What to do 4th of July Weekend on the North Shore

Time to wave the broad stripes and bright stars celebrating Independence Day this beautiful summer season. Sure you can catch a parade, wade into beach fun and “ooh-ahh” flashy fireworks. But how about being in a reverse parade, imagining a ride on teeny tiny trains or entering a bike decorating contest? From shopping unique goods by local makers to grooving to live music, every activity sizzles. Or pick more summer fun when you discover What’s There to Do in Chicago’s North Shore.
 

4th of July Fireworks, Glenview; Photo: Michael Lee

Celebrate in Classic Style…with a Dash of Novelty
Get the whole family in the patriotic spirit with a fleet of great options. Glenview’s 4th of July Celebration innovates where you can drive through to both see and be part of a reverse parade! Residents can decorate their vehicles and visit Community Park West (1001 Zenith Dr., Glenview) where local groups will set up stationary “floats.” A Fireworks Show follows at Gallery Park (2001 Patriot Blvd., Glenview). Celebrate Independence Day in Glencoe packs the day with a Rotary Fun Run (8:00 am; Glencoe Train Station), family games at Kalk Park (9:00 am–11:00 am; 260 Park Ave.), Village Independence Day Parade (1:00 pm, Downtown Glencoe) and Steel Drums on Glencoe Beach (1:00–4:00 pm; season pass holders only). Join Northbrook for two days of 4th of July celebrations starting on July 3. Enjoy events such as Pop-Up Pickleball, the Liberty Loop 5k Race and Liberty Lap Fun Run, Ferris Bueller's Day Off at the Veledrome in Meadowhill Park. The celebration culminates on the fourth with a DJ performance (7:00-9:00 pm) and a fireworks display at dusk. 

 

4th of July Parade, Winnetka

Festivals, Runs, Parades, Oh My 
Head to Willow Park (401 Wagner Rd., Northfield) for the Northfield 4th of July Celebration, 11:00 am–1:00 pm, for activities like inflatables/giant slides, games, races and a Food & Beer Tent. Decorate your bike, wagon or stroller for the Bike Decorating Contest with awards for Best Overall, Most Creative and Best Retro. Winnetka’s Fourth of July Celebration kicks off with a Freedom Run (8:00 am; ages 13+; register online), then cheery parade with orchestras, pipe bands, jugglers, Uncle Sam on stilts and more (10:00 am; starts Skokie Playfields, 540 Hibbard Rd.). Fourthfest follows (noon–3:00 pm) with fun family happenings (giant slide, rides, sports, balloon artist and crafts), while amusing pop-ups will appear at parks throughout the day. Make it a wet one where Fourth of July at the Family Aquatic Center (Wheeling Park District, 105 Community Blvd., Wheeling) brightens a splash-happy day with food specials and giveaways.

 

Out Back Summer Sessions, North Shore Center for Performing Arts, Skokie

Celebrate with Live Music
Enjoy the sizzling sounds of the season with the Out Back Summer Sessions (North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie) in this popular outdoor concert series that takes over the Center’s rear parking lot. The irresistible Justin Roberts & the Not Ready for Naptime Players will sing and delight kids young and old at their Family Matinee Show, 11:00 am on July 3. Spend an evening enjoying a warm breeze and live music at the newly opened Post 42 Patio at Canal Shores Country Club (1030 Central St., Evanston). On July 2, partake in the vibrant rhythm of Blues with Billy Branch and Lurrie Bell. On July 3 & 4, enjoy Tributosaurus becomes Tom Petty with the perfect quintessentially American music to serve as a backdrop for 4th of July celebrations. 

 

Evanston Beaches

Celebrate with More Outdoor Family Fun
Evanston Beaches dazzle these days at Clark Street Beach, South Boulevard Beach and the lovely Lighthouse Beach with its iconic Grosse Point Lighthouse. The Chicago Botanic Garden’s Model Railroad Garden (1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe; 10:00 am–5:00 pm daily; weather permitting) showcases miniature trains handcrafted with natural materials, including twigs, leaves, acorns and pebbles as they traverse mini Landmarks of America. Or immerse yourself in the live Butterflies & Blooms habitat (10:00 am–5:00 pm daily; weather permitting). Take the kids for a fun-filled, open-air morning at Summer Burst: An EXPLORsion of Outdoor Fun (Kohl’s Children’s Museum, 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview; Jun. 2–Aug. 29, Tues.–Sun.; 9:00 am–1:00 pm). Choose from oodles of interactive, STEAM-focused adventures like Bug Hunt, Tiny Town Trike Track, Art Studio and live Butterfly Tent.

 

Evanston Made Maker's Market, Evanston; Photo: Sean Su

Celebrate Exploring History and the Arts
As we celebrate our freedom, understanding what it takes to get it can be especially powerful. The immersive Mandela: Struggle for Freedom exhibit at the Illinois Holocaust Museum (9603 Woods Dr., Skokie) traces the history of South Africa’s fight against apartheid. Part of Creative Coworking’s free monthly showcase, July Art & Wine Night (July 3, 5:00 pm–7:00 pm; 522 Davis St., Evanston) presents “ITALA: The Last Picture Show, Venezia Addio, Arte Addio (Farewell Venice, Farewell Art),” capturing the changing natural beauty of Venice and Lake Michigan. Shop hundreds of handmade goods including art, crafts, wearables, jewelry and more direct from Chicagoland makers at the Evanston Maker’s Market hosted by Evanston Made (July 3; noon–5:00 pm; Maple Parking Garage, 1800 Maple Ave., Evanston).

 

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