Fourth of July in Chicago

The Fourth of July is one of the best times to experience summer in Chicago. And since the holiday falls on a Saturday this year, it’s the perfect excuse to spend a long weekend enjoying everything the city has to offer.

All weekend long, the city will be bursting with exciting events, neighborhood festivals, boat cruises, live sporting events, waterfront fireworks, and beyond. And don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy our pristine parks and waterfronts, including our bustling riverwalk, sandy beaches, and sprawling green spaces.

Here’s your guide to the best things to do in Chicago over the Fourth of July weekend.

See the Navy Pier fireworks

Saturday, July 4, 2026
10 p.m.
Navy Pier

Head to the lakefront to catch Chicago’s Independence Day fireworks display at Navy Pier on the Saturday of Fourth of July weekend.

This year’s show will be the largest and longest in Navy Pier’s history, with a full 15-minute performance to honor the nation’s 250th anniversary.

The event part of Navy Pier’s annual free summer fireworks series, which runs every Wednesday and Saturday all summer long.

You can catch the fireworks display from Navy Pier or along the nearby lakefront. You can also hop on one of the many boat cruises offering a front-row seat to the action.

Navy Pier, an iconic destination along Chicago’s waterfront, is also home to tons of family-friendly activities, lakefront boat cruises, carnival rides, local dining, and sweeping skyline views.

Celebrate a historic milestone

Millennium Park Pritzker Pavilion — Abel Arciniega :: @tequilagraphics

All weekend long

This year marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, a milestone that’s being commemorated with a nationwide celebration known as America 250.

Chicago will be honoring the occasion with special Chicago 250 events throughout the summer. Fourth of July events include:

Grant Park Music Festival, the free classical concert series, will host their annual Independence Day Salute at downtown Millennium Park. This year’s show will be held on Saturday, July 4 at 7:30 p.m.
Chicago History Museum will host a civic-minded Independence Day celebration on Saturday, July 4. The event is included with general admission; museum admission is free for Illinois residents.
Chicago Greeter celebrates Chicago 250 on Saturday, July 4 with free walks that delve into the city’s fascinating history and culture.
The American Writers Museum and the Newberry Library are both hosting special exhibits and events in honor of American 250.
The new Obama Presidential Center will host a community event for the Fourth of July and America 250.

Relax on sandy beaches

A group of friends play volleyball at North Avenue Beach — Photo by Kathleen Hinkel

A group of friends jump in the water at North Avenue Beach — Photo by Kathleen Hinkel

All weekend long
It’s a long weekend, so make sure to save some time to kick back and relax on one of Chicago’s scenic beaches. Grab some friends and play a round of beach volleyball, get a tropical drink at a waterfront bar, or just hang out in the sand and enjoy the city views.

There are more than two dozen free public beaches along the city’s sandy shoreline. Here are just a few:

North Avenue Beach: a bustling vibe that’s perfect for people-watching and lakefront dining.
Montrose Beach: one of the city’s biggest beaches, with a bird sanctuary and dog beach
Oak Street Beach: offers up-close skyline views and a beachfront bar
63 Street Beach: nestled next to Jackson Park and the new Obama Presidential Center
Foster Avenue Beach: lots of space and a family-friendly atmosphere
31st Street Beach: rent paddleboards, kayaks, jet skis, and more

Looking to get out on the water? You can rent a variety of water sports equipment right on the beach, including jet skis, kayaks, and paddleboards, at North Avenue Beach, 31st Street Beach, and more locations. There are also banana boat rides, paddleboard yoga, water jetpacks, and more.

Catch a baseball game

Friday, July 3 – Sunday, July 5, 2026
There’s no better place to spend a summer afternoon than the ballpark.

Chicago’s legendary Chicago Cubs will play a slew of home games over the Fourth of July weekend against the rival St. Louis Cardinals. Grab a spot in the iconic Wrigley Field bleachers or check out the Wrigley Rooftops for a unique viewing experience.

Their ballpark is the second-oldest MLB stadium in the country, with famous features like the ivy-covered outfield and hand-operated scoreboard — definitely a bucket list experience for any baseball fan. Afterward, spend some time exploring the lively Wrigleyville neighborhood.

Take a Fourth of July boat cruise

All weekend long
Nothing says “holiday weekend” like a leisurely boat cruise. In Chicago, you can gaze up at skyscrapers on the river or admire the skyline from the blue waters of Lake Michigan.

Whether you want to learn a little history or drink and dance the night away, there’s a Chicago cruise for you this Fourth of July weekend.

City Experiences lake cruises: Dine on the water with these upscale cruises, offering brunch, lunch, and dinner Fourth of July cruises.
Shoreline Sightseeing lake and river cruises: Learn all about Chicago’s iconic architecture on a classic Shoreline Sightseeing cruise.
Chicago Seadog lake and river cruises: Get your adrenaline pumping on an exhilarating lakefront cruise. Seadog offers high-speed boat rides that take you along the gorgeous Chicago skyline.
Chicago’s First Lady river cruises: Hear the fascinating stories behind the city’s most famous buildings on these top-rated architecture cruises led by expert Chicago Architecture Center docents.
Wendella Boats: Wendella offers a variety of flexible cruise options, including a narrated architecture tour of the lake, river, or both.
Chicago Boat Company: Rent your own electric two-seater, donut boat, cycle boat, and more for your chance to be captain for a day.

Explore more Chicago boat cruises on the lake and river.

Explore the Chicago Riverwalk

Chicago Riverwalk in summer; photo by Kathleen Hinkel

All weekend long
Where else can you find an urban waterway with delicious food, cocktails, public art, soaring skyscrapers, and stunning views? The Chicago Riverwalk is one of the city’s top destinations, whether you’re looking for an unforgettable meal or a scenic stroll past some of the city’s most iconic architecture.

Grab a seat on the patio at the many alfresco Chicago Riverwalk restaurants and bars, and come back after dark for Art on theMART, the world’s largest video art projection. The Riverwalk is also the meeting point for many of the city’s most popular river cruises.

Explore more: Check out our guide to Chicago restaurants with some of the best outdoor seating.

See the skyline from a kayak

All weekend long
The Chicago River is buzzing with activity during the summer. Rent a kayak with Urban Kayaks and paddle through the heart of the city, past the bustling Riverwalk and some of the city’s most recognizable buildings. You can also join a guided tour, including historic tours, sunset tours, fireworks tours, twilight paddles, and more.

On Lake Michigan shoreline, head to Monroe Harbor to rent a kayak or paddleboard from Urban Kayaks. Paddle on your own and catch sites like Buckingham Fountain, the Shedd Aquarium, and the Adler Planetarium. Join a guided tour to explore with an expert.

Explore Navy Pier

Chicago water taxi parked at Navy Pier

All weekend long
One of the city’s most popular attractions, Navy Pier is a lakefront oasis with something for everyone. Along with the Fourth of July fireworks display, check out things to do at Navy Pier: