Independence Day is here, and tons of great spots in the Chicago area will celebrate with explosive fireworks shows.
nWhere: 1301 N. Humboldt Blvd.
nHours: 2-10 p.m.
nWhy Go: Celebrate Puerto Rican culture in Humboldt Park with this festival and parade. The parade steps off at 2 p.m. Saturday near Division and Western.
nWhere: Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park
nHours: Vary by performance. View the full schedule here.
nAdmission: Prices vary
nWhy Go: Enjoy free music from the Grant Park Orchestra and Chorus. There is free seating in the Seating Bowl and on the lawn. If you want to sit extra close to the stage, tickets and membership are available.
nWhere: Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park
nHours: Check here <a href="https://www.choosechicago.com/things-to-do/parks-and-outdoors/millennium-park/summer-music-series/" for schedule details
n Why Go: Enjoy a variety of music in Millennium Park for free during the summer. Genres include soul jazz, indie and African electronic.
nWhere: Lincoln Park Zoo
nHours: 6:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. daily
nAdmission: General admission $20-$79
nWhy Go: Beer tasting stations, entertainment and lawn games are scattered around the Lincoln Park Zoo.
nWhere: 900 W. Randolph St
nHours : Friday 5 p.m.-10 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 12 p.m.-10 p.m.
nAdmission: $10 suggested donation. VIP tickets are $40-$100
n Why Go: This is the street festival’s 23rd anniversary and will feature food from 16 different restaurants along with a number of performers.
nWhere:Boystown, Chicago, IL
Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. daily
nAdmission: $10 suggested donation
nWhy Go: Enjoy live performances from artists such as LeAnn Rimes, Betty Who, Pabllo Vittar, Ultra Nate and others. Celebrate 50 years since Stonewall and the birth of the Pride movement.
nWhere: Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Ave.
nHours: Various screening times
nAdmission:Passes are available for $100-$175.nWhy Go: This is a weeklong horror film festival showing more than 60 films, hosting Q&As with creators and panels featuring special guests.
nWhere: Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island
nHours: 2 p.m.-11 p.m. daily
nAdmission: $80-$649.50
nWhy Go: The lineup includes Miranda Lambert, Maren Morris, Keith Urban, Luke Bryan and more.
nWhere: Old St. Pat’s Church campus in Chicago’s West Loop
nHours: 5 p.m.-10:30 p.m. on Friday, 2 p.m.-10:30 p.m. on Saturday
nAdmission:General admission $10 and $55 for VIP passes
nWhy Go: The lineup includes Hello Weekend, 7th Heaven and 16 Candles. There will also be a bags tournament beginning at 6 p.m. each day.
nWhere: Union Park
nHours: Friday 3 p.m.-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday 1 p.m.-10 p.m.
nAdmission: $79.99-$279.99 Purchase here
nWhy Go: Ruido Fest is Chicago's only three-day Latin music festival. This year's headliners include Enanitos Verdes, Los Tigres del Norte, Malafacha, Los Gold Fires, and many more.
Where: Ravenswood and Berteau avenues
nHours: Saturday 12 p.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday 12 p.m.-6 p.m.
nAdmission: $5 donation
nWhy Go: Ravenswood on Tap returns for its third year. The outdoor festival will feature beer and spirits from local breweries, KOVAL Distillery cocktails, food trucks, live music and more.
nWhere: Event: Grant Park; Parade: from Broadway and Montrose to Halsted St.
nHours: 12 p.m.
nAdmission: Free
nWhy Go: The 50th annual Pride Parade is one of the country’s largest parades. This year’s theme is “Stonewall 50: Millions of Moments of Pride.” This year, a first-of-its-kind event will take place the day before the parade in downtown's Grant Park. "Pride in the Park" will feature headliners like Iggy Azalea and Steve Aoki.
nWhere: The Spirit of Music Garden at Grant Park and various other locations
nHours: TBD. Check back at the City of Chicago website, which currently has last year's dates and times posted.
