Ornithopter

I'm planning a 7-day trip to Chicago during the week of July 4th, and I was wondering if anyone can suggest any events/festivities being scheduled that's worth checking out (parades, fireworks, whatnot). We already ticked off the main sights like Willis Tower, Art Institute, Grant Park, etc, to see afterwards, though we were interested to know what kind of stuff is considerable to see on the big day. (It IS the 240th anniversary, so there ought to be something considerable) Any advice would be appreciated, thanks!

exiledprincess

Well, first the bad news - and I hate to burst your (fireworks) balloon, but Chicago's just ain't that great any more. Used to be that July 3 was the night of the big City of Chicago's fantastic extravaganza - which was choreographed to the live music of the Grant Park Orchestra and held in conjunction with the Taste of Chicago - but those days are past (for many years). Cost and security issues took their toll.

Now Chicago has only the Navy Pier fireworks, which is a little longer, a little better, than their usual Wednesday and Saturday night affairs. If your experience is with big fireworks events, this may leave you somewhat underwhelmed; however, if you are not that used to the big displays, you may be satisfied with the result.

Please keep in mind that Navy Pier usually plays to a full audience that night and their gates may be closed to newcomers (who are turned away - to roam aimlessly in the streets - HA!) as soon as maximum occupancy is met. In the past few years, that meant at 7:00 p.m. and even earlier. A lot of those all-too-wise visitors who then try other spots of high altitude - such as the Willis Tower or John Hancock - are met with the same fate. Moral of the story: If you want to go to one of these places, you have to get to that spot early and stay there.

If you are going to Navy Pier and try to use public transportation after 5 p.m., don't. Busses, trolleys and water taxis operate to maximum occupancy quite a bit beforehand. JMHO, it's just better to walk it (about a mile) from N. Michigan Avenue (aka the Magnificent Mile when Mich. Ave is north of the River).

Here's a thought: Chicago is celebrating the 400th of Shakespeare. The Chicago Shakespeare Theatre is located at Navy Pier. To be frank, it's one of the very best few things about Navy Pier. You might want to take that serendipitous occasion and combine them. www.shakespeare400chicago.com and www.chicagoshakes.com

However, the Grant Park Orchestra still does put on their very excellent concert - as usual - on the 4th at Millennium Park (grantparkmusicfestival.com). The Chicago History Museum does have their much, much more low-key Independence Day celebration that morning. In the past, the CHM then had free admission for a while as well. But many go up to Evanston for the evening fireworks (with music) on the lakefront - or out to another locale.

Of course, if you throw caution to the wind and cost is of no object to you, you could always go to the secondary market and get some Chicago Cubs vs. Cincinnati Reds (baseball) tickets. The game is held at historic Wrigley Field. I won't even predict how high those might go for at this might finally be THE year.

exiledprincess

So, I wanted to separate the comments on the 4th itself from the rest of your trip. Chicago is one of the greatest cities in the world and I'm sure that you'll greatly enjoy your stay.

But you have to give us some information about your likes and dislikes - because Chicago has a tremendous variety of choice. Please advise.

exiledprincess

I apologize for giving you a faulty rec. Forget the one on the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre. It's dark at the beginning of July, until the 12th. Sorry.

Maybe you can enjoy one of the other Shakespeare 400 options, though.

Ornithopter

Thanks for the feedback, and no, I did not see Navy Pier/Wrigley Field on my last visit, so I may tack them onto my itinerary, which will obviously feel rushed for 7 days (Can't say I'm a big Shakespeare fan though). I guess we'll just scout around for 7/4th info upon our arrival or from word of mouth, but it's nice to get pointers from the locals, thanks a lot!

tomfuller

Do you have your lodging booked already? If you are in a hotel with many floors, ask for a room on the top floor on the east side. You might see fireworks from thew room.
You'll be able to watch fireworks on the TV at least an hour earlier such as the "Boston Pops" and "A Capitol 4th" from Washington.
How are you arriving in the city? You do not need or want a car in the city. I usually arrive at Union Station on Amtrak.

Citylghts

You could take the Red and Purple Lines to Evanston for their celebration: https://www.facebook.com/Evanstonjuly4th. The parade is at 2 pm and fireworks begin at 9:15.

exiledprincess

"If you are in a hotel with many floors, ask for a room on the top floor on the east side. You might see fireworks from the room."

Askin' ain't gettin'.

I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for that one. Unless you are paying the really big bucks in the highest starred hotels, it's not likely any would guarantee that on the 4th.

Same thing with restaurants with views. They won't even guarantee window seating on any old night.

@OP: I doubt you'll find any other special activities happening in Chicago on the 4th. That's why Chicagoans go elsewhere.

Citylghts

The Chicago History Museum will hold its 57th July Fourth Celebration from 10 am to noon on the plaza outside the museum.

exiledprincess

Already mentioned that above, City (as I did Evanston). But if the OP is looking for a big extravaganza-type deal, that might (probably) wouldn't be of interest to them. It's a family-friendly, low-key celebration.

@OP: Just to be clear...I don't know how you read I was recommending Navy Pier. I wasn't. I was recommending the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre. It's one of the very few good things at the Pier.

Any decent Cubs game tix will be very, very pricey on the 4th.

tomfuller

Take the Hiawatha to Milwaukee on July 3. See lakefront fireworks for free. http://www.metroparentmagazine.com/t...262414741.html