4th of July Fireworks & Events in Illinois

Communities across Illinois are celebrating the 4th of July with fireworks, parades, live music, carnivals, food vendors and more — keep reading for a roundup of some of the top events in every corner of the state.

Chicago and Beyond

Naperville Salute | July 5-7: Centered around Naperville's appreciation for veterans, active military, first responders, and their families, this annual celebration blends community, local entertainment, and family fun with live music, food vendors, beer, and arts and crafts for the kids!

2024 Mundelein Community Days Festival | July 4-7: Mundelein's weekend-long celebration includes a car show, pet parade, face painting, live bands, carnival, fireworks, and more.

Navy Pier | Every Wednesday at 9 p.m. and Saturday at 10 p.m. Catch the all-a-glow fireworks show along the backdrop of Chicago's skyline at Navy Pier.

Mercury 3D Fireworks Cruise | Every Saturday, including July 2: Thanks to "3D" glasses, this eye-popping fireworks display will be unlike any you've seen before.

Celebrate Fox Lake | June 29: Following a parade down Grand Avenue, musical performances at Lakefront Park will begin at 5 p.m. When dusk rolls around, fireworks will light up the sky over the scenic Nippersink Lake at 9:30 p.m.

Sandwich Park District Freedom Days Celebration | July 6: The parade lineup starts bright and early at the Sandwich Fairgrounds, which will also serve as the location for a dazzling fireworks display when it gets dark, plus live music, entertainment, food, and games.

Six Flags Great America July 4th Fireworks Celebration | July 4-6: Each night at 9:45 p.m. fireworks will light up the sky and the roller coasters. Plus, there's all the usual adventure and fun!

Yorkville Independence Day Celebration | July 4: This day-long hullabaloo kicks off with a parade at 9 a.m. and culminates with a fireworks display at dusk — with fun, family-friendly activities in the town square sandwiched in between.

Westmont Independence Day Celebration | July 4: The fun begins at 4:00 p.m., with food trucks, games, kids crafts, entertainment, fireworks, and more.

Lake Forest July 4th Festival & Fireworks | July 4: Every year the Lake Forest July 4th Festival & Fireworks brings an amazing evening of family-friendly fun and entertainment. The Shagadelics and headliner Dancing Queen will be bringing the tunes, leading into what the organizers describe as the North Shore’s greatest fireworks display.

St. Charles Fourth of July Celebration | July 4: One of the area’s top annual fireworks shows is back! There's fun galore all day at Langum, Mt. St. Mary, and Pottawatomie Parks, but the fireworks will be launching from Langum Park at dark. Head there for the best view!

Bensenville | July 4: Bensenville’s “LibertyFest” celebration begins with a parade at the Town Center and includes live entertainment, food, drinks, and a fireworks show.

City of Elgin 4th of July Parade, Concert and Fireworks | July 4: Elgin's annual 4th of July celebration this year brings a parade, concert, pie-eating contest, fireworks, and even a pet parade.

Crystal Lake Lakeside Festival at The Dole | July 4-7: This is one of the largest and longest-running summer festivals in the region, and with good reason. Four days of music, carnival rides, and dusk fireworks on the lake.

Wheaton Festivities & Fireworks | July 3: Head to Graf Park from 5:30 p.m. for a night of free family fun. Look to the sky for fireworks from around 9 p.m. 

Great Rivers Country

Galena - Shenandoah Freedom Reins PRCA Rodeo | July 5-7: For those looking to venture outside the box of traditional Independence Day celebrations, look no further than this two-night event featuring tough cowboys, bucking horses, bull riding, steer wrestling, a barn dance with music from Ten Gallon Hat, and more.

Galena Independence Day Celebration | July 4: Green Street Plaza is the centre of Galena's festivities, with live entertainment, food, and fireworks at dusk. Plus, a parade kicks off at 5:30 p.m. on Green Street, and makes its way down historic Main Street.

Alton Fireworks Spectacular | July 3: This aptly named bash at the Alton Liberty Bank Amphitheater features live entertainment and a fireworks show that will produce a spectacle of light over the majestic Mississippi River.

East Moline’s Independence Day | July 3-4: An impressive array of activities will be packed into two exciting days in the Quad Cities. Fireworks and live music start things off with a bang on July 3, followed by an afternoon parade on July 4.

Red White and Boom | July 3: See the largest fireworks display in the Quad Cities shot from two barges in the middle of the Mississippi River, plus live music and kids activities.

Stockton 4th of July Celebration | July 4: This annual blowout — which has been around for more than 50 years — has grown to include a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, car show, bounce houses and live entertainment.

Land of Lincoln

Chatham’s Rock the Dock | July 5: The picturesque Lake Springfield offers a prime location for one of Central Illinois’ best fireworks displays.

Bond County Fourth Fest | July 1-2: Enjoy an incredible fireworks display, a carnival, a huge selection of street food, a farmers market, a beer tent, and tons of live music from acts such as Taylor Made and Shenandoah.

Flora 4th of July Celebration | July 4: Flora promises a fun-filled day with something for everyone, with family-fun, food, and fireworks.

Decatur 4th of July Celebration | July 4: Prepare for an unforgettable time at Lake Decatur's Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater, with live performances by Imagine That Band. 

Normal 4th of July Celebration | July 4: The big day kicks off with the Park 2 Park 5 Mile Run, and an early bird swim at the Fairview Family Aquatic Center. Then from 5:30 p.m., enjoy a concert with family-friendly activities at Fairview Park, with fireworks from about 9:15 p.m.

Trails to Adventure

Carlyle Fireworks Spectacular Dam Jam | June 29: You can take in the fireworks by boat or post up at one of the recreation areas to be mesmerized on shore. But before that, make sure to enjoy the volleyball tournaments, sand castle building contest, live music performances, and local vendors.

Goreville Freedom Fest | July 4: As far as activities go, take your pick — a competitive race, a fun run, a free concert, a parade, and a gospel show await at this full-day festival, capped off with what they promise to be one of the largest fireworks displays in Southern Illinois.

Centralia 4th of July Celebration | July 4: Dive into pursuits for all ages over five action-packed days that include a vehicle show, pony rides, carnival rides, a veterans parade, and a beer garden for the adults.

38th Annual Salute to Freedom | July 4: Celebrate Independence Day at the Mt. Vernon Outland Airport. The celebration includes a live DJ, laser tag, inflatables, music, and a colossal fireworks display at dusk. Plus, enjoy Mt. Vernon Market Days, with a variety of market vendors.