If you haven’t decided what to do this 4th of July, never fear. Independence Day in Chicago is always full of food, fun, and excitement. From fireworks to the lakefront, here are five ways you can celebrate this classic summer holiday.

Catch the Navy Pier Fireworks Display

Photo by Marc Smith / CC BY

No 4th of July is complete without fireworks. While there are plenty of places that light up the sky, Navy Pier puts on the quintessential Chicago fireworks display. The first fireworks go off at 9:30 p.m. and you can catch the show from all over the city. Find a spot at Maggie Daley Park or Millennium Park, both walking distance from each other in the Loop. You could also enjoy the fireworks with dinner and drinks at a rooftop bar like Cindy’s. 

If you want front row seats, you can spend the whole day at Navy Pier. Join the 4th Annual Freedom Fest on the Navy Pier’s Rooftop Terrace. The festival, featuring a live DJ and BBQ food, offers the perfect vantage point to see the night’s fireworks displays. The fireworks display is free from anywhere you can see it. If you want to go to the Freedom Fest, tickets start at $39.

Host a Cookout on the Beach

Photo From Wikimedia

Grilling is a classic 4th of July activity and there’s no better place to hold a cookout than on the beach. Chicago has miles of lakefront with nearly 30 different beaches open to the public. Pack up your favorite foods, put on your swimsuit, and spend the day lounging on the beach. You can even see Navy Pier’s fireworks from some of the city’s beaches, including North Avenue Beach in Lincoln Park. Remember your towel and sunscreen. 

If you want to include your dog in the holiday celebrations, consider going to Uptown’s Montrose Beach. This beach has a separate area just for four-legged swimmers. However, consider leaving the cookout for another place. The furry friends on this beach will be all too happy to crash your party.

Post Up on an Outdoor Patio

Photo Courtesy of Poor Girls Guide

For those of you who think holidays and cooking don’t mix, you can relax and let someone else serve up the drinks and food by snagging a table at an outdoor patio. Try Hopleaf Bar in Andersonville for a great outdoor patio and a drool-worthy menu. Craft beer aficionados will love Kaiser Tiger in the West Loop. The draft options alone make this spot worth a visit. Plus, Kaiser Tiger has an outdoor beer garden perfect for a hot 4th of July day. Check out this guide to restaurants and bars with outdoor seating. The summertime patio is a Chicago neighborhood staple. 

Spend the Day Out on the Lake or River

 

What better way to spend one the biggest days of summer than out on Lake Michigan or on the Chicago River? You can book a cruise that takes off from Navy Pier or take a boat tour down the Chicago River. If you go at night, there is a good chance you’ll catch the fireworks while you’re out on the water. For more adventurous types, rent a kayak to explore the river at your own pace. If you want to go all out with your 4th of July celebration, you can gather a big group and rent a boat together. Spend the day soaking up the sun as you sail across Lake Michigan.

Bring a Picnic to Grant Park Music Festival

 

This summer holiday doesn’t have to be all about running around the city looking for the hottest spot. Why not enjoy an evening of live music while you relax on the lawn at Millennium Park’s Jay Pritzker Pavilion? The Grant Park Music Festival, which lasts all summer, is holding a special concert: the Independence Day Salute on the 4th of July. The concert begins at 6:30 p.m. and lasts until 8:30 p.m. Listen for Stars and Stripes Forever and more during this free performance. You can enjoy the concert with a full picnic spread or a few snacks.