Fireworks are back for Fourth of July 2021: All the Chicago and suburban shows
Fireworks shows are back for Independence Day weekend this year. For Chicago, Navy Pier has announced Wednesday and Saturday fireworks for the summer through Sept. 4 — but with no fireworks for Independence Day weekend.
Instead, the official Chicago lakefront show will be 9:30 p.m. July 3 and visible along the lakefront from Grand Avenue to the north to 55th Street to the south.
In the surrounding zip codes, area fireworks companies estimate 70% or more of their customers have decided to proceed with Fourth of July fireworks.
“Some are still looking for more creative ways to do a show,” said Michael Cartolano, president of Melrose Pyrotechnics of Kingsbury, Indiana. Examples might be to do a drive-up show, or to shoot only high-altitude fireworks than can be seen from a wide surrounding area. Some towns, such as Glencoe, are electing to wait and do Labor Day fireworks instead.
Towns and suburban communities are listed below with their plans for Independence Day. If no time is mentioned, most fireworks displays begin between 9 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Many communities have updated or changed their plans in the weeks leading up to Independence Day; we have tried to keep this list up to date but please check with your show before you go, or email us if we’re missing one:
Arlington Heights: The local Frontier Days Festival and fireworks usually held at Recreation Park have been canceled for 2021; www.frontierdays.org. The Arlington International Racecourse (2200 W. Euclid Ave.) has a ticketed fireworks display July 3; more at www.arlingtonpark.com
Aurora: The city of Aurora will host a July 2 fireworks display best viewed from RiverEdge Park (360 N. Broadway Ave.) with music from DJ Suave Smooth; and McCullough Park (150 W. Illinois Ave.) with music from DJ Pena; www.aurora-il.org
Barrington: The celebrations in northwest suburban Barrington begin July 2 with a concert in the Metra station parking lot (198 Park Ave.). Fireworks are night of July 2, changed from July 3, at Barrington High School (616 W. Main St.). Downtown parade begins at 10 a.m. July 3; www.barrington-il.gov
Bartlett: The town’s Fourth of July Festival is on for July 2-4 in Community Park (corner of South Bartlett and Stearns Roads), according to a May 12 announcement from the Fourth of July Committee. Bands kick off 5 p.m. Friday with Smokin’ Gunz, followed by 7th Heaven, with fireworks that night at 9:30 p.m. July 2. The festival and live music continues through Sunday night, including Bad Medicine, Anthem and Modern Day Romeos; www.bartlett4thofjuly.com
Batavia: Fireworks with music are planned for dusk at July 4 at Engstrom Park (326 Millview Drive); bataviafireworks.org
Beecher: The Fourth of July Commission in the town of Beecher to the south has decided to postpone its fireworks and carnival to Labor Day weekend. Look for fireworks at 8:30 p.m. Sept. 5 at Firemen’s Park, 675 Penfield St.; www.villageofbeecher.org
Bensenville: The usual Independence Day Parade will not be held in 2021 — but “Libertyfest” is a go for July 4. The fest will be located at Redmond Recreational Complex (545 John St.) with live entertainment, food, drinks and a fireworks show. Musical begins at 6 p.m. with DJ M.B. Entertainment, followed by Simply Elton at 7:30 p.m. Fireworks will be launched from the Bensenville Public Works facility beginning at about 9:30 p.m.; www.bensenville.il.us
Bolingbrook: Grounds open at 6 p.m. July 4 for fireworks at Bolingbrook Golf Club (2001 Rodeo Drive), or watch from Eichelberger Elementary, Kennedy Middle School or Plainfield East High School; www.facebook.com/bolingbrookgolfclub
Bridgeview: The village’s “3rd of July Celebration” will include bands, food trucks, family-friendly wresting performance and more. Fireworks are 9:15 p.m. July 3 in Commissioners Park (8100 S. Beloit Ave.); bridgeviewparkdistrict.com
Buffalo Grove: The village is planning fireworks shows on July 4 in multiple locations, including Willow Stream Park (651 Old Checker Road). Some will be drive-in shows for viewing in your car; the usual Village Hall campus will not be used because of road construction in the area; bgparks.org
Burr Ridge: The Pleasant Dale Park District’s fireworks will be 9:30 p.m. July 3 in Walker Park (7425 S. Wolf Road). Parking passes ($20) on sale now; pdparks.org