nAdmission: Free
Why Go: This summer-long event features 48 different live bands and DJs and free dance lessons in different locations around the city.
nWhere: Lake Street east of Michigan Avenue
nHours: Friday 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.
nAdmission: Free
nWhy Go: This is the festival's 11th year. People can interact with over 100 artists through demos and booth chats. There will also be live music and food.
nHours: 4 p.m. Admission: $25nWhy Go: Join the first ever outdoor drag festival in Chicago. As indicated by the CIADF the lineup will represent drag from different generations, neighborhoods and performances.
nWhere: Lawrence Avenue and Broadway Street
nHours: 12: p.m.-10 p.m.
nAdmission: $5 donation suggested
nWhy Go: Windy City Ribfest in Uptown is returning for its 11th anniversary. The event always has live music, arts and crafts and—of course—ribs.
nWhere: Washington Park
nHours: 12 p.m.-10 p.m. daily
nAdmission:$9-300 Children under 12 are enter for free. For more information on tickets click here.
nWhy Go: The IFOL is a self-proclaimed "carnival of nations" dedicated to creating change for all. There will be two stages featuring Reggae, Calypso, Soca, African, Jazz, and more.
nWhere: Chicago Avenue between Damen Avenue and Wood Street
nHours: Friday 5 p.m.-10 p.m.; saturday and Sunday 12 p.m.-10 p.m.
nAdmission: $5 donation requested
nWhy Go: The festival is locally planned and managed by the West Town Chamber of Commerce, meaning that all the food and talent are local. There are also two specialty festivals inside West Fest: Kid Fest and Pet Fest.
nWhere: Jackson Park
Hours: 8 a.m.
nAdmission: $40-$175. Buy here.
nWhy Go: Celebrate house music with Grammy winners such as Def Mix Productions co-founder David Morales and Thelma Houston, house music vocalist and viral sensation Lady Alma and disco maven Taana Gardner.
nWhere: Grant Park
Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Wednesday-Friday; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
nAdmission: Free
nWhy Go: Taste the variety of food Chicago has to offer, all without having to leave Grant Park. Taste of Chicago has taken place annually since 1980 and is now the world's largest food festival, according to the City of Chicago website.
nWhere: Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N. Knox Ave.
nHours:Friday 6 p.m.-12 a.m.; Saturday 12 p.m.-12 a.m.; Sunday 12 p.m.-11 p.m.
nAdmission: $10 if purchased by July 11, and $15 after. Children 12 and under are free.
nWhy Go: Celebrate Irish American culture with a weekend of music, food, dance, exhibits, vendors and children's activities.
nWhere:1901 W. Madison St.
nHours: Friday 2 p.m.-10 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 12 p.m.-10 p.m.
nAdmission: $40+nWhy Go: Ribs, music and beer. What more could you ask for? Twenty pitmasters, brewers from across the country and a host of musicians including Jordan Davis, Cole Swindell and many more.
nWhere: Lincoln Avenue between Montrose and Wilson avenues
nHours: Friday 5 p.m.-10 p.m.; Saturday 12 p.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday 12 p.m.- 9 p.m.
nAdmission: Suggested donation $10 for adults, $5 for seniors or kids and $20 for families
nWhy Go: Anyone from local indie rockers to Old Town School of Folk Music students will take the stage at this music and craft beer festival. Donations help fund the Old Town School of Folk Music scholarship programs and Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce farmers market and concerts.
nWhere: 2159 West Belmont Ave., Chicago, IL
nHours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. daily
nAdmission: $10 suggested donation
Why Go: Chow down on some of the finest burgers Chicago has to offer. More than a dozen local restaurants will be there.
nWhere: West Waveland Avenue and North Southport Avenue, Wrigleyville
nHours: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. daily
Admission: Free
nWhy Go: This acclaimed festival has art of all mediums. TimeOut Chicago rated the festival as one of the city's best.
nWhere: 2200 S. Wentworth Ave. from Cermak Avenue to 24th Place
nHours: 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
nAdmission: Free
nWhy Go: The 41st annual festival will celebrate Far East beauty and culture with Chinese classical dance, music and martial arts. Some of the highlights include the lion dance procession and more.
