. Wilson
Batavia, IL
(630) 879-7134 http://www.cityofbatavia.net Hours: July 4 at 9:30 p.m.
Before the fireworks, Engstrom Park will be filled with the aroma of food vendors and the sounds of the local musical group, “Lazy Maybes”. The "Sky Concert" begins promptly at 9:30 p.m.
Bensenville fireworks
Redmond Recreational Complex
735 E. Jefferson
Bensenville, IL
(630) 766-8200 http://www.bensenville.il.us Hours: July 4 at 9:30 p.m.
Kick off your evening with the sounds of The New Colony Six at 7:30 p.m. Fireworks begin after the concert. Refreshments will be available for purchase.
Blue Island fireworks
Eisenhower High School
127th Street and Sacramento
Blue Island, IL
(708) 388-1000
Hours: July 4 at dusk
The city's Fourth of July parade starts at 11:30 a.m. at 123rd Street and Western Avenue and goes south on Western to New Street. The fireworks show is at dusk at Eisenhower Stadium.
Buffalo Grove fireworks
Buffalo Grove Golf Course
Lake Cook Road and Raupp Boulevard
Buffalo Grove, IL
(847) 459-2500 http://www.vbg.org Hours: July 4 at dusk
The Buffalo Grove Symphonic Band will delight with a special two hour pre-fireworks concert. This large and full range band has impressed audiences and will perform a variety of classic and contemporary symphonic band pieces as well as accompany the BG Singers. The annual fireworks display will immediately follow the concert with excellent viewing from the Rotary Village Green, the Buffalo Grove Golf Course or Willow Stream.
Grant Park fireworks
Grant Park
337 E. Randolph St.
Chicago, IL
60602
(312) 744-3370 http://egov.cityofchicago.org Hours: Thursday, July 3
The Macy's Independence Eve Fireworks Spectacular is preceded by an 8 p.m. concert from the Grant Park Orchestra, conducted by Christopher Bell, playing patriotic favorites like "America The Beautiful." There will be two additional and abbreviated fireworks displays at Taste of Chicago on July 3 and 4.
Nay Pier fireworks
Navy Pier
600 E. Grand Ave.
Chicago, IL
60611
(312) 595-7437 http://www.navypier.com Hours: Wednesday, July 2 at 9:30 p.m.; Friday, July 4 at 9:30 p.m.; Saturday, July 5 at 10:15 p.m.
Navy Pier is no stranger to fireworks; it fills the lakefront with them on Wednesday and Saturday nights from Memorial Day through Labor Day. But amid all the multi-color fun is the biggie: The fireworks for the 4th is a 10-minute display set to patriotic music.
White Sox fireworks
U.S. Cellular Field
333 W. 35th St.
Chicago, IL
60616
(312) 559-1212 http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com Hours: July 4 after the Sox game
Watch the Sox (hopefully) beat Oakland then stick around for the fireworks, presented by Pontiac. Tickets to the game start at $16.
Country Club Hills fireworks
Community Park
175th and Maple
Country Club Hills, IL
(708) 798-2616 http://www.countryclubhills.org Hours: July 4 at 9:30 p.m.
The Spinners will perform a Fourth of July concert at the new Country Club Hills Theater, 4116 W. 183rd St. Tickets are $45 to $75. Fireworks will follow the concert.
Des Plaines fireworks
Oakton Community College
1600 E. Golf
Des Plaines, IL
(847) 391-5301 http://www.desplaines.org Hours: July 4 at 9 p.m.
At 4 p.m. the grounds at Oakton Community College will be available for picnicking, children’s games, pony rides and face painting. The fireworks, provided by Mad Bomber, will get underway after 9 p.m. The Des Plaines Historical Society will sell picnic food and a band called "Tripple Shot" will play from 5-7 p.m. As in prior years, the Des Plaines Park District’s Community Concert Band will perform during the fireworks. In addition, a Petting Zoo, Patch 22, will be featured, along with a miniature train ride for kids. Food and entertainment at the Fireworks Display will be provided in the area between parking lot A and the lake on the Oakton Community College Grounds.
Evanston fireworks
Clark Street Beach
Clark Street and the lakefront
Evanston, IL
(847) 328-2100 http://www.evanston4th.org Hours: July 4 at 9:15 p.m.
