Chicago Fourth of July Events Guide

The Fourth of July is one of the best times to experience summer in Chicago, and it’s the perfect excuse to spend a long weekend enjoying everything the city has to offer.

Fourth of July in Chicago

All weekend long, the city will be bursting with exciting events, neighborhood festivals, boat cruises, live sporting events, waterfront fireworks, and beyond. And don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy our pristine parks and waterfronts, including our bustling riverwalk, sandy beaches, and sprawling green spaces.

Here’s your guide to the best things to do in Chicago over the Fourth of July weekend 2025.

See the Navy Pier fireworks

Head to the lake to catch Chicago’s Independence Day fireworks display at Navy Pier. The annual spectacle, set to patriotic music, is part of Navy Pier’s beloved free summer fireworks series, which runs every Wednesday and Saturday all summer long.

Navy Pier, an iconic destination along Chicago’s waterfront, is also home to tons of family-friendly activities, lakefront boat cruises, carnival rides, local dining, and sweeping skyline views.

You can catch the Fourth of July fireworks display from Navy Pier or along the nearby lakefront, including beaches, rooftop bars, and parks. You can also hop on one of the many boat cruises offering a front-row seat to the action.

Feel the thrill of NASCAR Street Race Weekend

NASCAR Chicago Street Race Weekend
Photography by Adam Alexander
Adam@AdamAlexanderPhoto.com

This Fourth of July weekend, don’t miss this exhilarating racing event heading to Chicago’s scenic lakefront. The third annual NASCAR Chicago Street Race Weekend (July 5 – 6, 2025) brings the sights, sounds, and thrills of NASCAR to the streets of downtown Chicago, with two days of can’t-miss races in a festival-like atmosphere. Explore ticket options for the 2025 event, from general admission to premier experiences.

Hear live music under the stars

Millennium Park Pritzker Pavilion — Abel Arciniega :: @tequilagraphics

Grant Park Music Festival has been a Chicago tradition for 90 years, making it the oldest free classical music series in the United States. Held under the soaring Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park, the music festival’s season includes more than 30 shows featuring the world-class Grant Park Orchestra.

A centerpiece of each season is the Independence Day Salute, held on July 4. The free, family-friendly celebration includes patriotic favorites, Broadway showstoppers, audience singalongs, and more. Outside food is allowed, so pack a picnic to enjoy.

Relax on sandy beaches

Volleyball at North Avenue Beach — Photo by Adam Alexander

It’s a long weekend, so make sure to save some time to kick back and relax on one of Chicago’s scenic beaches. There are more than two dozen free public beaches along the city’s sandy shoreline. Grab some friends and play a round of beach volleyball, get a tropical drink at a waterfront bar, or just hang out in the sand and enjoy the city views.

And there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the vast waters of Lake Michigan. You can rent a variety of equipment right on the beach at 31st Street Harbor, including jet skis, kayaks, and paddleboards. There are also banana boat rides, paddleboard yoga, water jetpacks, and more. Plus, the skyline view from the lake is spectacular.

Catch a baseball game

There’s no better place to spend a summer afternoon than the ballpark.

Chicago’s legendary Chicago Cubs will play a slew of home games over the Fourth of July weekend at Wrigley Field from July 4 – 6. Their ballpark is the second-oldest MLB stadium in the country, with famous features like the ivy-covered outfield and hand-operated scoreboard — definitely a bucket list experience for any baseball fan. Afterward, spend some time exploring lively Wrigleyville.

Take a Fourth of July boat cruise

Nothing says “holiday weekend” like a leisurely boat cruise. In Chicago, you can gaze up at skyscrapers on the river or admire the skyline from the blue waters of Lake Michigan. Whether you want to learn a little history or drink and dance the night away, there’s a Chicago cruise for you this Fourth of July weekend.

City Experiences lake cruises: Dine on the water with these upscale cruises. Choose from brunch, lunch, and dinner Fourth of July cruises, all with stunning skyline views.
Shoreline Sightseeing lake and river cruises: Learn all about Chicago’s iconic architecture on a classic Shoreline Sightseeing cruise.
Chicago Seadog lake and river cruises: Get your adrenaline pumping on an exhilarating lakefront cruise. Seadog offers high-speed boat rides that take you along the gorgeous Chicago skyline.
Chicago’s First Lady river cruises: Hear the fascinating stories behind the city’s most famous buildings on these top-rated architecture cruises led by expert Chicago Architecture Center docents.
Wendella Boats: Wendella offers a variety of flexible cruise options, including a narrated architecture tour of the lake, river, or both.

Explore more Chicago boat cruises on the lake and river.

Explore the Chicago Riverwalk

Where else can you find an urban waterway with delicious food, cocktails, public art, soaring skyscrapers, and stunning views? The Chicago Riverwalk is one of the city’s top destinations, whether you’re looking for an unforgettable meal or a scenic stroll past some of the city’s most iconic architecture.

Grab a seat on the patio at the many alfresco Chicago Riverwalk restaurants and bars, and come back after dark for Art on theMART, the world’s largest video art projection. The Riverwalk is also the meeting point for many of the city’s most popular river cruises.

Explore more: Check out our guide to Chicago restaurants with some of the best outdoor seating.

See the skyline from a kayak

The Chicago River is buzzing with activity during the summer. Rent a kayak with Urban Kayaks and paddle through the heart of the city, past the bustling Riverwalk and some of the city’s most recognizable buildings. You can also join a guided tour, including historic tours, sunset tours, fireworks tours, twilight paddles, and more.

On Lake Michigan shoreline, head to Monroe Harbor to rent a kayak or paddleboard from Urban Kayaks. Paddle on your own and catch sites like Buckingham Fountain, the Shedd Aquarium, and the Adler Planetarium. Join a guided tour to explore with an expert.

Explore Navy Pier

Chicago water taxi parked at Navy Pier

One of the city’s most popular attractions, Navy Pier is a lakefront oasis with something for everyone. Along with the Fourth of July fireworks display, check out things to do at Navy Pier: