If you are looking for some fun activities to fill your July 4th weekend, then look no more. This list has plenty of fun and many free family friendly activities. Windy City Ribfest is a weekend full of eating, dancing and plain enjoying the Chicago summer. Or, head out to one of the many farmers markers in the city to support your local farmers. And of course, you don’t want to miss the fireworks over Navy Pier. So, grab the kiddos, pack the sunblock and enjoy the long weekend!
Windy City Ribfest
What: Top local and national ribbers will again mix saucy slab offerings that are complemented with an eclectic music lineup at this annual festival. This tasty happening takes place just days before the Fourth of July. It has grown in popularity (and crowds) each year and is now a must-visit Chicago summer fest! RibFest also features arts, crafts and a daytime kids’ activity area.
The neighborhood includes nationally-acclaimed music venues including The Green Mill, Aragon Ballroom and Riviera nightclub. This location helps to attract huge crowds.
The eclectic mix of past music stage performers include Lucky Boys Confusion, Cracker, Rusted Root, Cowboy Mouth, Here Come the Mummies and Liquid Soul.
Date/Time:
Friday, June 30 - Sunday, July 02
Friday & Saturday - Noon to 10pm; Sunday - Noon to 9pm
Location:
Lawrence & Broadway
4800 N. Broadway St.
Chicago, IL
Grant Park Music Festival
What: For more than 80 years, the Grant Park Music Festival has been Chicago's summer musical sensation, demonstrating that classical music, performed by a world-class orchestra and chorus, can have a transformative impact on the city.
Schedule:
Saturday July 1, 2017
Canadian Brass
Oh Canada! The Canadian Brass join the Grant Park Orchestra for an evening of symphonic suites, blues and the Beatles, all with a Canadian flair, in honor of Canada's sesquicentennial. Lucas Waldin conducts.
Where: Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park
Saturday, July 1, 2017, 7:30pm – 9:45pm
Tuesday July 4, 2017
Independence Day Salute
Bring your family and friends and celebrate the Fourth of July under the stars in Millennium Park with an evening of patriotic favorites, including Stars and Stripes Forever, the 1812 Overture and more.
Where: Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park
Concert: Tuesday, July 4, 2017, 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Chicago Summer Dance
What: Come join us this summer as the Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park blossoms into an urban dance space. Dance to the sounds of 48 different live bands + DJs and get into step with dance lessons beforehand. Glide across the restored 4,900-square-foot, 100 percent recycled, open-air dance floor designed by Chicago artist Dan Peterman.
Swing, waltz, cha-cha…or simply enjoy the music. All FREE!
Location:
Spirit of Music Garden
601 S Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60605
www.cityofchicago.org
Schdedule:
Saturday, July 1, 2017 (6-9:30pm)
Salsa + Mambo
Luis Palermo + Brasa All Stars (Salsa)
www.latinstreetdance.com
Sunday, July 2, 2017 (4-7pm) - Zydeco
Terrance Simien + The Zydeco Experience (Zydeco Two-Step)
www.terrancesimien.com
Free Live Music at Navy Pier
What: From May through October on Wednesday and Sundays, the Miller Lite Beer Garden at Navy Pier is Chicago’s go-to destination for free, live, outdoor music performances. During your visit, enjoy a large menu of beers, cocktails and frozen drinks, as well as beer-soaked brats, burgers, hand-tossed pizza and more. Best of all, there is no cover to enter, and all ages are welcome!
Schedule:
Sunday, July 3rd, 2017
Opener: TBA
7pm – 8pm
NEW ORLEANS SUSPECTS
7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Miller Lite Beer Garden
Free music in the Miller Lite Beer Garden
Location:
Miller Lite Beer Garden at Navy Pier
600 E. Grand Ave
Chicago, IL
Fireworks at Navy Pier
What: Navy Pier is proud to display our Aon Summer Fireworks on Saturday, July 1st at 10:15 p.m. AND our Independence Day Fireworks Celebration presented by Miller Lite on Tuesday, July 4th at 9:30 p.m. With large crowds expected on July 1st and July 4th, it is anticipated that at some time during the day, to ensure the safety and comfort of all guests, Navy Pier will reach capacity and the gates will close. Plan your visit accordingly, including arriving early. And remember, in addition to July 1st and July 4th, there are many other opportunities to see the Aon Summer Fireworks every Wednesday and Saturday night now through Labor Day.
Please note, you can see the fireworks from spots throughout the city.
Date/Time: Saturday, July 1st at 10:15 p.m. AND our Independence Day Fireworks Celebration presented by Miller Lite on Tuesday, July 4th at 9:30 p.m.
Location:
Navy Pier
600 E. Grand Ave
Chicago, IL 60611
Chicago Farmers Market
What: The city is sprinkled with farmers markets in every nook and cranny and throughout the summer. It is a fun way to spend the day family, sampling locally grown produce and bakes goods. Yum!
Take a look at this link and find one near you:
Family Fun Tent at Millenium Park
The Family Fun Festival at Millennium Park is FREE Family Fun all summer long! It is a great escape from the blistering heat as all events take place inside the cool tent. Take a break from your downtown and Millennium Park excursions and bring the kiddos to the Family Fun Festival for a cool down and fun, enriching activities. Families are invited to join the fun all summer long with activities such as music, arts and crafts and indoor games for kids of all ages, June 19-August 20, 10am - 2pm.
The series is presented by the Millennium Park Foundation (grant support provided by Lloyd A. Fry Foundation, managed by the Millennium Park Foundation), under the tent at Chase Promenade North.
Daily activities include:
10 AM – Tent opens; Wiggleworms Music Performance
10 AM-2 PM – Weekly partner activity in session (arts & crafts)
11 AM – Reading Circle
1 PM – Scheduled Performance (TBD)
2 pm – Tent closes
KidTrail will be there the week of July 3 so make sure to visit!
Location:
Millennium Park
Under the Tent at Chase Promenade North
201 E. Randolph St.
Michigan Ave. & Columbus Ave.
Chicago, IL