Ah, the sight, the sound, and the smell of the sulfur, nothing says Summer to me like the absolute carnage of millions of dollars exploding in the hot, humid sky of Chicago!
For those of us with a little bit of “closet pyromaniac” in them, Chicago is the city for us. Not only can we get our fill of sky-filled-explosions throughout the year from the Navy Pier displays, but during the more patriotic months, all the local towns and villages seem to get into the swing as well.
Earlier this year there was a lot of talk about Chicago suspending the 3rd of July Fireworks schedule due to budgetary constraints. Recently though, some truths emerged in this development. Where the city will still be holding the annual 3rd celebration over the Grant Park Waterfront, it will be a smaller display than normal so that they can have 3 displays across the city. Below is an excerpt from the Chicago Breaking News website:
"The fireworks show, which ends a three-decades-plus run, joins the South Side Irish Parade, Venetian Night, and the Outdoor Film Festival as major community events that have gone by the wayside in the last year, victims of budget woes or public safety concerns.
Instead, Mayor Richard Daley’s administration said today that it will stage three smaller fireworks displays scattered along the lakefront to save money and make it easier for police to deal with crowds."
The “smaller” displays will be spaced over the city lakefront for all to enjoy, however. Montrose Beach, Navy Pier, and 63rd Street Beach will all hold ownership of their individual festivals across the city.
Insider tips – if you're visiting the 63rd Street Fireworks, get there early, but the best views will be from Promontory Point! Also – Montrose Dog Beach, located just North of Montrose Beach will allow you and your frightened-legged friend to enjoy it together.
Below is a list of confirmed Fireworks displays for the Suburbs – More coming soon as they are announced!
4th of July Fireworks at 63rd Street Beach
63rd Street Beach – 6300 S. Lake Shore Drive – Washington Park / Woodlawn
July 4: 9 p.m. – 9:15 p.m.
4th of July Fireworks at Navy Pier
Navy Pier – 600 E. Grand Ave. – Streeterville
July 4: 9 p.m. – 9:15 p.m.
4th of July Fireworks at Montrose Beach
Montrose Beach – 4400 N. Lake Shore Drive – Chicago
July 4: 9 p.m. – 9:15 p.m.
Arlington Heights Fireworks
Arlington Park Racecourse – 2200 W. Euclid Ave. – Arlington Heights
July 3: 9 p.m. (Reserved seats are $10-$20)
Lake Forest Festival and Fireworks
Deerpath Community Park – 400 Hastings Rd. – Lake Forest
July 4: 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Oakbrook Terrace Fireworks
Terrace View Park – 1 Parkview Plaza – Oakbrook Terrace
July 4: 9:30 p.m.
Naperville Ribfest
Knoch Park – 700 S. West St. – Naperville
Features live music on two stages, 4th of July fireworks (9:30 p.m.)
