Chicago Fourth of July Fireworks Roundup
By Prescott Carlson in Arts & Entertainment on Jul 2, 2010 7:15PM
Sure, Chicago canceling the Taste of Chicago 3rd of July fireworks is kind of a downer, but let's face it, you probably weren't going to head down to that clusterfuck, anyway. So where do you go if you want to get your fix of whiz-bang-boom?
- Montrose Beach: North Siders can head on up to Montrose and Lake Shore Drive for a 15 minute fireworks display starting at 9:00 p.m on July 4th. If your MP3 player or phone gets a radio signal, tune into 101.9 FM for a synchronized certainly-not-going-to-be-cheesy soundtrack.
- 63rd Street Beach: The city is putting on a matching show for South Siders at 63rd and LSD at the same day and time.
- Gillson Park: If you want to get out of the city and pretend you have more than $27 in your checking account, hop in a Zipcar and head up to Gillson Park in Wilmette along Lake Michigan for their Grand Fireworks starting at 9:30 p.m. on July 3rd. Don't even think about finding parking anywhere near the lake -- instead park at Edens Plaza shopping center off I-94 and take a special Pace shuttle to the park which is only $3.50 eastbound and free westbound.
- Park Ridge: Similarly you can head just outside city limits to the Park Ridge fireworks display tonight starting at dusk at Maine East High School and listen to the soothing refrains of the Fine Arts Society Orchestra. General parking is free.
- I-80 Kennedy Street Exit: Chicagoist Aaron's favorite spot is this off-ramp just over the Indiana border. Pack a cooler in the trunk and sit and watch the displays going off in Munster, Highland, and Hammond all at the same time.
- Navy Pier: Probably the second least likely spot you want to go to after Taste, but it's likely going to be the biggest draw so it's worth mentioning. Show starts at 9:00 as it's part of the simultaneous display with the Montrose and 63rd St. Beach show. Other highlights include... uh... it has a beer garden?
The Sun-Times has a smörgåsbord of other "official" options available for your perusing. Or you can just stay close to home and head over to watch the locals blowing shit up in a nearby vacant lot. Clue us into the craziest neighborhood DIY displays that you know of in the comments.