Carpentersville: The village has announced a free concert with Shout Out (7:30 p.m.), food trucks and fireworks (9:30 p.m.) for June 26 at Meadowdale Park and Shopping Center, corner of Mall and Kennedy Drives; www.dtpd.org
Chicago Heights: The city’s July 3 fireworks display has been canceled this summer; www.cityofchicagoheights.org
Crystal Lake: Fireworks and a concert will be July 4 at Main Street Beach (300 Lakeshore Drive); admission to the beach is $5 after 2:30 p.m. The annual Cardboard Cup Regatta is canceled again this summer; view.publitas.com. Or watch fireworks from the Dole Mansion (401 Country Club Road) as part of a weekend-long Lakeside Festival; tickets and more information at www.thedole.org
Deerfield: The usual Deerfield Family Days in early July have been canceled for 2021, the village is considering a fireworks display later this year; www.deerfield.il.us
DeKalb: Come to Hopkins Park (1403 Sycamore Road) for music and festivities starting at 3 p.m. July 4, fireworks at dusk; www.dekalbparkdistrict.com
Des Plaines: The city plans a fireworks display 9:30 p.m. July 2 at Oakton Community College (1600 Golf Road); www.desplaines.org
Downers Grove: The fireworks show will be 9:30 p.m. July 4 (75th Street and Lemont Road), presented by the Village of Downers Grove and the Village of Woodridge. The parade will not take place this year; www.downers.us
Elburn: The Lions Club of Elburn will present a fireworks show July 10 at Lions Park (500 Filmore St.). The park opens at 7 p.m. and the show begins at dusk; rain date July 11. Food and nonalcoholic concessions will be available; www.elburnlions.com/fireworks-show
Elgin: The city will have a Fourth of July fireworks display at Festival Park (132 S, Grove Ave.) at about 9:15 July 4 but not a parade or other activities this year; www.cityofelgin.org
Elk Grove Village: The village plans to host a July 4 celebration this year, with concert and fireworks, sponsored by the Lions Club; www.elkgrove.org
Elmwood Park: The village’s Fourth of July parade and fireworks, as well as Taste of Elmwood Park in August, are back for summer 2021. The parade will start at 9 a.m. July 4 at 80th Avenue and Westwood Drive. The holiday celebration at Elmwood Park High School (8201 W. Fullerton Ave.) runs 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. with fireworks at 9:30 p.m.; facebook.com/ElmwoodPark
Evanston: The Evanston Fourth of July Association has elected to cancel the fun run, parade, Palatine Concert Band performance and fireworks show planned for July 2021; www.facebook.com/Evanstonjuly4th
Fox Lake: “Celebrate Fox Lake” will be 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. July 3 at Lakefront Park (71 Nippersink Blvd.) with fireworks at dusk; www.foxlake.org
Fox River Grove: The town’s annual fireworks event begins 5:30 p.m. July 10 (no entry after 9 p.m.) with food, drink and music, including concessions by Cary-Grove Jaycees and Lions Clubs, at Picnic Grove Park (no parking on site, shuttle buses available); www.foxrivergrove.org
Frankfort: Fireworks at about 9:15 p.m. July 4 at Main Park (200 S. Locust St.); www.frankfortparks.org
Glencoe: Fireworks at Lakefront Park have been rescheduled to Sept. 3 over Labor Day Weekend; glencoeparkdistrict.com
Glen Ellyn: The Fourth of July Parade begins at noon, fireworks at Lake Ellyn Park (645 Lenox Road); www.glenellyn4thofjuly.org
Glendale Heights: The village and the Glendale Heights Founder’s Day Committee announced June 4 that Glendale Heights Fest 2021 has been canceled; www.glendaleheightsfest.com
Glenview: Northwest suburban Glenview has announced a Fourth of July celebration and “reverse parade” in Community Park West (1001 Zenith Drive) and a fireworks show in Gallery Park (2001 Patriot Blvd.) with times and more information to come; glenviewparks.org
Glenwood: The town’s Fourth of July Parade and Festival begins with a parade at 1 p.m. July 4 (route is Strieff to Pleasant to 187th Street to Main and Rebecca). Then a 2 p.m. ceremony in Bicentennial Flag Park (Main and Rebecca). The Family Fest is 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Glenwoodie Golf Club (19301 State St.) with fireworks at 9:30 p.m.; www.villageofglenwood.com
Gurnee: Fireworks both July 3 and 4 at 9:45 p.m. inside the Six Flags Great America theme park (1 Great America Parkway) with regular park admission; sixflags.com/greatamerica.
