CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- It's Fourth of July weekend in Chicago, which means there are tons of neighborhood festivals with great food and entertainment to keep you busy!
From fireworks and food festivals to music and baseball and a few things in between, there is something for everyone this holiday weekend!
The city of Chicago ditched its official fireworks show many years ago, but Navy Pier picks up the slack with its explosive Independence Day celebration. Revelers can head to the pier, Ohio Street Beach or Millennium Park for an up-close view, but if you're not a fan of crowds you'll want to hit another stretch of sand on the lakefront or find a friend with a rooftop by the shore. Check out our full list of firework shows.
Where: Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave.
When: Thursday, TBD (and Saturday, 10:15 p.m. for summer fireworks)
It's a saucy summer happening! From tasty slabs (and sides) to a smokin' music lineup, this Fourth of July party Chicago's Uptown neighborhood brings its A-game on when it returns for its 11th anniversary year! You'll find local ribbers as well grillmasters from as far away as Austin, Texas and Australia—all cooking tasty racks that you can slather in sauce. Once you're full, you can walk off the meat while browsing a lineup of local vendors or take in a set from your preferred street festival cover band.
Where: Lawrence and Broadway (4800 N. Broadway), in Uptown
When: Thursday-Saturday, noon-10 p.m.
Taking place on the weekend after the Fourth of July, you can count on West Fest to continue the celebration with delicious food, cold beverages and a music lineup stacked with exciting local bands and intriguing touring acts.
Where: Chicago Avenue between Damen Avenue and Wood Street (1800W - 2000W Chicago Ave.), West Town
When: Friday, 5-10 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday, noon-10 p.m.
Fourth of July weekend in Washington Park means reggae, soccer, dancing and delicious Afro-Caribbean food. The African Caribbean International Festival of Life promotes cultural awareness by bringing together more than 200 vendors selling handmade goods and traditional dishes.
Where: Washington Park
When: Thursday-Sunday
There's no denying that anime is back in a big way, and this summer, fans will gather in Chicago for the ultimate celebration: Anime Midwest. Hosted July 5–7, the event takes over the Hyatt Regency O'Hare and the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center for a weekend packed with celebrities, concerts, autographs and—perhaps most importantly—free ramen noodles and rice for all.
Where: Hyatt Regency O'Hare, 9300 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Rosemont
When: Friday-Sunday
In Lisle, the Fourth of July features plenty of airborne eye candy, including fireworks and hot air balloons. Balloons launch every morning and evening, filling the sky with colorful inflatables of all shapes and sizes (for an additional fee, you can even go for a ride on one of them). When the sun sets, the balloons come down and the fireworks begin. Attendees can also check out the festival's carnival, kids area, live music and craft fair.
Where: Lisle Community Park, 1825 Short St., Lisle
When: Wednesday-Sunday, times vary
Enjoy food and drink vendors, a carnival, activities, fireworks and live music from acts like Billy Idol, Bad Company, Flo Rida and KC & The Sunshine Band, and Brantley Gilbert at this festival.
Where: Knoch Park, 700 S. West St., Naperville
When: Wednesday-Saturday
Enjoy 5 days of fun at Frontier Days 2019, with free admission and activities, plus carnival rides and games, bingo, arts and crafts purchases, and so much more! This year's lineup includes 7th Heaven, Scott Stapp of Creed, War, Bret Michaels, and American English.
Where: Recreation Park, 500 E. Miner, Arlington Heights
When: Wednesday, 5 p.m.-midnight, Thursday, noon-11 p.m.; Friday, 5 p.m.-midnight, Saturday, noon-midnight; Sunday, noon-10 p.m.
Party like it's 1599! Every Faire day recreates a time when knights were noble, maids were merry, and turkey legs were titanic. Once you enter the portal gates, you travel back in time to the year 1574, and you've walked right into an exciting village festival day. And what calls for the celebration? Queen Elizabeth, Herself, is visiting Bristol! It's time to eat, drink and be merry!
Where: 12550 120th Ave., Kenosha
When: Saturdays, Sundays & Labor Day, July 6 through Sept. 2
Celebrate the Fourth of July with America's favorite sport! See the White Sox play the Detroit Tigers at Guaranteed Rate Field!
Where: Guaranteed Rate Field
When: Thursday, 1:10 p.m.
What better way to spend a summer weekend in Chicago than to see the North Side take on the South Side? The Chicago Cubs travel to the South Side this weekend to take on the Chicago White Sox for a two-game matchup.
Where: Guaranteed Rate
When: Saturday, 6:15 p.m. and Sunday, 1:10 p.m.
Cost: Varies
