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

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Last updated: Sunday, July 5, 2026 3:45AM GMT
Fourth of July celebrations unfold across several suburban communities

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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2 hours and 7 minutes ago

Navy Pier July 4 fireworks to light up Chicago sky at 10 p.m.

Navy Pier's Fourth of July fireworks will light up the Chicago sky at 10 p.m. Saturday.

Navy Pier's Fourth of July fireworks will light up the Chicago sky Saturday.

They can be viewed live here on ABC7 Chicago's website.

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1 hour and 7 minutes ago

National Mall reopening at 9:45 p.m. ET, Trump to speak at 11 p.m.

After the "Salute to America 250 Celebration & Fireworks" event in Washington, D.C., was delayed Saturday night amid thunderstorms, Freedom 250 officials announced that the National Mall will reopen at 9:45 p.m. ET "at President Donald J. Trump's direction."

Trump will deliver remarks at 11 p.m. ET, followed by fireworks, organizers said.

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12:40 AM GMT

Fireworks shows canceled due to overnight storms, chance for more rain

Multiple fireworks shows have been canceled due to overnight storms and Saturday's rain chances.

Naperville announced that it has canceled its fireworks show on Saturday.

Arlington Heights' drone show was canceled.

Elgin canceled its Fourth of July celebration and fireworks.

St Charles is postponing its fireworks display to a later date.

Glen Ellyn's Fourth of July celebration is canceled.

Lombard's fireworks display has been canceled.

Park Forest's Fourth of July celebration, including the parade, live entertainment, and fireworks, has been canceled.

Streamwood's fireworks display has been canceled.

South Holland's Fourth of July events have been canceled, and the fireworks display will be rescheduled.

The Woodridge-Downers Grove fireworks display will be reschedule.

Northbrook has canceled its Fourth of July Parade

Country Club Hills will postpone its fireworks to a new date.

Huntley has rescheduled its fireworks to 9:30 p.m. Sunday.

Batavia's fireworks have been postponed to Sunday evening.

Lake Station, Indiana will now host its fireworks show at dusk Sunday.

Valparaiso, Indiana has postponed its Fourth of July event to 7 p.m. Sunday, with fireworks at 9:15 p.m.

ByLissette Nuñez WLS logo
Jul 04, 2026, 10:30 PM GMT

Fourth of July celebrations unfold across several suburban communities

Highland Park hosted its Independence Day Parade on Saturday.

Paradegoers dressed in red, white and blue. Many said the event has become an annual tradition.

"I live in the city, having that sense of community growing up here. My early 4th of July memories was being in the children's parade and coming out here with my family so it's really special to be back here," said paradegoer Nina Tannenbaum.

"We're happy, we're celebrating our country and our community," says Renee Facchini, who also attended the parade.

The celebration included musical performances and gymnastic demonstrations by the Jesse White Tumbling Team.

Chopper 7 also flew over Independence Day festivities in Bartlett and Mount Prospect.

In Arlington Heights, Frontier Days continued through the weekend as the festival marked its 50th year.

Although the village's drone show was canceled due to weather, the festival carried on with food, carnival games, and rides.

"All of us really like to do the games and everything," said Leah Aplington. "It's really fun. It's celebrating our country, our nation. It just really brings out the spirit because carnivals to me at least feel like America."

For Ute Heger, who immigrated from Germany, the holiday carries a personal meaning. "Usually I'm busy working, this year I am actually not. I enjoy celebrating the country I immigrated into. I'm not from this country," she said.