One of the best times to experience summer in Chicago is the Fourth of July. The whole city takes on a festive vibe, particularly when there’s a long weekend in store. And with the holiday landing on a Monday this year, it’s the perfect excuse to spend the whole weekend enjoying everything the city has to offer. Explore river and lake cruises, kayak and boat rentals, outdoor dining, and more things to do in Chicago during the Fourth of July.
See the spectacular fireworks
Head to the lakefront to catch the spectacular fireworks display during the Fourth of July weekend in Chicago. Navy Pier, an iconic Chicago destination, will host its free annual waterfront fireworks show accompanied by holiday-themed music on Saturday, July 2.
You can catch the show from anywhere north or south of Navy Pier along the waterfront, including beaches, rooftop bars, and parks. You can also grab a spot on the Pier, or hop on one of the many boat cruises offering a front-row seat to the action,
Take a Fourth of July boat cruise
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’re looking to learn a little history or drink and dance the night away, there’s a Chicago cruise for you this Fourth of July.
- City Experiences lake cruises: Dine on the water with these upscale cruises. Choose from premier brunch, lunch, and dinner Fourth of July cruises, all with stunning skyline views.
- 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.
- Island Party Boat: It’s always a party on these tiki-themed boats. The popular Tiki Bar river cruise features tropical cocktails and island tunes.
- Wendella Boats: Wendella offers a variety of flexible cruise options, including a narrated architecture tour of the lake, river, or both.
Explore more Chicago boat cruises on the lake and river.
Explore the Chicago Riverwalk
Where else can you find an urban canyon filled with delicious food, cocktails, public art, architecture, 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. Check out the waterfront restaurants and bars, and come back after dark for Art on theMART, the world’s largest video art projection.
Go to the beach
It’s a long weekend, so make sure to save some time to kick back and relax on one of Chicago’s scenic beaches. There are more than two dozen free public beaches along the city’s sandy shoreline. 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.
And there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the vast waters of Lake Michigan. You can rent a variety of equipment right on the beach at 31st Street Harbor, including jet skis, kayaks, and paddleboards. There are also banana boat rides, paddleboard yoga, water jetpacks, and more. Plus, the skyline view from the lake is spectacular.
Check out fun festivals and events
Dance to house music, enjoy a family-friendly picnic, or hear patriotic classics against a skyline backdrop. Fourth of July has no shortage of festivals, concerts, and parades in Chicago.
- NASCAR Chicago Street Race Weekend: For the first time ever, the sights, sounds, and speed of NASCAR are coming to the streets of downtown Chicago, plus music and entertainment,
- International Festival of Life: Head to Washington Park on Independence Day weekend with live music, food, arts, games, crafts, and more. The 29th annual event will feature more than 50 performers representing reggae, Caribbean, R&G, gospel, African music, and more.
- 4th on 53rd Parade and Picnic: In Hyde Park, 4th on 53rd will bring an array of family-friendly activities to Nichols Park, followed by a lively and patriotic parade.
- Chosen Few Picnic & Festival: For more than 30 years, Chosen Few in Jackson Park has showcased today’s hottest house musicians in the city where the genre was born.
- Grant Park Music Festival: The Independence Day Salute is a 4th of July tradition. Catch this free concert in the soaring outdoor pavilion in Millennium Park.
Check out more events happening in Chicago.
Catch a baseball game
There’s no better place to spend a summer afternoon than the ballpark. Chicago’s iconic Chicago Cubs will play two home games over the holiday weekend at Wrigley Field on July 1 – 2. Their ballpark is one of the oldest and most iconic stadiums in the country — definitely a bucket list experience for any baseball fan. Afterward, spend some time exploring lively Wrigleyville.
Visit a patio or rooftop
Chicago’s many patios and rooftops offer acclaimed food and drink with a side of killer views. Enjoy cocktails with sweeping river views at LH Rooftop, fun vibes and table games at Utopian Tailgate, street tacos and pitchers of margaritas at Big Star, and cozy vibes and top-notch cuisine at The Duck Inn. Explore Chicago restaurants with some of the best outdoor seating.
Kayak the river
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 iconic buildings. You can also join a guided tour that explores the Chicago River and Lake Michigan shoreline.
Explore Navy Pier
One of the city’s most popular attractions is Navy Pier, a lakefront oasis with something for everyone. Check out things to do at Navy Pier:
- See the summer fireworks
- Hop on a lakefront cruise
- Hear live music on the lake
- Enjoy a classic Rainbow Cone
- Enjoy live music in the waterfront beer garden
- Rent a bike or take a bike tour
- Check out the country’s largest rooftop bar
Walk or bike the lakefront
Chicago’s gorgeous Lakefront Trail stretches almost 20 miles along Lake Michigan, offering stunning skyline views and connecting you to an array of sandy beaches and seven unique neighborhoods. Go for a scenic stroll, or rent a bike and pedal your way around.
Rent a boat
Be captain for a day with your very own boat rental. Charter a private yacht with Free Spirit Yacht Cruises for a luxurious Fourth of July experience. Island Party Boats offers boat rentals that include a captain, booze, and even a waterslide. Or cruise along the river in an affordable and eco-friendly electric boat from Chicago Electric Boat Company.
