The North Shore knows how to celebrate! From parades and pie-eating contests to fireworks over the lakefront, here’s everything happening in your town this 4th of July weekend. This list was updated June, 2026.
Independence Day Celebrations!
Independence Day on Friday, July 3
Wilmette Fun & Fireworks
Gillson Park, Wilmette, 5–10pm (Food trucks, music until 8:30pm, fireworks at 9:30pm)
Glencoe: Party in the Park
Lakefront Park, Glencoe, 5–9pm (Kids’ area 5–8pm, food trucks & beer 5–9pm, live music with Yacht Rockettes at 6:45pm, fireworks at 9pm — Free)
Independence Fest
The Preserve of Highland Park, Highland Park, 5:30–9:30pm (Live entertainment, rides, carnival games, food & activities)
Deerfield Family Days – Night 1
Jewett Park, Deerfield, 5:30–10:30pm (Live music, children’s activities, carnival games, food & drinks, fireworks at 9:15pm)
Independence Day Saturday, July 4
Evanston 4th of July Celebration
Evanston (Parade 2pm on Center St; Concert 7:30–9pm at Arrington Lakefront Lagoon/Dawes Park; Fireworks 9:30pm — tune to 90.5 FM)
Northfield 4th of July Celebration
Northfield (Parade 9:45am; Family fun 11am–1pm at Willow Park)
Winnetka’s Fourth of July Celebration
Winnetka (Parade 9:45am; Amusements 10am–1pm at Village Green; Concert 7–9:20pm; Fireworks 9:30pm at Duke Child’s Field)
Deerfield Family Days – Day 2
Jewett Park, Deerfield (Rotary 5K 8am; Lions Club Breakfast 8–10:30am; Bike Parade 8:30am; Dog Show 9am; Arts & Crafts Fair 8am–3pm; Rides & inflatables 10am–3pm ($20 wristband); Parade noon; Pie Eating Contest 2pm)
Glenview 4th of July Celebration
Glenview (Parade 11:20am at Harlem & Glenview Rd; Bike parade 11:15am at Jackman Park; Music, food & fireworks at Gallery Park from 6pm; Fireworks 9:20pm)
Northbrook 4th of July
Northbrook (Parade 4pm at Cherry & Cedar Lane; DJ at Velodrome 7pm; Fireworks at dusk — all at Meadowhill Park)
Lake Forest Festival & Fireworks
Deerpath Community Park, Lake Forest, 5pm (Live music, fireworks, food & activities — tickets required)
Lake Bluff 4th of July Celebration
Lake Bluff (Parade 10am on Oak Ave at E. Center Ave; Band at the Beach 6–8pm — No fireworks)
Check out these 4th of July BBQ Recipes from Chicago North Shore Moms!
