Independence Day 2016

Celebrate the Fourth of July with these Chicago and suburban events!

Courtesy of meetup.com

Courtesy of meetup.com

Let freedom ring and let the celebrations begin! Spend your Independence Day in the city with fun events from barbecues to firework shows. Try any of these Chicago and suburban events!

Courtesy of chicagonow.com

Courtesy of chicagonow.com

Learn the history behind our nation’s independence with a trip to the Chicago History Museum. Celebrate Independence Day with patriotic music, a reading of the Declaration of Independence, and a children’s costume parade led by the world’s tallest Uncle Sam. The event is free at Uihlein Plaza followed by free admission to the museum for Illinois residents! Only a 9 minute ride on the 22 bus line from State & Chestnut or an 11 minute bus ride on the same line from The Belden Stratford.

Avoid the mid-day heat and party the night away at Freedom Fest. Receive access to the Navy Pier Rooftop along with food and bar, live music, and the best view of the firework show. An all-age event! Only a 15 minute bus ride on the 65 line from Grand Plaza.

Courtesy of flickr.com

Courtesy of flickr.com

It’s the grand finale to the perfect Fourth of July celebration: Fireworks at Navy Pier! Enjoy a patriotic light show set over the Lake Michigan shoreline starting at 9:30. Free for all! While the fireworks can be seen anywhere along the shoreline, for the best view watch from the pier itself – maybe even the famous Ferris wheel – only an 8 minute drive from AMLI River North!

Courtesy of positivelynaperville.com

Courtesy of positivelynaperville.com

Start the celebration early and spend your weekend at the Naperville Ribfest! Running from July 1st through the 4th, ribfest includes evening concerts, a family-friendly carnival, and slabs of ribs of course! Music acts include 3 Doors Down, Sheryl Crow, Lee Brice and Gin Blossoms. Stay for one day or the whole weekend, only an 8 minute drive from the Iroquois Club or a 10 minute drive from Lincoln at the Parks.