The Palatine Concert Band will play patriotic favorites from 7:30 to 9:10 p.m., followed by fireworks launched from Clark Street Beach. This year's theme is "Honor the Past, Imagine the Future." If you want your summertime fun to start even earlier, check out the parade at 2 p.m.
Forest Park fireworks
Town Park
south of I290 just east of the Desplaines Avenue Exit
Forest Park, IL
(708) 366-7500 http://www.forestpark.net Hours: July 4 at 9:15 p.m.
The Park District's 4th of July party begins the kiddie area opening at 4 p.m. Live music starts and 6 p.m., and fireworks blast off at 9:15 p.m.
Glen Ellyn fireworks
Lake Ellyn Park
645 Lenox
Glen Ellyn, IL
(630) 469-5000 http://glen-ellyn.com Hours: July 4 at dusk
From 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. enjoy family fun and food at Lake Ellyn Park, along with inflatables, music by “1969” and a Ten Penny Carnival. Participants may purchase a $2 wristband to enjoy all the action at Lake Ellyn. The fireworks show begins at dusk in Glen Ellyn.
Glencoe fireworks
Lakefront Park
Park Avenue and the beach
Glencoe, IL
(847) 835-3030 http://www.goglencoe.com Hours: July 4 at 9 p.m.
Fireworks on the beach! What could be better? How about a full day of patriotic fun, starting with a two-mile fun run at 8 a.m. a parade at 2 p.m. and a 6:30pm BBQ at the beach.
Glenview fireworks
Glenview Park District Golf Course
800 Shermer Road
Glenview, IL
(847) 724-1700 http://www.glenviewparkdist.org Hours: July 4 at 9 p.m.
The Twilight Show begins at 7:30 p.m. with fireworks set to start at 9 p.m. The show is climaxed by fireworks synchronized to patriotic music.
Gurnee fireworks
Warren Township High School’s O’Plaine Campus
500 N. O'Plain Road
Gurnee, IL
http://www.gurnee.il.us Hours: July 4 at 9:25 p.m.
Event grounds will open at 5:30 p.m. The spectacular fireworks show will begin at 9:25 p.m. The show will feature a full aerial display and will be visible from surrounding areas. The fireworks show will last approximately 30 minutes.
Hoffman Estates fireworks
Village Hall Grounds
1900 Hassell Road
Hoffman Estates, IL
(847) 781-2660 http://www.hoffmanestates.com Hours: July 4 and July 7
The fireworks display kicks off at 9:30 p.m., but there's a lot going on before then. Check out bingo, musical acts include The Smithereens at 9 p.m. on Saturday, July 5, and Starship Starring Mickey Thomas at 9 p.m. on Thursday, July 3. There will also be a carnival, kid's petting zoo, cooking contest, rock-climbing wall, magic show, watermelon eating contest, diaper derby, water balloon toss, and a bags tournament.
Itasca fireworks
Hamilton Lakes
Illinois 53 and Thorndale Road
Itasca, IL
(630) 773-0835 http://www.itasca.com Hours: July 4 at dusk
Starting at 4 p.m. the Village of Itasca and Hamilton Partners present, on Hamilton Partners grounds, food and drink vendors, beer and wine, music by Lifehouse starting at 8 p.m. and fireworks at dusk.
Lake Forest fireworks
Deerpath Community Park
Hastings and Deerpath
Lake Forest, IL
(847) 234-6702 http://www.cityoflakeforest.com Hours: July 4 at 9:30 p.m.
Plan on starting your July 4th celebration at 5 p.m., when the Lake Forest Festival and Fireworks begins. You'll find food and beverages from local restaurants, live music and a new tweens and teens area, capped off by fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
Lincolnshire fireworks
Spring Lake Park
Oxford Drive, just east of Milwaukee Ave.
Lincolnshire, IL
(847) 883-8600 http://www.village.lincolnshire.il.us Hours: July 4
Lincolnshire will host a fireworks display on July 4. But you can start celebrating early with special kid-friendly events on July 3.
Lisle fireworks
Lisle Community Park
Short Street and Illinois 53
Lisle, IL
(630) 769-1000 http://www.eyestotheskiesfestival.com Hours: July 4 at 9:45 p.m.
Fireworks will, appropriately enough, take over the sky in conjunction with the Eyes to the Skies Balloon Festival. There will be live music, balloon events and a food court in addition to the 9:45 p.m. fireworks.
Lombard fireworks
Madison Meadow Park
Madison and Ahrens
Lombard, IL
(630) 620-5700 http://www.tasteoflombard.com Hours: July 4 at 9:30 p.m.
The Taste of Lombard will feature more than just fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Get your fill of tasty eats like a lobster pita, fried Twinkies, cinnamon-roasted almonds, foot-long hotdogs and funnel cakes. Tons of live music is in store as well.
Morton Grove fireworks
Harrer Park
6250 Dempster
Morton Grove, IL
(847) 965-7447 http://www.mortongroveparks.com Hours: July 4 at 9:30 p.m.
A Community Parade kicks off at 2:30 p.m. at Central & Dempster and moves west to Harrer Park; hang out in the park for the afternoon, and snag a prime fireworks viewing spot. Fireworks blast off at 9:30 p.m.
Naperville fireworks
Knoch Park
West Street and Martin Avenue
Naperville, IL
(630) 848-5000 http://www.ribfest.net Hours: July 4 at 9:30 p.m.
Taking over the sky as part of Ribfest, Naperville's 30-minute fireworks display begins at 9:30 p.m. Also part of Ribfest are bands like REO Speedwagon and Big Head Todd and The Monsters. And, of course, ribs.
New Lenox fireworks
The Commons
Veterans Parkway between Haven Avenue and U.S. 30
New Lenox, IL
(815) 485-6452 http://www.newlenox.net Hours: July 4 at dusk
Fun events start at 5 p.m. Fireworks follow at 9:30 p.m.
North Aurora fireworks
Village owned property adjacent to the North Aurora Towne Center
I-88 & Orchard
North Aurora, IL
(630) 897-8228 http://www.vil.north-aurora.il.us Hours: July 4, 9 p.m.
Celebrate 4th of July Fireworks with North Aurora at 9 p.m.
Oak Brook fireworks
Polo Fields
31st and York Road
Oak Brook, IL
(630) 990-3000 http://www.oak-brook.org Hours: July 3 at dusk
The Village of Oak Brook Independence Day Celebration, will take place on Thursday, July 3, The fireworks will begin at dusk (approximately 9:30 p.m.) with seating on Polo Field. In Taste of Oak Brook food and beverages will be available for purchase from 4 p.m. until dark.
Oak Lawn fireworks
Richards High School
106th and Central
Oak Lawn, IL
(708) 857-2200 http://www.olparks.com Hours: July 4
The Oak Lawn Park District’s Star Spangled Fourth of July celebration will be held Friday, July 4, at Centennial Park and will include the Annual SeeMore the Eagle Children’s Bike Parade, carnival games, kid’s garage sale, bingo, craft vendors, live entertainment and pool activities at Centennial Pool. Evening entertainment will be held at the football field at Richards High School. The Oak Lawn Park District’s gymnastics group—the Pirouettes—will put on a demonstration at 7:30 p.m., followed by American music from the band City Lights Orchestra. Following the concert will be spectacular fireworks display set to patriotic music.
Orland Park fireworks
Centennial Park
156th and West Avenue
Orland Park, IL
(708) 403-6100 http://www.orland-park.il.us Hours: July 4 at 9:15 p.m.
On July 4th the kiddie rides re-open at 2:00 p.m. Musical entertainment, face painting, Bingo and more begin at 6:00 p.m., followed by the 9:15 p.m. presentation of colors. The two day salute to America’s birthday culminates with a magnificent fireworks display to music.
Park Forest fireworks
Central Park
Lakewood Boulevard, next to Freedom Hall
Park Forest, IL
(708) 748-2005 http://www.villageofparkforest.net Hours: July 4 at 9:15 p.m.
Celebrate 4th of July at Central Park for inflatables, facepainting, food, music and fireworks. The July 4th Parade kicks off at 6 p.m. from North Orchard near the Aqua Center. From 7 to 9:15 p.m. is a free concert by The High Society Orchestra. Fireworks begin after the
concert.
Park Ridge fireworks
Maine East High School
Dempster and Potter
Park Ridge, IL
(847) 692-5127 https://www.parkridge.us Hours: July 3 at dusk
"Celebrate America," at 8 p.m., will feature stirring patriotic tributes to the people, the history, and the landscape of our America, plus Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture with fireworks. Fireworks begin at dusk.
