The Big List: All the Free 2014 4th of July Fireworks in Chicago Area

With the July 4th Independence Day landing on a Friday this year, the 4th of July fireworks in Chicago will mostly be on July 4th. The 4th of July is a great time to celebrate with family and friends, and one of the best places to see fireworks in Chicago is Navy Pier. This year’s brilliant fireworks display is scheduled to illuminate the skyline and lake at 9 p.m. on the 4th of July. If once a year just isn’t enough for you and your family, then you can always visit Navy Pier in the evening throughout summertime. Summer Fireworks in Chicago light up the sky every Wednesday night at 9:30 p.m. and Saturday evenings beginning at 10:15 p.m.

 

Navy Pier — Friday, July 4, 2014, 9:00pm at Navy Pier
Address: Lakefront, Chicago, IL | Cost: Freechicago area fireworks 2012

 

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Some towns in Chicago’s northwest suburbs are joining forces for July Fourth fireworks.  Here is our list so far……  Know of more?  Let us know in comments….

BELIEVED TO BE ACCURATE — PLEASE CONFIRM WITH YOUR LOCAL GOVERNMENT!!!!!!

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Antioch:   Antioch’s single-day celebration includes sports tournaments, children’s games, water fights with the local fire department and a parade down Poplar Avenue. After the annual parade, come to Williams Park for the fireworks. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
Arlington Heights:   Celebrate Independence Day in Arlington Heights with fireworks, horse racing and family fun. Arlington Park, 2200 W. Euclid Ave., is hosting a Fourth of July Celebration chock full of giveaways, live music, food and drink specials, and a magician and juggler for the kids. Fireworks at dusk.

 

Aurora:   Aurora kicks off its Independence Day with a Fourth of July Parade from 10 a.m. to noon beginning at River Street and Benton Street. Free parking and shuttle services are available. Residents can head over to the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 Sullivan Road, for food, moonwalks, clowns and live music. Concert at 8 p.m. Fireworks 9:30 p.m.
Barrington:  In celebration of the nation and the village’s birthday, Barrington begins July 4 celebrations with a 10 a.m. parade and a fitness 5K /10K run. Prior to the evening fireworks, residents can enjoy the Barrington Fourth of July Festival and the Barrington History Road Show. Fireworks at dusk.

 

Buffalo Grove:  Music from the Buffalo Grove Symphonic Band accompanies this year’s fireworks in Buffalo Grove. Can’t see the band in person? Tune in to FM 88.1 and watch the fireworks at the Rotary Village Green, the Buffalo Grove Golf Course or Willow Stream Park. Concert 7 p.m. Fireworks at 9:15 p.m.
7 Ways to Handle Fireworks Safely

 

Chicago:  Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., is the center of Chicago’s Fourth of July festivities. Get there early. The pier will close the gates once capacity is reached. Discounted parking will be offered at nearby garages. Still want to celebrate on July 5? Grammy-award winning DJ and producer AFROJACK performs at Navy Pier’s east end. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.

 

Chicago Heights:  If you want to get fit before the fireworks, Chicago Heights’ park district is hosting kickboxing, Zumba and stepping classes. Food, live music and a Michael Jackson impersonator will also spice up the Independence Day celebration. Fireworks July 3 at Bloom’s North Field.

 

Downers Grove:  Enjoy Downers Grove’s Fourth of July Parade at Main and Grant Streets. Afterwards, head to the 75th Street and Lemont Road for Downers Grove and Woodridge’s fireworks display. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.

 

Elgin:  Join more than 15,000 spectators in watching the annual Fourth of July Parade in Elgin. Download the parade app and point your smartphone at a float to find out more about the participating groups or businesses. Lawn seating for the fireworks is $5 per person. Parade 9-11 a.m. Fireworks at 9:15 p.m. at Festival Park

 

Evanston:   All-American activities including pie-eating contests and three-legged races kick off Independence Day celebrations in Evanston. Residents can head to Dawes Park or tune in to FM 90.5 and enjoy a live performance by the Palatine Concert Band. Concert at 7:30 – 9 p.m. Fireworks at dusk.

 

Glen Ellyn:  The Freedom Four-Mile Run, a local scholarship fundraiser, launches Glen Ellyn’s Fourth of July festivities. For $3, participants can partake in the village’s many activities such as the inflatable obstacle course, eight penny carnival games and face painting. Come to Lake Ellyn for fireworks, but leave the candles and sparklers at home. Fireworks at dusk.

 

Glenview:  Pre-school age to 9-year-old children are invited to ride in decorated bikes in the Glenview’s Fourth of July Bike Parade at 11:15 a.m. Residents can park for $5 per space at Springman Middle School, 2701 Central Road. Music from the 100-piece North Shore Concert Band plays along with the fireworks. Fireworks and concert 7:30 p.m.

 

Highland Park:  The city’s cutest pets and kids kick off Highland Park’s Children’s Bike & Pet Parade, followed by the Independence Parade at 10 a.m. After enjoying carnival rides, pony rides and a petting zoo, residents can head to Wolter’s Field for the Bitter Jester Battle of the Bands and the fireworks display. Concert and fireworks at dusk.

 

Itasca:  Local acts Pat McKillen and Maggie Speaks hit the stage at Hamilton Lakes for Itasca’s Fourth of July celebration. Admission is free, but parking is $20 per car. Concert at 7:15 p.m. Fireworks at 9:45 p.m.

 

Joliet:  Star 96.7 FM is broadcasting music to accompany Joliet’s fireworks show at Joliet Memorial Stadium, 3000 W. Jefferson St. Admission and parking are free. Fireworks at 9:15 p.m.

 

Kankakee:  Come to Kankakee Community College for kids activities, games and a Kankakee Valley Youth Symphony performance at 5:30 p.m. Gates open up at 3 p.m. Fireworks in the evening.

 

Lincolnshire:  The two-day Red, White & Boom Fourth of July Festival begins July 3 at Spring Lake, 49 Oxford Dr. Lincolnshire residents can choose from a variety of activities like the 5K run, a pie-eating contest, zip lining and the Cardboard Boat Regatta. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. July 4

 

Naperville:  Naperville hosts its annual fireworks show July 4 at Knoch Park.Get there early. The area will close once at capacity. Shuttle buses are available from several locations in Naperville. Attendees can also participate in the Naperville Ribfest July 3-6. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.

 

Oak Park:  With the town’s politicians, businesses and community groups joining in on the fun, Oak Park’s Independence Parade kicks of at 10 a.m. at Longfellow Park, followed by a fireworks display in the Oka Park and River Forest High School football stadium. Fireworks at dusk.

 

Plainfield:  Plainfield puts on its Patriotic Picnic and Fireworks July 3 from 6-9 p.m. at Plainfield Central High School, 24120 W. Fort Beggs Dr. In addition to the bike parade, dance performances and play zone for kids, attendees can write positive messages for deployed heroes and get their faces painted by veterans. Bring lawn chairs, picnic baskets and coolers to enjoy the fireworks. Fireworks at dusk.

 

Schaumburg:  Starting with America’s pastime, the Schaumburg Boomers face the Normal Cornbelters at the Boomers Stadium for Schaumburg’s Independence Day celebration. Admission to the baseball game and fireworks show is $10 but parking is free. Game at 6:30

 

Skokie: Head to downtown Skokie at noon for marching bands, vintage cars, tumblers, live animals, drill teams and clowns in Skokie’s Fourth of July Parade. End the festivities with a 3-D Fireworks display, during which the first 10,000 patrons can watch the show with free 3-D glasses. Fireworks at dusk

 

Waukegan:  Watch Waukegan’s Fireworks show from the Waukegan Harbor and Sheridan Road on Friday night. Admission is free. Attendees should arrive early to get a good spot. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.

 

Wheaton: This three-day Fourth of July celebration includes the annual parade on July 4, Wheaton Municipal Band’s patriotic concert at Memorial Park July 2 and live music, entertainment and games at Graf Park July 3. Parking is available at the Graf Park and the DuPage County Fairgrounds. Fireworks at 9 p.m. July 3

 

MORE FIREWORKS:

 

Bartlett Date: July 4, 2014 at 9:30pm Location: Apple Orchard Park

Beecher Date: July 4, 2014 at 10pm Location: Firemen’s Park

Bensenville Date: July 4, 2014 at 9:30pm Location: Redmond Park

Bolingbrook Date: July 4, 2014 at 9:15pm Location: Bolingbrook Golf Club

Burbank Date: June 28, 2014 at 9:30pm Location: Michael Looney Park

Burr Ridge Date: July 3, 2014 at Dusk Location: Walker Park

Carol Stream Date: July 4th at dusk Location: Town Center

Cary Date: July 3, 2014 at Dusk Location: Lions Park

Channahon Date: July 4, 2014 at 9:15pm Location: Community Park

Chicago Dates: July 4th, 2014 at 9:30pm Location: Navy Pier

Chicago Heights Date: July 3, 2014 at 9:00pm Location: Bloom High School’s north soccer field

Clarendon Hills Date: July 4, 2014 at Dusk Location: Prospect Park

Crystal Lake Date: July 7, 2014 at Dusk Location: Lakeside Legacy Arts Park

Deerfield Date: July 3, 2014 at 9:15pm Location: Brickyards Park

Downers Grove Date: July 4, 2014 at 9:30pm Location: Zigfield Troy Golf

Elk Grove Village Date: July 4, 2014 at dusk Location: Lions Park

Evanston Date: July 4, 2014 at 9:15pm Location: Sheridan Rd & Church St

Fox Lake Date: July 4, 2014 at Dusk Location: Over Fox Lake

Glenview Date: July 4, 2014 at Dusk Location: Glenview Park Golf Club

Glenwood Date: July 4, 2014 at Dusk Location: Glenwood Golf Course

Highland Park Date: July 4, 2014 at Dusk Location: Wolters Field

Hoffman Estates Date: July 4, 2014 at Dusk Location: Sears Centre Arena

Itasca Date: July 4, 2014 at 9:45pm Location: Hamilton Lakes Park Blvd

Joliet Date: July 4, 2014 at Dusk Location: Memorial Stadium

Lake Forest Date: July 4, 2014 at Dusk Location: Deerpath Community Park

Lake Zurich Date: July 4, 2014 at 9:15pm Location: Paulus Park

Lansing Date: July 4, 2014 at 9:30pm Location: Lan-Oak Park

Lemont Date: July 3, 2014 at Dusk Location: Centennial Park

Libertyville Date: July 4, 2014 at 9:15pm Location: Butler Lake Park

Lincolnshire Date: July 4, 2014 at 9:30pm Location: Spring Lake Park

Lockport Date: July 3, 2014 at 9:10pm Location: Dellwood Park

Lombard Date: July 4, 2014 at 9:30pm Location: Madison Meadow Park

Momence Friday, July 4th, at dusk Location: Island Park

Morton Grove Date: July 4, 2014 at Dusk Location: Harrar Park

Mount Prospect Dates: July 2, 2014 at Dusk July 4, 2014 at Dusk Location: Melas Park

Mundelein Date: July 4, 2014 at 9:30pm Location: Kracklauer Park

Naperville Date: July 4, 2014 at 9:30pm Location: Knoch Park

Oak Brook Date: July 3, 2014 at Dusk Location: Polo Grounds off of 31st Street

Oak Forest Date: July 4, 2014 at Dusk Location: 159th and Central in Oak Forest

Oak Lawn Date: July 4, 2014 at Dusk Location:Richards High School

Oak Park Date: July 4, 2014 at Dusk Location: River Forest High School Football Stadium

Orland Park Date: July 4 at dusk Location: Centennial Park

Oswego Date: July 4th at dusk Location: launched from Prairie Point Park

Palatine Date: July 3, 2014 at Dusk Location: Community Park

Palos Heights Date: July 3, 2014 at 9:15pm Location: Memorial Park

Park Ridge Date: July 3, 2014 at Dusk Location: Maine East High School

Pingree Grove Date: July 5, 2014 at dusk Location: Baseball Fields near Cambridge Lakes Dr

Plainfield Date: July 3, 2014 at Dusk Location: Plainfield Central High School

Romeoville Date: July 3, 2014 at 9:15pm Location: Village Park

Roselle Date: July 3, 2014 at dusk Location:  Lake Park High School West Campus

Round Lake Beach Date: July 4, 2014 at Dusk Location: Cultural Center Outdoor Stage

Skokie Date: July 4, 2014 at Dusk Location: Niles West High School

St. Charles Date: July 4, 2014 at Dusk Location: Pottawatomie Park

Streamwood Date: July 4, 2014 at 9:15pm Location: Dolphin Park

Tinley Park Date: July 4, 2014 at 9:15pm Location: McCarthy Park

Warrenville Date: July 4, 2014 at 9:15pm Location: Cerny Park

Wauconda Date: July 3, 2014 at Dusk Location: Cook Park

Waukegan July 4, 2014 at 9:30pm Location: Downtown Waukegan

Westmont Date: July 4, 2014 at 9:30 pm Location: Ty Warner Park Part of the Ty Warner Park 4th of July Celebration

Wilmette Date: July 3, 2014 at 9:30pm Location: Gillson Park

Woodridge Date: July 4, 2014 at 9:30pm Location: Zigfield Troy Golf

Wheaton Date: July 3, 2014 at Dusk Location: Graf Park

Wilmington Date: July 5, 2014 at Dusk Location: North Island Park

Vernon Hills Date: July 4, 2014 at 9:30pm Location: Century Park

Zion Date: July 4, 2014 at 9:30pm Location: Shiloh Park Zion

Crown Point, Ind. Date: July 4, 2014 at 9:30pm Location: Lake County Fairgrounds

East Chicago, Ind. Date: July 3, 2014 at Dusk Location: On the boardwalk at the East Chicago Marina

Merrillville, Ind. Date: July 3, 2014 at 9:00pm Location: Hidden Lake Park

Schererville, Ind. Date: July 3, 2014 at Dusk Location: Rohrman Park

Munster, Ind. Date: July 3, 2014 at 9:00pm Location: Centennial Park

Whiting, Ind. Date: July 3, 2014 at 10:00pm Location: Whiting Park

Portage, Ind. Date: July 4, 2014 at Dusk Location: Trumble Field

Valparaiso, Ind. Date: July 4, 2014 at Dusk Location: Thomas Jefferson Middle School

Hebron, Ind. Date: July 3, 2014 at Dusk Location: Hebron High School grounds

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