LIVE Updates on 4th of July weekend events, fireworks in Chicago area

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Last updated: Saturday, July 4, 2026 4:36PM GMT
Navy Pier party helps Disney Celebrate America's 250th birthday

CHICAGO (WLS) -- America's 250th birthday is this weekend. Follow along with ABC7 Chicago as the area celebrates.

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Jul 03, 2026, 9:25 AM

Fireworks shows to take place across Chicago area

Fireworks shows are expected to take place across the Chicago area this weekend.

Here's a list of some locations to enjoy.

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1:14 PM GMT

Glen Ellyn park closed, 4th of July event canceled amid police investigation

An ongoing police investigation led to the cancellation of a Fourth of July event in the west suburbs on Saturday.

Glen Ellyn police said Lake Ellyn Park is closed and asked residents to avoid the area.

There will be an increased police presence, but there is no active safety threat, police said.

The Glen Ellyn Park District Freedom 4 Run has been canceled.

Police did not immediately provide further information about the investigation.

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11:33 AM GMT

ABC News' David Muir goes into the room where it all happened

The Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia in 1776. ABC News' David Muir was in the room where it all happened - and went into the vault holding some of America's founding documents - including the printer's proof of the Declaration of Independence and the first draft of the U.S. Constitution.

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11:24 AM GMT

Sheryl Lee Ralph sings Star-Spangled Banner next to Liberty Bell

Beloved actor, singer and trailblazer Sheryl Lee Ralph delivered a powerful and heartfelt rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner from beside the historic Liberty Bell in Philadelphia to mark America's 250th birthday.

ByAlexandra Hutzler and Nicholas Kerr ABCNews logo
4:15 AM GMT

Trump kicks off America 250 celebrations with Mount Rushmore speech

President Donald Trump kicked off a weekend of celebrations for America's 250th birthday with a speech at Mount Rushmore on Friday.

Ahead of the trip, the White House suggested Trump could be an "addition" to the mountain where the faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln are etched.

"There would be no better addition to the iconic Mount Rushmore than the 45th and 47th President of the United States, Donald Trump," White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers said in a statement to ABC News.

Trump has previously mused about putting his likeness on the granite peak. He called it a "good idea" on social media in 2020. But so far in his second term, there's been no significant movement toward making that a reality.

The White House did not respond to questions about whether there are actual plans to add the president's likeness to Mount Rushmore and, if so, in what capacity.

Trump flew to Keystone, South Dakota, on the newly retrofitted Air Force One 747, a gift from the Qatari royal family. The president used the jet for the first time earlier this week for a trip to North Dakota for the opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library.

Upon his arrival, Air Force One conducted a flyover over Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota ahead of the president's remarks.

The Mount Rushmore festivities also include performances by military bands and tributes to the Armed Services. It will culminate in a large fireworks display, the first fireworks show at the national memorial in years, according to the National Park Service.

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