Roselle fireworks
Lake Park High School
500 West Bryn Mawr
Roselle, IL
(630) 980-2000 http://www.roselle.il.us Hours: July 4 at 9:40 p.m.
Enjoy an evening of music and fireworks in Roselle. This year's entertainment begins at 5:30 p.m. with Here Comes the Neighborhood (winner of Lake Park's Battle of the Bands) followed by performances from Tony Sorrentino, Mojo Hand, and Akimbo. "How Sweet It Is" will be selling ice cream, pop, and bottled water. Fireworks begin at dusk
Skokie 3-D fireworks
Niles West High School
Oakton Street and I-94
Skokie, IL
(847) 674-1500 http://www.skokieparkdistrict.org Hours: July 4 at dusk
Skokie's Fourth of July parade kicks off at noon and features marching bands, tumblers, live animals, drill teams, clowns, vintage automobiles, and more from Oakton Community College on Lincoln Avenue to Oakton Street, then east from downtown to Oakton Park. The 3-D firework action begins at dusk. The first 10,000 people get free pair of 3-D glasses.
South Holland fireworks
Thornwood High School
170th and South Park
South Holland, IL
(708) 210-2900 http://www.southholland.org Hours: July 4 at 9 p.m.
The July 4th Celebration begins at 10 a.m. with a Rib Fest Contest at Veterans Park, followed by a full day of fun, food, and games. The celebration concludes with a stunning fireworks display at dusk.
Streamwood fireworks
Dolphin Park
Park Boulevard north of Irving Park Road
Streamwood, IL
(630) 837-0200 http://www.streamwood.org Hours: July 4 at dusk.
Vernon Hills fireworks
Century Park
1001 Lakeview Parkway
Vernon Hills, IL
(847) 367-3700 http://www.vernonhills.org Hours: July 4 at 9:30 p.m.
You might want to take a nap after the morning parade: It's going to be a full evening. Families will gather at Century Park at 6:30 p.m. to take in the sounds of J.P and the Cats; Bubba The Art Buss will available for the children. At approximately 9:30 p.m. the fireworks will overtake the skies over Big Bear and Little Bear Lakes.
Waukegan fireworks
Waukegan Harbor
on the lakefront near Grand and Sheridan
Waukegan, IL
(847) 599-2949 http://www.waukeganport.com Hours: July 4 at 9 p.m.
Want to watch fireworks at the water's edge? There's no need to head all the way to Chicago. Waukegan Harbor will be ablaze at 9:30 p.m.
Wheeling fireworks
Park District behind Saint Joseph The Worker Catholic Church
181 West Dundee Rd.
Wheeling, IL
(847) 459-2600 http://www.vi.wheeling.il.us Hours: July 4 at 9:15 p.m.
This three day fest begins on July 3 and ends on July 5. Aside from many food and beverage choices you'll find big bands like the Gin Blossoms, The Verve Pipe and Infinity. Following the fireworks at 9:15 on Friday will be a U2 Tribute.
Wilmette fireworks
Gillson Park
Wilmette, IL
(847) 256-6100 http://www.wilmettepark.org Hours: July 3 at along lakefront.
Games and rides for children, entertainment, roving performers, and a Tastefest are all part of the festivities beginning at 4 p.m. on Thursday, July 3. A traditional concert of patriotic music by the Palatine Concert Band is scheduled for 7:30 pm in the Wallace Bowl. It will be preceded by a sneak preview of this summer's Starlight Theatre musical feature, Ragtime, the musical, at 7:15 p.m.The Grand Fireworks display lights up the sky at 9:30 p.m. There will be shuttle bus service for $2.50 roundtrip.
Winnetka fireworks
Duke Child's Field
Willow and Hibbard
Winnetka, IL
(847) 501-2040 http://www.winpark.org Hours: July 4 at 9:15 p.m.
Pack a picnic dinner at listen to music by the 215 West. There will be face painters, a moon walk and and mini-golf for the kids. Fireworks with recorded musical accompaniment begins at 9:15 p.m.
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Grab a blanket and a patch of grass. It's fireworks time, and you're not going to want to miss these visual displays, taking over the skies in the city and suburbs.
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