Where: 435 N. Michigan Ave.
nHours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
nAdmission: Free
nWhy Go: The festival takes place at the base of the Chicago Tribune building overlooking the river. The festival will feature more than 65 artists.
nWhere: 61st Street between Cottage Grove and King Drive
nHours: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Admission: Free
Why Go: The outdoor book fair celebrates reading and literary arts in the Woodlawn neighborhood. Last year there were more than 4,500 attendees, 85 exhibitors and more than 100 books from black authors showcased at the fair.
nWhere: Kelvyn Park, 4438 W. Wrightwood Ave.
nHours: Friday 4 p.m.-10 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 12 p.m.-10 p.m.
nAdmission: $10, $15 and $25
nWhy Go:The festival celebrates Colombian history, culture and independence. Live music from Grupo Niche, Johnny Ventura, Khriz y Angel and other artists.
nHours: Friday 5 p.m.-10 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 12 p.m.-10 p.m. Admission: $5 Suggested donation Why Go: Enjoy a variety of tacos and tamales from different regions while dancing Latin music or watching dance performances.
nHours: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Admission: Free Why Go: It’ll feature amazing chalk art pieces from renowned 3D street and local 2D artists.
nWhere: Union Park
nHours: 12 p.m.-10 p.m. daily
nAdmission: $75-$400. Purchase here.
nWhy Go: The 14th annual Pitchfork Music Festival has a lineup full of current indie darlings such as HAIM, Pusha-T, The Isley Brothers, Belle & Sebastian and more.
nWhere: Wicker Park Chamber Commerce
nHours: Friday 5 p.m.-10 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 12 p.m.-10 p.m.
nAdmission: $10 donation
nWhy Go: This iconic festival is running for three days, bringing fashion shows, music from more than 40 bands, art, food and more.
Where: Navy Pier
nHours: Saturday 11 a.m.-6 p.m. and 7 p.m.-11:59 p.m.; Sunday 12 p.m.-7 p.m.
nAdmission: $8-$38. Purchase tickets here. Drink tickets must be purchased in advance.
nWhy Go: Drink margaritas until your heart's content at Navy Pier.
nHours: 4 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Admission: $15-$65nWhy Go: Enjoy a variety of beers and ciders from Illinois. This year’s participants will be 2 Fools Cider, 3 sheeps Brewing Company, Virtue Cider and many more.
Where: Grant Park
nHours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. daily
n Admission: $120-$4,200
n Why Go: This year’s lineup includes Ariana Grande, Childish Gambino, J Balvin, Twenty One Pilots and many more.
nWhere: Jefferson Memorial Park, 4822 N. Long Ave.
nHours: Friday 5 p.m.-10 p.m.; Saturday 2 p.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday 2 p.m.-9 p.m.
Admission: $5
Why Go: Jeff Fest brings local and national acts for a jam-packed music-filled weekend. Proceeds go to the Jefferson Park Chamber of Commerce.
nWhere: Broadway between Thorndale and Ardmore avenues
nHours: Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m.-9 p.m.
nAdmission: $5 suggested donation
nWhy Go: Edge Fest is a fundraiser for the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce. All donations go to pay for the festival, and any money left over is invested in the community. Plus, your donation gets you the Edge Card community discount card. There's also a pet parade set to step off Saturday at 11 a.m. at Ardmore and Broadway.
nWhere: Montrose and California to Kimball Avenue
nHours: Festival is starts at 12 p.m.
nAdmission: Free
nWhy Go: Celebrate Ecuadorian culture and independence in Albany Park with floats, folklore and Andean music and dancing.
nWhere: Midwest Buddhist Temple, 435 W. Menomonee St.
nHours: Friday 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m.; Saturday 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
nAdmission: $5 donation
nWhy Go: This festival celebrates Japanese culture and will have stage performances, cultural displays and food. The temple will also be open for visitors who are interested in observing and learning about Buddhism.