Hawthorn Woods: Fireworks are planned for 9:15 p.m. July 3 at Community Park (5 Park View Lane); www.vhw.org/249/Fireworks
Hinckley: According to the Hinckley Festival Association, fireworks were rescheduled from a earlier date to July 31 because of the weather; www.hinckleyfestivalassociation.org
Hoffman Estates: The “Northwest Fourth-Fest” has been canceled for 2021, including the Fourth of July parade and fireworks; www.hoffmanestates.org
Huntley: Fireworks 9:30 p.m. July 4 in Deicke Park (11419 IL-47); www.huntley.il.us
Joliet: Joliet Slammer baseball games include fireworks all summer long, including the nights of July 2-4 at DuPage Medical Group Field (1 Mayor Art Schultz Drive); www.jolietslammers.com
La Grange: The local at La Grange Country Club has announced its “American Celebration” for July 2, with fireworks planned for 9:30 p.m. and best viewed by nonmembers from Waiola Park at the corner of 47th Street and Waiola; www.facebook.com/LaGrangeCountryClub
Lakemoor: The town will hold a Fourth of July parade starting 10 a.m. July 4 at the Village Hall parking lot (28581 Illinois Route 120) and ending at the Morrison Park pavilion; www.lakemoor.net
Lake Forest: The 14th Annual Lake Forest Festival and Fireworks will be July 4 at Deerpath Community Park (95 Deerpath). Gate open for a concert at 5 p.m., fireworks will be about 9:40 p.m.; tickets at lfparksandrec.com
Lake Zurich: The annual Family Day at Paulus Park (200 S. Rand Road) will be July 4. The day culminates in fireworks launched over the lake at about 9:15 p.m.; lakezurich.org
Libertyville: The village Independence Day fireworks will be 9:30 p.m. July 4 at Butler Lake Park (835 W. Winchester Road), though no concert this year; libertyville.com
Lincolnshire: The town’s “Red, White and BOOM!” festival is planned for July 4 with parade at 11 a.m. at Spring Lake Park (49 Oxford Drive) and live music and events at North Park (1025 Riverwoods Road), fireworks at 9:30 p.m.; www.lincolnshireil.gov
Lisle: Although the popular annual Eyes to the Skies Hot Air Balloon Festival has been canceled, the village will have July 3 fireworks at Lisle Community Park (1825 Short St.); www.villageoflisle.org
Lockport: Fireworks July 3 in Dellwood Park (corner of Woods Drive and Highway 171); www.lockportpark.org
Lombard: The village plans to host Fourth of July Fireworks at dusk on July 4 at Madison Meadow Park (E. Madison Street and S. Ahrens Avenue); www.villageoflombard.org
McHenry: The city’s fireworks will be 9:30 p.m. July 11 as part of Fiesta Days at Petersen Park (4300 Petersen Park Road); cityofmchenry.org
Mokena: Fireworks July 4 and best viewed from the Hickory Creek Metra Lot (opens at 7 p.m.); www.mokena.org
Mount Prospect: The local Lions Club has announced that the 82nd Annual 4th of July Festival will be June 30 to July 4 at Melas Park (1500 W. Central Road) with fireworks both June 30 and July 4 at dusk (about 9 p.m.); mplions.org
Mundelein: The 2021 Mundelein Community Days Festival is scheduled to take place July 2-5 at Kracklauer Park (116 N. Lake St.) with bands and a carnival; fireworks at 9:30 p.m. July 4 and the parade 2 p.m. July 5; www.mundelein.org
Naperville: The hometown Naperville Salute will be at Rotary Hill (440 Aurora Ave.) July 2-3, with fireworks 9:30 p.m. July 4 at Frontier Park (3380 Cedar Glade Drive); more at www.napervillesalute.org
