Independence Day 2026 around Chicago
Chicago will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence this weekend.
Parades, fireworks displays, concerts, picnics and more will take place around the city and nearby Chicagoland suburbs.
We will post citywide events here, and neighborhood events in the comments.
We also encourage you to add events that are taking place in your communities within this posting.
Chicago's Independence Day Fireworks
>Navy Pier promises an extended, 15-minute show commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States. It’ll be set to music and — as always — set over Lake Michigan against the city’s skyline. 10-10:15 p.m. July 4 from Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave.; details on the free event at navypier.org
Chicago's Independence Day Salute
>The Grant Park Orchestra plays rousing patriotic favorites — from Aaron Copland’s “Fanfare for the Common Man” to John Philip Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes Forever” — along with George Gershwin’s “Three Preludes,” Carlos Gardel’s “Tango (Por Una Cabeza”), a medley of Hollywood blockbusters and more. Christopher Bell conducts this free outdoor concert, part of the Grant Park Music Festival. 7:30-8:45 p.m. July 4 in Jay Pritzker Pavilion, 201 E. Randolph St.; free seating on a first-come, first-served basis; reserved seating from $28 at grantparkmusicfestival.com