City Cruises Navy Pier City Cruises Chicago is celebrating the Fourth of July all week with a variety of cruises offering an array of unforgettable experiences on Lake Michigan and the Chicago River. Celebrate the 4th all week long with their Independence Day Dinner Cruises, featuring the Signature, Premier, and Premier Plus and Seadog options. In the event that Navy Pier reaches its capacity limits, gates will close to the public and entry will not be permitted Guests with tickets and/or reservations to on-site experiences are encouraged to arrive early. For important updates throughout the Fourth of July weekend, follow Navy Pier on Twitter at @NavyPier or visit the Navy Pier website. Summer Fireworks 2025 May 24 – August 30. Navy Pier’s dazzling, free award-winning fireworks show is back for summer 2025! Enjoy the spectacular display every Wednesday at 9PM and Saturday at 10PM from May 24th-August 30th. Despite being the country’s third-largest city, Chicago will not host an official fireworks show on Friday, July 4 this year. That’s right: no pyrotechnic finale over Navy Pier, no The free concert series is usually scheduled from 1 pm through 9 pm. Navy Pier fireworks are the most popular part of the holiday. Normally, you can watch the show from the Navy Pier or book a lake cruise to marvel at this special spectacle over Lake Michigan in the most comfortable way. There are plenty of neighborhood-based Fourth of July events in lieu of an official Chicago Independence Day fireworks display. The week of Fourth of July is no different. At 9 p.m., Wednesday, July 2, Navy Pier will hold its usual, free 10-minute fireworks show along the lake. Chicago's beloved Navy Pier has announced the schedule for an iconic summer tradition-- weekly fireworks. The free fireworks show takes place every summer. This year, the event begins May 24 and Navy Pier Fireworks (July 1 & 5) Fourth of July SUMMER BASH @ Offshore Rooftop; NASCAR Chicago Street Race Weekend (July 5–6) Grant Park Music Festival: Independence Day Salute; Hyde Park 4th of July Parade + Festival; 1. Navy Pier Fireworks (July 1 & 5) Let’s be honest — you can’t talk about Fourth of July in Chicago without mentioning Step aboard the Fred A. Busse to catch the official 4th of July Fireworks Show at Navy Pier. Chicago Fireboat Tours will host their special fireworks cruise so you have one of the best views of the show, right on the water. Also, you can head to Navy Pier, an iconic Chicago destination that will host its free annual waterfront fireworks show on both Saturday, July 2, and Monday, July 4. You can watch the 15-minute show from anywhere north or south of Navy Pier along the waterfront, including beaches, rooftop bars, and parks. Navy Pier Invites Chicago to Celebrate Independence Week with an Array of Family-Friendly Festivities, Live Music, and More. WHAT: The summer is officially in full swing during Independence Week at Navy Pier, as the iconic Chicago landmark proudly presents a diverse mix of free programming from July 2nd through 6th. Here’s our guide to July 4 fireworks displays in the Chicago area, with shows from almost a hundred communities. Join us on Saturday, July 5th for a special extended fireworks display as part of our Independence Celebration! Voted #1 in the nation by USA, it’s a dazzling experience you won’t want to miss. Presented by Choose Chicago, the Chicago Sports Commission, and the NASCAR Chicago Street Race ***There will be NO Navy Pier Fireworks on July 4th Chicago’s Fourth of July celebration is one of the best in the nation. Enjoying this event from Chicago’s official Schooner, Tall Ship Windy, this is truly a VIP event. This event sells-out early. An experience you don’t want to miss! Chicago’s famous Air and Water Show aboard the 148′ Tall Ship Windy is truly a magical event. What sights can you see while on the Chicago Independence Day Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan? While on the cruise, you can enjoy spectacular views of the Chicago skyline, Navy Pier, and a stunning fireworks display over Lake Michigan. The city’s official fireworks spectacular will take place at Navy Pier on July 5, according to Choose Chicago. The extended show, part of the pier’s summer fireworks series on Wednesdays and You can catch the fireworks display from Navy Pier or along the nearby lakefront, including beaches, rooftop bars, and parks. You can also hop on one of the many boat cruises offering a front-row seat to the action. Navy Pier’s dazzling, free award-winning fireworks show is back for summer 2025! Enjoy the spectacular display every Wednesday at 9PM and Saturday at 10PM from May 24th-August 30th. Get ready for unforgettable nights on the Pier with breathtaking views and a fireworks experience you won’t want to miss!
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