New Lenox: Fireworks at 9:15 p.m. July 4 at New Lenox Village Commons (101 Veterans Parkway), with music from 6 p.m.; www.newlenox.net
Northbrook: Fireworks at dusk on July 4 at the usual location of Meadowhill Park and Techny Prairie Park and Fields, corner of Voltz and Waukegan Roads. Also for July 3: Liberty Loop 5K Race in the morning at Techny Prairie Parks; live music at Village Green Park in the afternoon; DJ and movie at dusk at the Velodrome at Meadowhill Park. The parade will not be held; northbrook4thofjuly.com
Oak Brook and Oakbrook Terrace: The annual Taste of Oak Brook is canceled for 2021 but the city of Oakbrook Terrace has announced a July 4 picnic and fireworks at dusk at Terrace View Park (1 Parkview Plaza); www.facebook.com/OakbrookTerrace
Oak Lawn: Fireworks July 4 at Richards High School (106th Street and Central Avenue). With construction, viewers should find alternate areas to watch from; www.olparks.com
Oak Park: The village of Oak Park announced in early June it would cancel both the annual Fourth of July parade and fireworks; www.oak-park.us
Orland Park: Mayor Keith Pekau has announced July 4 events, including the John Mellencamp tribute band Mellencougar and fireworks in Centennial Park (5600 West Ave.); orlandpark.org
Oswego: The annual Fourth of July fireworks will be held at dusk on July 4 at Prairie Point Park (4120 Plainfield Road); parking is also available at Oswego Public Works, the Oswego Senior Center rear lot, Eastview Elementary, Traughber Junior High School, Prairie Point Elementary and Oswego High School). The rain date is July 5; www.oswegoil.org
Ottawa: Fireworks after 9 p.m. July 4 on the Fox and Illinois Rivers at Ottawa Township High School (211 E Main St.); pickusottawail.com
Palatine: The Palatine Jaycees Hometown Fest will be scaled back this year with the parade and fireworks canceled, the organization announced April 23. Other activities for the Fest and Carnival will still take place July 1-5 in Community Park (250 E. Wood St.); palatinejaycees.org
Palos Heights: festivities start with a parade at noon, fireworks in Memorial Park (7607 College Drive); palosheights.org
Park Ridge: The annual July 3 Fireworks Celebration traditionally held at Maine East High School in northwest suburban Park Ridge has been canceled, with the possibility of a show later in the year; www.prparks.org
Romeoville: Although the planned Ribfest by Exchange Club of Naperville in Romeoville was canceled, the village has announced three simultaneous firework shows on July 3 at Lukancic Middle School (725 Normantown Road), Volunteer Park (1100 Murphy Drive) and Discovery Park (300 S. Highpoint Drive); romeoville.org
Rosemont: The west suburban Parkway Bank Park has announced a lineup for its “Rockin’ In The Park” free concert series at 5501 Park Place; concerts July 2 and other nights have post-show fireworks; rosemont.com
Round Lake: Fireworks will be July 3 near the Round Lake Beach Cultural and Civic Center (2007 Civic Center Way), with bands and festivities starting at 7:30 p.m.; www.rlapd.org
Sandwich: The annual Sandwich Freedom Days is back for July 3 at Sandwich Fairgrounds (1401 Suydam Road). Parade at 10 a.m., festival begins at 3 p.m. ($5) and fireworks after dark (rain date July 10); www.sandwichfair.com
