Fourth of July

Those attending the July 4 fireworks show are encouraged to use the parking lots at Traughber Junior High School, Eastview Academy, Prairie Point Park/Prairie Point Elementary School and Oswego High School.

Average gas prices in many northern Illinois counties are expected to be cheaper than last year for the Fourth of July weekend as the cost of fuel continues to decline over the past several years.

Every Fourth of July, the pride of Yorkville battles sweltering heat, donning their trademark red and white attire, marching to the tune of patriotic fervor. Playing an indelible part in thousands of people’s traditions, the Yorkville Community Band has grown to record size.

There will be parking lot closures and traffic alterations around Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park and Theatre for the city of Joliet’s fireworks Thursday evening

Here's what's going on around McHenry County around the Fourth of July.

From food trucks and live music to family-friendly festivities, here is a roundup of places to enjoy the Fourth of July across Kendall County:

DeKalb County has several festivals in July and around the Fourth of July holiday to view fireworks and enjoy other family-friendly activities.

From food trucks and live music to family-friendly festivities, here is a roundup of places to enjoy the Fourth of July across Will and Grundy counties.

From live music and food trucks to pet parades and pie-eating contests, here is a list of Kane County happenings on Fourth of July weekend:

Where you can watch fireworks in Kane County.

There's no shortage of Independence Day fireworks displays across DuPage County

The 1960s tribute band SHiNDiG! performs at the Let Freedom Ring Block Party on July 4; Bagshot Row returns July 5 for the Let Freedom Ring Car Show.

Live music, food vendors and fireworks are part of the July 3 celebration at Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park in Joliet.

A total of five contestants took part in Let Freedom Ring's Little Miss and Mister Firecracker contest on the Warren Reckmeyer bandshell on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in downtown Mt. Morris.

Block party, live music and fireworks all set for Friday, July 4.

The Illinois Department of Transportation announced Wednesday these lane closures in Will County will remain in place during the Fourth of July weekend.

Most visitor centers at Will County forest preserves will be closed for the Independence Day holiday.

Area motorists are reminded that Bastian Drive in Sugar Grove will be closed temporarily Wednesday for the park district's annual Fourth of July Bike Parade.

Fourth of July festivities can be frightening and even dangerous for animals with noisy fireworks and other celebrations. The American Veterinary Medical Association offers these guidelines for keeping pets safe.

It’s been 70 years since four Yorkville senior girl scouts went door to door collecting donations to bring back the Yorkville Independence Day parade and fireworks that have since helped shape the community’s identity over the past seven decades. Two sisters remember the days.

Families celebrating the Fourth of July will still face high grocery bills, with prices down an average of just 30 cents from last year’s record, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 2025 marketbasket survey.

Fourth of July-adjacent festivities kicked. off with the weekend's Stars N’ Stripes Fest in Cary.

In Illinois, consumer fireworks may be purchased and displayed only by adults who have obtained permits from their local jurisdiction. Handheld fireworks, including firecrackers, roman candles and bottle rockets, are not approved for sale or use in Illinois.

The Kable Concert Band will present two patriotic concerts – one Wednesday, July 2, on the Mt. Morris Campus and the other on Friday, July 4, behind the former David L. Rahn Junior High School, 105 W. Brayton Road, before the fireworks show.

The yearly schedule of outdoor festivals in DeKalb County will ramp up over the coming weeks. Here is your guide to every large festival and event planned in DeKalb County through September:

The Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce has named Steve Slack grand marshal of the 2025 Independence Day Parade.

The Crest Hill Police Department’s traffic enforcement campaign will run from June 20 through July 7, leading up to and after Fourth of July weekend.

The League of Women Voters of Glen Ellyn (LWVGE) has been denied entry into the Glen Ellyn’s Fourth of July parade, according to a news release.

Yorkville’s 2026 Fourth of July fireworks display is gearing up to be unforgettable. To commemorate the nation’s 250th birthday next year, city staff are recommending a massive show featuring synchronized air drones, pyro elements and expanded fireworks.

After the Huntley American Legion said last year it wouldn't host another Memorial Day parade, the village decided to host a July 4 parade instead.

Esther Skoumal and Kamdyn Larson were named Let Freedom Ring's 2024 Little Miss and Mister Firecracker on July 3.

A large crowd turned out Thursday, July 4, 2024 for Mt. Morris' annual Let Freedom Ring fireworks.

Highland Park mom Keely Roberts counts the days, not years, since a deadly shooting at an Independence Day parade in 2022 injured her and left one of her twin boys paralyzed from the waist down.

The Oswego Police Department will limit parking and travel routes prior to and immediately following the annual Independence Day fireworks celebration on Thursday.

Batavia will host its annual fireworks sky concert from 9:30 to 10 p.m. on July 4,

Hopkins Park was filled Thursday for DeKalb's annual Fourth of July festivities, where families got to grill out, play games, listen to live music, pet animals, learn about wildlife and picnic together while awaiting an evening fireworks show.

Joliet waste collection service will be one day late for Thursday, July 4, and Friday, July 5.

The Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre will host an Independence Day celebration on Wednesday with live music, food vendors, artists and crafters, and fireworks.

Batavia's Fourth of July Celebration will begin with a food vendor festival from 5 to 9 p.m., followed by the Fourth of July Sky Concert at Engstrom Family Park.

Construction lanes will reopen for the holiday weekend but not everywhere.

Various Independence Day festivities will take place across Will and Grundy counties featuring community celebrations, fireworks, live music, food trucks and more.

Oswego’s Fourth of July Fireworks display will start at approximately 9:30 p.m. at Prairie Point Park on Thursday July 4. Rain date is July 5.

Thousands packs RB&W Park in Rock Falls on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, for food, music and the traditional Jaycees' fireworks show.

Joliet park officials do not recommend camping along Jefferson Street for the Fourth of July fireworks show at Joliet Memorial Stadium.

Vocalist and Northern Illinois University graduate Christine Monteiro will perform with the DeKalb Municipal Band at its “Star Spangled Spectacular” concert.

Two thousand flags fly in Wheaton to welcome the Fourth of July

Here’s where you can watch July 4 fireworks this week in DeKalb County:

Sandwich Park District will host a Freedom Days parade and celebration with fireworks, food trucks and vendors on Saturday, July 6.

St. Charles Park District will host Fourth of July festivities with firework viewing, food trucks and more at multiple parks.

With festivities abound, the DeKalb Park District is gearing up to bring the community together for the annual tradition, that is the Fourth of July.