THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!!
One of the best times in Chicago for the summer is experiencing the Fourth of July here. However, this weekend is even more special. Not only does the Fourth of July fall on Saturday but we’re also celebrating America’s 250th Birthday! It doesn’t get any better than this!
This year, Bizzy Nights is throwing the ultimate Red, White, and Brew Bar Crawl on Saturday (12 p.m.-2 a.m.) at 11 stops across the River North and Wrigleyville neighborhoods from rooftops to cantinas to dance floors. A ticket includes an official Red, White & Brew wristband; a $25 coupon at check-in; 5 free shots at Joy District and Hubbard Inn (6 p.m.-7 p.m.), Moe’s Cantina (8 p.m.-10 p.m.), Tunnel (10 p.m.-11 p.m.), and Fame; drink specials and shot deals at every participating stop; and access to the full route map plus after party details. It’s a full Chicago takeover with a crowd that knows how to celebrate!
A beloved local tradition going back 30+ years, the 4th on 53rd Parade & Free Festival takes place Saturday in the Hyde Park neighborhood. The parade begins at 11:00 a.m. with marching bands, community groups, floats, and kids on decorated bikes culminating at Nicholas Park (1355 E. 53rd St.) for the free, family-friendly festival (12 p.m.-3 p.m.) featuring live stage performances and music, games, bouncy houses, face painting, magicians, a petting zoo, and more!
Celebrate the 4th of July on the Chicago Riverwalk (355 E. Riverwalk) in the Loop as the east riverwalk is turned into Camp Chicago 2026 on Saturday (1 p.m.-6 p.m.). Camp festivities include the Kumbaya Village where tie-dye, body paint, friendship bracelets, and Camp Chicago merch can be found; a Mess Hall offering festival food, camp favorites, and a full bar running all day; a Bandshell complete with live music and DJs performing all day on a stage built for the riverfront; a variety of Yard Games that include Giant Jenga, Corn Hole, and Ladder Ball; and Party Boat Cruises departing throughout the day with limited capacity. It’s a one-day All-American festival!
With a festive holiday atmosphere and an evening first pitch this year, come cheer on your legendary Chicago Cubs as they host the St. Louis Cardinals on Saturday (7:08 p.m.) and Sunday (1:30 p.m.) at Wrigley Field (1060 W. Addison St.) in the Wrigleyville neighborhood. What’s more American than a baseball game on the 4th of July!
The city’s annual Independence Day Salute will once again be held at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion at Millennium Park (301 E. Randolph St.) in the Loop on Saturday (7:30 p.m.-9 p.m.) with free and reserved seating available. Christopher Bell will conduct the Grant Park Orchestra as they perform patriotic American favorites, marches, and classics by composers like Copland, Gershwin, and Sousa. Did I mention, it’s the only free outdoor classical-music concert series in the U.S.!
End your 4th of July evening at the award-winning Independence Day Fireworks at Navy Pier starting at 10:00 p.m. Commemorating the 250th birthday of America, this year’s display will be an unforgettable, extended 15-minute performance that is fully choreographed to music and set against Chicago’s skyline. If the Pier happens to enforce a capacity limit, other prime viewing spots can be found at the South Dock, the Pier Park, the Lake Stage at Polk Bros. Park, and the East End Plaza.
Have a Happy and Safe Fourth of July Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday!
Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago
