Venues all over Illinois are lighting fireworks in celebration of the nation's independence. Here's where you can join in the Fourth of July fun.
Antioch:
Antioch's single-day celebration includes sports tournaments, children's games, water fights with the local fire department and a parade down Poplar Avenue. After the annual parade, come to Williams Park for the fireworks. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
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Arlington Heights:
Celebrate Independence Day in Arlington Heights with fireworks, horse racing and family fun. Arlington Park, 2200 W. Euclid Ave., is hosting a Fourth of July Celebration chock full of giveaways, live music, food and drink specials, and a magician and juggler for the kids. Fireworks at dusk.
Aurora:
Aurora kicks off its Independence Day with a Fourth of July Parade from 10 a.m. to noon beginning at River Street and Benton Street. Free parking and shuttle services are available. Residents can head over to the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 Sullivan Road, for food, moonwalks, clowns and live music. Concert at 8 p.m. Fireworks 9:30 p.m.
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Barrington:
In celebration of the nation and the village's birthday, Barrington begins July 4 celebrations with a 10 a.m. parade and a fitness 5K /10K run. Prior to the evening fireworks, residents can enjoy the Barrington Fourth of July Festival and the Barrington History Road Show. Fireworks at dusk.
Buffalo Grove:
Music from the Buffalo Grove Symphonic Band accompanies this year's fireworks in Buffalo Grove. Can't see the band in person? Tune in to FM 88.1 and watch the fireworks at the Rotary Village Green, the Buffalo Grove Golf Course or Willow Stream Park. Concert 7 p.m. Fireworks at 9:15 p.m.
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Chicago:
Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., is the center of Chicago's Fourth of July festivities. Get there early. The pier will close the gates once capacity is reached. Discounted parking will be offered at nearby garages. Still want to celebrate on July 5? Grammy-award winning DJ and producer AFROJACK performs at Navy Pier's east end. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
Chicago Heights:
If you want to get fit before the fireworks, Chicago Heights' park district is hosting kickboxing, Zumba and stepping classes. Food, live music and a Michael Jackson impersonator will also spice up the Independence Day celebration. Fireworks July 3 at Bloom's North Field.
Downers Grove:
Enjoy Downers Grove's Fourth of July Parade at Main and Grant Streets. Afterwards, head to the 75th Street and Lemont Road for Downers Grove and Woodridge's fireworks display. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
Elgin:
Join more than 15,000 spectators in watching the annual Fourth of July Parade in Elgin. Download the parade app and point your smartphone at a float to find out more about the participating groups or businesses. Lawn seating for the fireworks is $5 per person. Parade 9-11 a.m. Fireworks at 9:15 p.m. at Festival Park
Evanston:
All-American activities including pie-eating contests and three-legged races kick off Independence Day celebrations in Evanston. Residents can head to Dawes Park or tune in to FM 90.5 and enjoy a live performance by the Palatine Concert Band. Concert at 7:30 - 9 p.m. Fireworks at dusk.
Glen Ellyn:
The Freedom Four-Mile Run, a local scholarship fundraiser, launches Glen Ellyn's Fourth of July festivities. For $3, participants can partake in the village's many activities such as the inflatable obstacle course, eight penny carnival games and face painting. Come to Lake Ellyn for fireworks, but leave the candles and sparklers at home. Fireworks at dusk.
Glenview:
Pre-school age to 9-year-old children are invited to ride in decorated bikes in the Glenview's Fourth of July Bike Parade at 11:15 a.m. Residents can park for $5 per space at Springman Middle School, 2701 Central Road. Music from the 100-piece North Shore Concert Band plays along with the fireworks. Fireworks and concert 7:30 p.m.
Highland Park:
The city's cutest pets and kids kick off Highland Park's Children's Bike & Pet Parade, followed by the Independence Parade at 10 a.m. After enjoying carnival rides, pony rides and a petting zoo, residents can head to Wolter's Field for the Bitter Jester Battle of the Bands and the fireworks display. Concert and fireworks at dusk.
Itasca:
Local acts Pat McKillen and Maggie Speaks hit the stage at Hamilton Lakes for Itasca's Fourth of July celebration. Admission is free, but parking is $20 per car. Concert at 7:15 p.m. Fireworks at 9:45 p.m.
Joliet:
Star 96.7 FM is broadcasting music to accompany Joliet's fireworks show at Joliet Memorial Stadium, 3000 W. Jefferson St. Admission and parking are free. Fireworks at 9:15 p.m.
Kankakee:
Come to Kankakee Community College for kids activities, games and a Kankakee Valley Youth Symphony performance at 5:30 p.m. Gates open up at 3 p.m. Fireworks in the evening.
Lincolnshire:
The two-day Red, White & Boom Fourth of July Festival begins July 3 at Spring Lake, 49 Oxford Dr. Lincolnshire residents can choose from a variety of activities like the 5K run, a pie-eating contest, zip lining and the Cardboard Boat Regatta. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. July 4
Naperville:
Naperville hosts its annual fireworks show July 4 at Knoch Park.Get there early. The area will close once at capacity. Shuttle buses are available from several locations in Naperville. Attendees can also participate in the Naperville Ribfest July 3-6. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
Oak Park:
With the town's politicians, businesses and community groups joining in on the fun, Oak Park's Independence Parade kicks of at 10 a.m. at Longfellow Park, followed by a fireworks display in the Oka Park and River Forest High School football stadium. Fireworks at dusk.
Plainfield:
Plainfield puts on its Patriotic Picnic and Fireworks July 3 from 6-9 p.m. at Plainfield Central High School, 24120 W. Fort Beggs Dr. In addition to the bike parade, dance performances and play zone for kids, attendees can write positive messages for deployed heroes and get their faces painted by veterans. Bring lawn chairs, picnic baskets and coolers to enjoy the fireworks. Fireworks at dusk.
Schaumburg:
Starting with America's pastime, the Schaumburg Boomers face the Normal Cornbelters at the Boomers Stadium for Schaumburg's Independence Day celebration. Admission to the baseball game and fireworks show is $10 but parking is free. Game at 6:30
Skokie:
Head to downtown Skokie at noon for marching bands, vintage cars, tumblers, live animals, drill teams and clowns in Skokie's Fourth of July Parade. End the festivities with a 3-D Fireworks display, during which the first 10,000 patrons can watch the show with free 3-D glasses. Fireworks at dusk
Waukegan:
Watch Waukegan's Fireworks show from the Waukegan Harbor and Sheridan Road on Friday night. Admission is free. Attendees should arrive early to get a good spot. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
Wheaton:
This three-day Fourth of July celebration includes the annual parade on July 4, Wheaton Municipal Band's patriotic concert at Memorial Park July 2 and live music, entertainment and games at Graf Park July 3. Parking is available at the Graf Park and the DuPage County Fairgrounds. Fireworks at 9 p.m. July 3