nWhere: 2000 W. Roscoe St.
nHours: Friday 5 p.m.-10 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 12 p.m.-10 p.m
nAdmission: $10 suggested donation
nWhy Go: Return to the past with Retro on Roscoe through retro music, vendors, food and a car show with more than 50 classic cars. The proceeds from the festival go to local projects and schools.
nWhere: RIIS Park, 6100 W. Fullerton Ave.
nHours: Friday 3 p.m-10 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
nAdmission: $20-$150. Kids 12 and under are free.
nWhy Go: Grammy-winning artists, 30 restaurants, 75 vendors and carnival festivities guarantee a great time at the 10th annual Festival Cubano.
nWhere: Halsted Street between Belmont Avenue and Addison Street
nHours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
nAdmission: $10 suggested donation
nWhy Go: Billed as the largest outdoor street festival in the Midwest, Northalsted Market Days draws a crowd of around 100,000 fairgoers and spans six blocks with music on five stages.
nWhere: Glenwood & Morse Avenues
nHours: Friday 6 p.m.-10 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.- 7 p.m.
Admission: Free
nWhy Go: The free fest kicks off with the Friday Night Cobblestone Jam before the artists' market begins Aug. 18. It features more than 100 artists, open studios and live entertainment on three outdoor stages.
nWhere: Naper Settlement, Naperville.
nHours:Friday 5-10 p.m., Saturday 12-10 p.m., Sunday 12-9 p.m.
nAdmission: $10 per person
Why Go: The fest celebrates Italian heritage with lots of food and awesome shows like Zoppè Family Circus and Tony and Tina's Wedding.
nHours: 4 p.m.-10 p.m.nAdmission: $10 Why Go: Join military families as they celebrate those who fight for our country.
nWhere: Edison Park
nHours: Friday 5 p.m.-10:30 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
nAdmission: $5 donation
nWhy Go:Edison Park Fest first started in 1972 as a sidewalk sale on Northwest Highway. The annual community fundraiser draws about 20,000 people, and proceeds help free community programs and beautification projects.
nWhere: Nationwide
nWhy Go: Clear the Shelters is a nationwide pet adoption event hosted by NBCUniversal TV studios that aims to get animals into the loving homes they need. More than 100,000 pets were adopted for last year's event.
nWhere: North Avenue Beach
nHours: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. daily
nAdmission: Free
nWhy Go: This is the largest free show of its kind in the United States, according to the city of Chicago website. The show can be seen along the lakefront from Fullerton to Oak Street and from Ohio Street Beach. Food vendors will be stationed along the lakefront selling food like hot dogs, hamburgers and ice cream.
nWhere: On Halsted Street between Van Buren and Jackson
nHours: Friday 4 p.m.-11 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 12-11 p.m.
nAdmission: Free
nWhy Go: The acclaimed culinary festival returns for its 30th year, bringing "Old World traditions with a 21st century freshness."
nHours: 12 p.m.-9 p.m. Admission: $34-$99nWhy Go: This is a family friendly event where you can enjoy live music, cold beverages and of course, different dishes made with lobster.
nWhere: 26th Street from Albany Avenue to Kostner Avenue
nHours: Parade steps off at 12 p.m.
nAdmission: Free
nWhy Go: Celebrate Mexico’s liberation from Spain in one of the city’s largest and most colorful parades. Tens of thousands of people show up annually to see Mexican floats, mariachi bands and dancing.
Not sure where to go? We've got you covered! Look below and take your pick:
July 3
Alton — Liberty Bank Alton Amphitheater, 1 Riverfront Dr. 9:30 p.m.
Barrington — Barrington High School, 616 W. Main Street, dusk
Burr Ridge — Walker Park, 7425 S. Wolf Road, dusk
Local
Bridgeview — Bridgeview Park District, 8100 S. Beloit, 9 p.m.
Cary — Lions Park, 1200 Silver Lake Road, 6:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m.
Centralia — Centralia Foundation Park, 600 N. Pleasant Ave. dusk
Champaign — Champaign Urbana Area, E-14 W. of the State Farm Center, dusk
Chicago — Navy Pier, there will be fireworks every Wednesday and Sunday until Aug. 31.
Chicago Heights — Bloom High School's North Field, 101 W. 10 St., 9 p.m.
Deerfield — Brickyards Park, Fountain View Drive, 9:15 p.m.
Evergreen Park — Duffy Park, 9101 S. Ridgeway, dusk
Gurnee — Six Flags Great America, 1 Great America Parkway, 10 p.m.
Hawthorn Woods — Village of Hawthorn Woods, Hawthorn Woods, IL., dusk
Joliet — Memorial Stadium, IL 60435, 9:20 p.m.
Lake Villa — Lakes Community High School, 1600 Eagle Way, 9:45 p.m.
Lemont — Centennial Park, 16028 127th Street, 9:30 p.m.
Milan — Camden Park, U.S. 67, dusk
Monticello — Monticello Railway Museum Wabash Depot, 200 E. Livingston St., dusk
Morris — Grundy County Fairgrounds, 8890 North Hills Route 47, dusk
Oak Brook — Taste of Oak Brook, 700 Oak Brook Rd., dusk (rain date set for July 4)
Park Ridge — Maine East High School, 2601 Dempster St., dusk
Palos Heights — Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens, 7402 Lake Katherine Dr., 9 p.m.
Plainfield — Plainfield Central High School, 24120 W. Fort Beggs Drive, dusk
Romeoville — Village Park, 900 W. Romeo Road, 9:30 p.m.
Wauconda —Wauconda Village Hall, 101 N. Main Street, dusk
Wauconda — Cook Park, 700 North Main St., dusk
Wheaton — Graf Park, 1855 Manchester Road. Fireworks on July 3rd at 9 p.m. and Parade on July 4th 10 a.m.
July 4
Antioch — Downtown Antioch, IL, 9:15 p.m.
Aurora — RiverEdge Park, 360 N. Broadway Street, 9:00 p.m.
Barrington — Barrington High School, 616 W. Main Street, dusk
Batavia — 326 Millview Drive, 9:30 p.m.
Bolingbrook — Bolingbrook Golf Club, 2001 Rodeo Drive, 9:25 p.m.
Bloomington — Miller Park, 1020 S. Morris Ave., 9:15 p.m.
Burr Ridge — Walker Recreation Center, 7425 Wolf Rd., dusk
Bartlett — Community Park, South Barlett and Stearns roads, 9:30 p.m.
Buffalo Grove — Rotary Green, 260 N. Buffalo, dusk
Centralia — Centralia Foundation Park, 600 N. Pleasant Ave. dusk
Champaign — Champaign Urbana Area, E-14 W. of the State Farm Center, dusk
Channahon — Community Park, 23304 W. McClintock Road, 9:15 p.m.
Chenoa — Chenoa Football Field, 700 S. Division Street, dusk
Chicago — Navy Pier's 4th of July Fireworks Presented by Miller Lite, 9:30 p.m.
Elmwood Park — Elmwood Park High School, 8201 W. Fullerton Ave., 9:30 p.m.-11:00 p.m.
Evanston — Clark Street Beach, Church and Sheridan Road, 9:30 p.m.
Frankfort — Main Park, 200 S. Locust Street, dusk
Galena — Grant Park, 625 Park Ave., dusk
Glencoe — Lakefront Park, 647-699 Longwood Ave., 9 p.m.
Glen Ellyn — Lake Ellyn Park, 645 Lenox Road, Parade 12:00 p.m.-dusk
Gurnee — Six Flags Great America, 1 Great America Parkway.
Glenview — The Village of Glenview, 2500 East Lake Ave., parade starts at 11:15 and Fireworks at dusk.
Great Lakes — Naval Station, Ross field, Sheridan Road, 10 p.m.
