Posted 5 years ago in Arts and Culture, Trending
On Thursday, July 4, the Chicago Loop will be one of the best places to be to celebrate Independence Day. Kaleidoscopic fireworks and patriotic events salute our nation and celebrate its history. Consider this your guide to the biggest summer holiday and some of the best spots in the Chicago Loop to view the fireworks.
Independence Day Salute
Thursday, July 4
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Pritzker Park Pavilion
Prepare for a sensory feast as Christopher Bell and the Grant Park Orchestra observe our nation’s birthday with rousing marches and patriotic anthems including Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, Sousa’s Stars and Stripes Forever, the Armed Forces Salute, and more.
Shoreline Sightseeing July 4th Lake Fireworks Tours
Thursday, July 4
8:15-9:45 p.m.
This sixty-minute panoramic tour of Lake Michigan covers the entire length of Chicago's magnificent skyline. This 60-minute cruise concludes with lakeside viewing of the July 4th fireworks at Navy Pier. Boats will depart from Shoreline's dock at the west end of Navy Pier (across from McDonald’s) beginning at 8:35 p.m. Boarding will begin 15 minutes before departure with a cash bar available.
4th of July Fireworks Cruise by Wendella
Thursday, July 4
7:30-10:30 p.m., 8:30-10:30 p.m.
No city embraces summer quite like Chicago. Get up-close and personal with an unobstructed 360-degree view of the Navy Pier fireworks display. Cruise along the city's iconic lit-up skyline on Lake Michigan. This kid-friendly cruise is a unique way to experience the 4th of July fireworks.
Architecture Fireworks Tours by Shoreline Sightseeing
Thursday, July 4
8:15-9:45 p.m.
Shoreline’s 90-minute July 4th Architecture Fireworks Tours begin with a dramatic, guided architecture tour on the Chicago River. Boats will then head towards the mouth of the river for fantastic views of the July 4th fireworks at Navy Pier. Shoreline currently has multiple tour times available beginning at 8:15 p.m. from our docks at Polk Bros Park (SW corner of Navy Pier*), and at Michigan Avenue (NE corner of the Michigan Avenue Bridge). Boarding will begin 15 minutes before departure with a cash bar available.
DuSable Harbor
Thursday, July 4
Navy Pier’s Fireworks Start at 9:30 p.m.
111 N. Lake Shore Dr.
Want to watch the Navy Pier fireworks but don’t want to deal with the large crowds and traffic? DuSable Harbor offers an up-close vantage point. Located at the foot of Randolph Street, it is the only harbor in the Loop, which also allows you to enjoy a breath-taking view of the Chicago skyline.
Cindy's Rooftop
Thursday, July 4
Navy Pier’s Fireworks Start at 9:30 p.m.
12 S. Michigan Ave.
The jewel in the crown of Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, Cindy’s is an indoor and outdoor rooftop restaurant that offers an unparalleled view of Millennium Park and beyond. There’s no doubt the fireworks from here would be spectacular. Atop the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, not only does it boast magnificent views, but also an award-winning menu created by Executive Chef Christian Ragano.
Buckingham Fountain
Thursday, July 4
Navy Pier’s Fireworks Start at 9:30 p.m.
301 S. Columbus Dr.
Besides the dazzling fountain show that reaches 150 feet high, Buckingham Fountain is a great place to catch the remarkable fireworks and stunning nighttime views of the Chicago skyline. Beautifully lit at night, it's a stunning sculptural fountain in Grant Park.
Maggie Daley Park
Thursday, July 4
Navy Pier’s Fireworks Start at 9:30 p.m.
301 S Columbus Dr.
Got kids? Granted they will last until the fireworks, Maggie Daley is a great family-friendly place to be for the 4th of July. The free and interactive park offers children's play areas, rock climbing, a Skating Ribbon, tennis courts, fieldhouse, and picnic groves.
If you’re going to drive to the Loop, download the iParkit mobile app for discounted parking at any of InterPark's 18 city-wide locations. It will give you easy access to the city's best attractions. Millennium Garages also offers multiple convenient parking garages, and you can secure your spot ahead of time online. If you are going to be drinking, we recommend you take a Lyft or the CTA for a safe ride back home. Click here to plot your route.
