Looking for the best things to do over 4th of July weekend in Chicago? This is the guide for you! We cover tons of local tips in addition to the best attractions to make your 4th of July weekend one to remember.
The windy city is one of my favorite places to be in the entire world. From world-class dining to iconic architecture and famous museums, it really has everything.
Summer is one of the best times to be in Chicago, making your 4th of July weekend all the more spectacular.
Some of the best things to do over the 4th of July in Chicago include Navy Pier Fireworks, a Chicago Cubs baseball game, a Chicago Architecture Cruise, watching a 4th of July Parade, lounging at the beach, and listening to live music.
10 Best 4th of July Things To Do in Chicago
1. Offshore Rooftop at Navy Pier
Navy Pier’s Offshore Rooftop will be hosting a 4th of July Bash. It features a DJ and photo booth from 11:00 am-8:00 pm.
Tickets cost $20 and you can purchase them online in advance. (Tickets do not include food costs.)
2. Navy Pier Fireworks
There will be a free fireworks show at Chicago’s iconic Navy Pier on Saturday, July 5th at 10:00 p.m., part of its summer fireworks series.
You can also check out Navy Pier Fireworks all summer long on Wednesdays at 9:00 pm and Saturdays at 10:00 pm.
3. 4th of July Parades
There will be an annual 4th of July Parade from 55th to 53rd street in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago’s South Side. This is the largest 4th of July parade in Chicago!
Following the parade, there is a free festival in Nichols Park featuring bands, lawn games, and a magician.
Just outside of Chicago, you can also catch the Evanston 4th of July Parade at 2:00 pm.
4. Chicago River Cruise
A Chicago River cruise is a great 4th of July weekend activity because it offers skyline views in Chicago’s warm sunshine.
Many cruises also run in the evening, making it easy to catch sunset or spot fireworks from the water!
It’s a relaxing break from packed lakefront events.
Chicago architecture cruises are one of the most popular activities to do in Chicago, and I recommend it on most Chicago itineraries.
5. Chicago Riverwalk
After your Chicago River Cruise, enjoy a leisurely but lively walk along the Chicago River.
The views are obviously amazing, and you can stop for a bite to eat at one of its many restaurants and cafes.
Pizzeria Portofino and Beatnik on The River come highly recommended but will require advanced reservations, especially for seating with river views.
6. Chicago Beach Day
Relax along Lake Michigan’s sandy shoreline at one of Chicago’s 20 beaches.
Hanging out at the beach is one of my favorite free things to do in Chicago. And it’s so underrated!
North Avenue Beach is known for volleyball and boat rentals, while Oak Street Beach offers clear water and skyline views.
Visitors can swim, paddleboard, or grab food at beachside cafes.
To make sure you stay cool, I recommend checking out a Chicago summer packing list.
7. NASCAR Street Race Weekend
Nascar takes to the streets of Downtown Chicago for its 3rd annual race weekend on July 5th and July 6th, 2025.
Fans can witness the NASCAR Cup Series and Xfinity Series races on a 2.2-mile, 12-turn track that winds through Grant Park and past landmarks like Buckingham Fountain and Michigan Avenue.
General admission tickets begin at $99 and entry is free for kids under 12 with a ticketed adult.
8. Live Music at Millennium Park
Millennium Park features an Independence Day Salute from 6:30-8:00 pm on 4th of July in 2025.
The Grant Park Orchestra will play over 10 songs during this free outdoor summer concert.
Visitors are encouraged to bring blankets and picnics to enjoy the music in the park’s Great Lawn area.
While outside food is permitted, alcohol is not allowed during the event. The concert provides an excellent opportunity to experience live classical music in an urban setting!
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9. Chicago Cubs Game at Wrigley Field
In 2025, Chicago will be playing a home game at Wrigley Field on July 4th, 5th, and 6th. You have lots of options!
They will play the Cardinals at 1:20 pm each day over the 4th of July weekend.
This game offers a classic baseball experience in one of MLB’s most iconic ballparks. Fans can enjoy the historic charm of Wrigley Field, complete with its ivy-covered outfield walls and manual scoreboard.
The surrounding Wrigleyville neighborhood provides a vibrant atmosphere, with numerous bars and restaurants to explore before or after the game.
10. Milwaukee Summerfest
OK, I know it’s about an hour’s drive from Chicago. But Milwaukee’s Summerfest is known as one of the largest summer music festivals in the USA!
Consider making the drive up for a day or two of outdoor concert galore.
In 2025, there will be performances from over 600 artists across 12 stages. The 4th of July weekend lineup features headliners like Lainey Wilson, Lukas Nelson, The Killers, and Megan Thee Stallion.
Beyond music, Summerfest offers a variety of food vendors, family-friendly activities, and fireworks displays, making it a festive way to celebrate the 4th of July!
Conclusion
Chicago’s 4th of July weekend offers a diverse mix of activities.
From relaxing river and architecture cruises to lively beach days and thrilling NASCAR races, there’s something for everyone.
Music lovers can enjoy world-class concerts like the Independence Day Salute or make a day trip to Milwaukee Summerfest.
Ending the day with skyline fireworks makes an unforgettable holiday celebration!
Whatever you choose, Chicago delivers a memorable and festive 4th of July experience.
