It’s the Fourth of July, and the country’s third biggest city gives you too many reasons not to celebrate this wonderful occasion. We hope you’ll indulge in some of the city’s finest eateries and pubs, chasing down your deep dish pizza with a delicious pint before you take in the day’s best offerings.
Our location by the Chicago River lends itself to a day of relaxation and outdoor leisure. On top of that, there are events and merriment all around Chicago, so take note of the following to ensure a memorable day of toasting the Red, White, and Blue.
First and foremost, let’s talk fireworks. The big show takes places at Navy Pier at 9pm. It’s a visual feast of colors and pyrotechnics. If you miss it, then come back on Saturday, July 7 at 10:15pm—there will be another show! If you want to see the Independence Day celebration by boat, check out the Seadog or Wendella Boats cruises. If you want a dinner cruise, you might check out the Odyssey, the Spirit of Chicago, or the Mystic Blue. You can even rent a kayak at Navy Pier and catch the dazzling show as you paddle at twilight.
Besides the Red, White, and Blue, you can also root for the boys in Black and White all week. On July 4, the Chicago White Sox take on the Texas Rangers at U.S. Cellular Field at 6:10pm. They also play on July 5, before hosting the Toronto Blue Jays through the weekend. Cheer on the Sox as they look to increase their lead in the American League Central Division. The Cubs are away this week, playing first against the Atlanta Braves and then the New York Mets.
The Grant Park Music Festival in Millennium Park is a fun and free way to pass the evening. Beginning at 6:30pm, this Christopher Bell-directed concert will feature arrangements by Gershwin, Copland, Sousa, Bernstein, and more!
Take the kids to the Family Fun Festival, also at Millennium Park. From 10am-3pm, the Family Fun Tent is set up at the Chase Promenade North corner of the park. The festival features a 10am Wiggleworms lesson—this includes sing-alongs, circle dances, finger games and more—plus an 11am reading circle and 1pm live music and dance performances.
When the day is done, retire to the Residence Inn or SpringHill Suites for a soothing night’s sleep as you prepare for the weekend—which is sure to pack as much excitement as Independence Day itself.