If you’re planning to watch fireworks light up the sky over Lake Michigan on the Fourth of July, we’ve got some news that might fizzle your sparkler.
Despite being the country’s third-largest city, Chicago will not host an official fireworks show on Friday, July 4 this year. That’s right: no pyrotechnic finale over Navy Pier, no synchronized booms echoing down Michigan Avenue. But don’t worry, it’s not a fluke and it’s not new.
Navy Pier never does fireworks on July 4 unless it lands on a Wednesday or Saturday, because that’s when they always do fireworks. The free summer fireworks series has followed a Wednesday and Saturday cadence for years, and this summer is no different. That means: Yes to fireworks on Wednesday, July 2 at 9 p.m. and to an extended, extra-patriotic show on Saturday, July 5 at 10 p.m., but no to Friday, July 4.
Why the holdout? The city of Chicago stopped hosting its own official July 4 fireworks show downtown years ago, citing logistical challenges and budgetary priorities. According to the city’s Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events, this has been the case “for several years.”
Instead, Navy Pier carries the torch (and the fuses) with regular summer displays that just happen to land near Independence Day. Saturday’s show, which will last 15 minutes instead of the usual 10, will feature a soundtrack of patriotic hits and is being billed as an “Independence Celebration” show in partnership with Choose Chicago and the NASCAR Chicago Street Race.
If you still want your fireworks fix on the actual Fourth, Suburban Chicago’s got you covered. Evanston, Skokie, Mount Prospect, Tinley Park, Oak Lawn and a dozen other municipalities will light up the skies on July 4, with festivities ranging from petting zoos to live music to remembrance ceremonies.
And if you’re more into no-boom zones, consider the Winnemac Fourth for All, Lincoln Square’s firework-free celebration designed for families, pets and anyone who prefers hot dogs without the sonic booms.
While the Windy City will be light on fireworks Friday night, it’s far from a dud weekend. You’ll just need to wait one extra day—or travel a few extra miles—for the big bang.