The Chicago Traveler

Tomorrow, the United States will celebrate Independence Day, commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. There are several fireworks displays all across the city of Chicago and surrounding suburbs:

• At Navy Pier, the Fourth of July Fireworks are a ten-minute display accompanied with inspirational music. (9:30 p.m. – 9:40 p.m.)

• Partygoers will meet at Lumen before buses will take them to the DayRa Fourth of July Boat Cruise, a three-hour cruise with dancing, cocktails, food, and a great view of the Navy Pier fireworks. After the display, an after-party will be held at Lumen. ($75-$95, 5:00 p.m.)

• The Oak Lawn Star-Spangled Fourth Family Festival features a basketball tournament, volleyball tournament, arts and crafts vendors, swimming pool games, and more, followed by fireworks at dusk. ($1 admission to pools)

• A parade and kids’ activities precede the Oak Park Fireworks at the Oak Park-River Forest High School. There will also be a parade, live music, and family activities at Niles West High School before the Skokie Fireworks at dusk.

• The 24^th annual Barrington Fourth of July Celebration features food vendors, a raffle, cooking demonstrations, a beer tent, bingo, kids’ activities, and fireworks. ($5, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.)

• The Hoffman Estates Fourth of July Festival (PDF schedule) includes a carnival, cooking competition, bike auction, a parade, fireworks, and live music. (11:00 am. – 11:00 p.m.)

• Enjoy food from local restaurants, fireworks, and live music at the Elmwood Park Fourth of July Freedom Festival. (2:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.)

• The annual outdoor Wheeling Freedom Fest features live music, food vendors, kids’ activities, a parade, and fireworks at dusk. (3:00 p.m. – 12 midnight)

Photo credit: (c/o SXC) Zoran Nikolic, Patrick Nijhuis, Steve Graham