July 4th Weekend in Chicago

While many Chicagoans flock to lake country in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Indiana for the 4^th of July weekend, plenty of events and festivals are still taking place for those who are sticking around and the thousands of tourists who travel to Chicago to enjoy one of the summer’s most anticipated holidays.

If you are one of those locals who will be in Chicago for July 4^th, or perhaps someone who may be spending the holiday weekend here in the Windy City, here’s a quick list of things to do in Chicago over the July 4^th weekend in 2014.  

Fireworks at Navy Pier

Like any major city, or small town for that matter, there will of course be a spectacular fireworks display that will light up the sky as soon as the sun sets over downtown. This year’s July 4^th fireworks in downtown Chicago are presented by the Illinois Lottery are scheduled for 9:30 p.m., but don’t wait too long to make your way to the lakefront. The Grant Park Music Festival in Millennium Park starts on July 4^th at 10:30 a.m. and concerts will be happening all day and night long!

Taste of Lakeview

Taking place on July 5^th and 6^th, the 2014 Taste of Lakeview will be at Lincoln and Belmont from 12-10 p.m. on Saturday, and 12-9 p.m. on Sunday. Although the event is largely centered on great restaurants in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood, live music and all kinds of outdoor shopping vendors will also be on hand to make for an awesome experience.

Windy City Ribfest

Last month was the rib fest in North Center, this month it’s the rib fest in Uptown. Going on from July 4^th through the 6^th, the Windy City Ribfest will invade the heart of Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood at Lawrence and Broadway. This year’s event will also be a combination of the Ribfest and the Chicago Craft Beer Festival, which enables attendees to sample some of the best craft beers in the entire county. Ribs and beer—what more could you ask for on July 4^th weekend?

Chicago Riverwest Music Festival

Making its debut over July 4^th weekend, the Riverwest Music Festival will feature an awesome lineup of electronic artists that will perform along the shore of the Chicago River’s North Branch. This 3 day festival starts on July 4^th and will run all weekend long!

Chicago White Sox v. Seattle Mariners at U.S. Cellular Field

Although not the greatest season in White Sox history, it’s still a treat to take in a baseball game here in the great city of Chicago. The weather is supposed to be nice all weekend long, so head on over to U.S. Cellular Field to get some sun, drink a beer, eat a hot dog, and watch a little of America’s favorite pastime on display. Plenty of tickets are available and there’s a game every day of the weekend, starting on Friday night.