Hazel Crest — Commissioners Park, 2600 W. 171st Street, 8:45 p.m.
Huntley — Deicke Park, 11419 S. II Rte 47, dusk
Highland Park — Wolters Field, 1080 Park Ave. 9:30 p.m.
Itasca — Hamilton Lakes, I-390 and Park Boulevard, 9:45 p.m.
Joliet — Joliet Memorial Stadium, 3000 W. Jefferson Street, 9:20 p.m.
Lake Forest — Deerpath Community Park, IL., 9 p.m.
Lake Zurich — Paulus Park, IL., 9;15 p.m.
Libertyville — Butler Lake Park, 835 W. Winchester Road, 9:30 p.m.
Lincolnshire – Spring Lake Park, 49 Oxford Dr., 9:30 p.m.
Lisle — Eyes to the Sky Festival at 1825 Short Street, 9:45 p.m.
Mascoutah — Scheve Park, St. Clair County, dusk
Mount Prospect — Melas Park, 1500 W. Central Road, 9:30 p.m.
Morris — Grundy County Fairgrounds, 8890 North Hills Route 47, dusk
Morton Grove — Harrar Park, 6250 Dempster, dusk
Mundelein — Kracklauer Park, 100 N. Seymour Ave., 9:30 p.m.
Mundelein — Village of Mundelein, 300 Plaza Circle; carnival starts at 2 p.m. and fireworks at 9:30 p.m.; parade on July 7th at 2 p.m.
Naperville — Naperville Rib Fest, 700 S. West Street, 9:30 p.m.
Nashville — Nashville Memorial Park, 604 E. Memorial Dr., dusk
Oak Lawn — Richards High School, 5562 W. 107th St., 9 p.m.
Oak Park — River Forest High School football stadium, East Ave. and Lake Street, dusk
Oak Brook — Hilton Chicago/ Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center, 3500 Midwest Rd, dusk
Oswego — Prairie Point Park, 313 E. Washington Street, 9:30 p.m.
Park Forest — Village Green, Main Street and Cunningham Drive, Parade at 6 p.m., Fireworks at 9:15 p.m.
Rosemont — MB Financial Park, 5501 Park Place, free concert and fireworks every Thursday until Aug. 29. Time: 7 p.m.-10 p.m.
Skokie — Niles West High School, 5701 Oakton, 9:30 p.m.
Summit — Summit Park, 5700 S. Archer Road, 9:15 p.m.
St. Charles — Pottawatomie Park, 8 N. Avenue, 6 p.m.
Tinley Park — McCarthy Park, 16801 W. 80th Ave., 9:15 p.m.
Vernon Hills — Century Park, 1001 Lakeview Parkway, 9:30 p.m.
Waukegan — The Harbor, 55 South Harbor Place 12 p.m.-11 p.m.
Yorkville — Town Square, 301 N. Bridge, dusk
Zion — Shiloh Park, 2635 Gabriel Ave. dusk
July 5
Arlington Heights — Arlington Park Racecourse, 2200 W. Euclid, dusk
Champaign — Champaign Urbana Area, E-14 W. of the State Farm Center, dusk
Gurnee — Six Flags Great America, 10 p.m.
Lisle — Eyes to the Sky Festival at 1825 Short Street, 9:45 p.m.
July 6
Amboy — Downtown Amboy, fireworks at dusk
Champaign — Champaign Urbana Area, E-14 W. of the State Farm Center, dusk
Danville — Danville Boat Club, 15750 Boat Club Road, dusk
Greenville — Bradford National Bank main stage, dusk
Lisle — Eyes to the Sky Festival at 1825 Short Street, 9:45 p.m.
Sandwich — Sandwich Park District, 1401 Suydam Road, dusk
Vandalia — Vandalia Lions Club, 431 W. Gallatin, dusk
July 7
Champaign — Richman Park, dusk
Crystal Lake — Main Beach, 300 Lake Shore Dr., 7 p.m.
Mount Prospect — Melas Park, 1500 W. Central Road, 9:30 p.m.