Schaumburg: The popular way to see fireworks in Schaumburg is to catch a Schaumburg Boomers baseball game at Wintrust Field (1999 S. Springinsguth Road). There will be fireworks after home games July 2-4 with an extended show July 4. Tickets start at $11; www.boomersbaseball.com
Skokie: The town’s previously announced 4th of July Parade and “3-D Fireworks Festival” has been canceled; www.skokie4th.org
South Holland: Drive-in fireworks at 9 p.m. July 5 at South Suburban College (15800 State St.). Lot opens 7 p.m. (no walk-ups); www.southholland.org
Spring Grove: A celebration by the Spring Grove 4th of July Committee will include a concert on Saturday, then a noon parade and fireworks at dusk July 4. Views from Thelen Park (8516 Winn Road) and Spring Grove Park (2102 Main St.), parking fee $10; www.sg4thofjuly.com
St. Charles: The St. Charles Park District is planning fireworks at Pottawatomie Park (8 North Ave.) at dusk, about 9 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Parking ($10 for nonresidents) is limited. The band Soda plays at 6 p.m.; www.stcparks.org/july-4th-celebration
Tinley Park: The park district’s big “Celebrate 4th of July” event at Tinley Junction (16801 S. 80th Ave.) begins at 6 p.m., the band Libido Funk Circus at 6:30 p.m. and fireworks at 9:30 p.m.; www.tinleyparkdistrict.org
Vernon Hills: Fireworks are planned for about 9:30 p.m. July 4 (no parade or concert this year) in the area around Big Bear and Little Bear Lake and Century Park; www.vernonhills.org
Wauconda: The fireworks celebration is held July 3 with a rain date of July 4; www.wauconda-il.gov
Waukegan: Fireworks will be 9 p.m. July 4 at Waukegan Harbor and Marina (55 S. Harbor Place); waukeganharbor.com
Warrenville: As organized by the Warrenville Friends of the 4th, fireworks will be 9:15 p.m. July 3 at Bower Elementary School (4S241 River Rd #3815) though other festivities have been canceled; www.warrenville.il.us
Westmont: Also celebrating the village’s 100th anniversary, an Independence Day Celebration will begin 4 p.m. July 4 with fireworks at 9:30 p.m. at Ty Warner Park (700 Blackhawk Drive). Also food trucks, music and more; www.westmontparks.org
Wheaton: Independence Day will be celebrated with fireworks July 3 at the DuPage County Fairgrounds (2015 Manchester Road), according to the village’s 2021 summer guide, with a parade 11 a.m. July 4 (no events in Graf Park); wheatonparkdistrict.com
Wilmette: “Fun & Fireworks” is planned for July 3, festivities begin 4 p.m. and fireworks at 9:30 p.m. at Gillson Park (entrances from Lake and Michigan Avenues and Sheridan Road); www.wilmettepark.org
Winnetka: The town will be hosting a daytime Fourth of July Celebration but fireworks have been rescheduled for September; www.winpark.org
Woodstock: Fourth of July fireworks begin at dusk in Emricson Park (1313 Kishwaukee Valley Road with parking fee; use South Street entrance); www.woodstockil.gov
Yorkville: The town is planning a weekend Fourth of July Celebration with a parade starting at 9 a.m. July 3 on Game Farm Road, ending Church Street at the water tower. Followed by family activities in Town Square (301 N. Bridge) until 1 p.m. Fireworks begin at dusk (after 9 p.m. July 3; rain date July 17) at the corner of Route 47 and Countryside Parkway; www.yorkville.il.us
Zion: The Fourth of July festival and fireworks are canceled this year, possible fireworks later this summer; www.facebook.com/zionparkdistrict
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