July 4th events in Chicago expected to draw thousands

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Deadheads are already filing into Soldier Field for the first of three days of concerts for the Grateful Dead's farewell tour.

"It's family, it's the thing that brings us all together. The music, the love, the energy and all," said Christina Oliva, of Huntington, N.Y.

Kenny McNamara doesn't have a ticket for Friday's show yet, but he's hoping he'll score one.

"It would be like a blessing in the sky and beyond," he said.

From a man who has seen a handful of shows, to a fan with an old soul and a musical bond with her father, the shows are drawing fans from all over the country.

"My dad is a huge Deadhead for all of his life and he has started making musical tapes and putting together all of the shows," said Serena Mlodinoff, of Portland, Ore.

The travel website Orbitz listed Chicago as the number one Fourth of July holiday destination.

Along with the final three 50th anniversary Grateful Dead shows - which are expected to attract 70,000 fans each night - 100,000 are expected to see Navy Pier's fireworks. Road closures are also already in effect near Grant Park as crews prepare for the annual Taste of Chicago.

"I've never been here before so we're doing the whole touristy thing. We're going to the aquarium here today, we may actually go the baseball game instead," Mlodinoff said.

Yes, baseball fans - the Cubs and White Sox also play at home this weekend.

Attendees of this weekend's events are encouraged to utilize public transportation, as the CTA is offering extending holiday service for buses and trains.

Check out an extensive list of fireworks shows in the city and the suburbs HERE.