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Does your pet not like fireworks? Click here for some tips to help your four-legged best buddy.
Featured Fireworks Dislays
Navy Pier Fireworks
Monday, July 4 at 9:30 p.m.
Since Navy Pier also does weekly fireworks on Saturday, they will host a display on both Saturday, July 2 and Monday, July 4.
It is recommended to take public transportation as parking at Navy Pier fills quickly on holidays.
Other options are to park at the Millennium, Grant Park and Lakeshore East Garages underneath Maggie Daley Park, Millennium Park and Grant Park.
Hamilton Lakes 4th of July Celebration in Itasca
Monday, July 4 at 9:45 p.m.
Live music begins at 7:00 p.m. with Pat McKillen, then Maggie Speaks following at 8:00 p.m.
Parking is $25 per car, and it is recommended to arrive early.
Northwest Fourthfest in Hoffman Estates
Sunday, July 3 at 9:30 p.m.
The region’s largest fireworks show takes place at the Sears Centre Arena with a “state-of-the-art computerized fireworks display” that is visible from “anywhere on the grounds.”
More information: http://northwestfourthfest.com/
Patriotic Picnic and Fireworks in Plainfield
Sunday, July 3 at 6:00 p.m. (fireworks begin around 9:00 p.m.)
From the website: There will be a bike parade, big trike races, inflatables, play zone, military organizations, face painting, touch-a-truck, dance performance and the Little Obie Train.
Village of Downers Grove Independence Day Festivities
Monday, July 4 at 9:30 p.m. for the fireworks
The parade steps off at Main and Grant Streets at 12:45p.m., and heads south to Warren Avenue where it will end.
More information: http://events.downers.us/independence-day
For more local fireworks displays, visit Time Out Chicago or FireworksinIllinois.com.
Oak Fest 2016
Date: Thursday, June 30 – Monday, July 4
Time: Thursday, 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Friday, 6:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Saturday, 3:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Sunday, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Monday, 3:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. (fireworks extravaganza at dusk)
Location: 159th & Central Avenue in Oak Forest
From the website: The Oak Fest Committee is proud to give Oak Forest the Best Fest on the Southside! We will be returning in 2016 to the same location we’ve enjoyed for the last 28 years. Please remember that every dollar raised goes right back to the community!
For more inforation: http://www.oakfest.com/
Naperville Ribfest
Date: Friday, July 1 – Monday, July 4
Time: 12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Location: Knoch Park, Naperville
#partywithapurpose – Proceeds from Ribfest go to The Exchange Club of Naperville, which is dedicated to the elimination of child abuse and domestic violence.
Musical acts include Gin Blossoms, Tonic, 3 Doors Down, Sister Hazel and Sheryl Crow!
More information here: http://www.ribfest.net/
Traffic Alert: Martin Avenue closed between West Street and Washington Street until Wednesday, July 6. Northbound West Street will have the right lane blocked between Osler Drive and Hillside Road until 11:00 p.m. on July 4.
Martin Metzger Flamenco Ensemble
Flamenco/Music from Spain
Date: Thursday, June 30
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Location: Giddings Plaza, 4731 N. Lincoln Ave.
This is a FREE event for families and friends to gather and enjoy the talents a variety of local musicians.
For more information: lincolnsquare.org/summer-concert-series
97.9 WLUP Concerts
The 4th of July weekend is THE weekend for music this summer. There are numerous amazing concerts this weekend that our sisters station, 97.9 WLUP and 94.7 WLS-FM are presenting.
Here they are with links to more information:
June 30 – James Taylor & Jackson Browne
July 1 & 3 – Guns N’ Roses at Soldier Field (Parking is available in the South Lot, 31st Street & Millennium Park Garage. The CTA Red Line stops at Roosevelt Rd.)
July 2 – Def Leppard, REO Speedwagon, Tesla
July 2 – Steve Miller Band
July 3 – Chris Cornell at Ravinia
July 3 – KC and the Sunshine Band
Windy City Ribfest in Uptown
Date: Friday, July 1 – Sunday, July 3
Time: Friday & Saturday 12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.; Sunday, 12:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Location: Uptown
The third annual Windy City Ribfest boasts three days of music and ribs, as well as arts, crafts and other vendors.
Acts include Cowboy Mouth, Rusted Root, and Chicago’s Linda Clifford.
For more info: http://www.windycityribfest.com/
Traffic Alert: Broadway Street is closed between Wilson and Lawrence.
Other Events Around the Area
Traffic Restrictions & Road Projects
Grant Park – closures begin on Wednesday, June 29 for the set up of the Taste of Chicago, which doesn’t actually begin until Wednesday, July 6.
Lisle – Short Street is closed between Route 53 and Ohio Court for the Eyes to the Skies Festival.
From TravelMidwest.com: To accommodate heavy traffic expected during the three-day Fourth of July holiday weekend, construction on most major highway projects in Wisconsin will be suspended at noon on Friday, July 1 and will not resume until Tuesday, July 5. However, motorists may still encounter narrow lanes and lane shifts, which require reduced speeds in work zones, according to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT).
CTA and Public Transit Weekend Alerts
GREEN LINE
Sat, Jul 2 from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Delays Between Roosevelt and Cermak-McCormick Place
Trains in both directions will operate on the same track between Roosevelt and Cermak-McCormick Place.
ORANGE LINE
Sat, Jul 2 from 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Delays Between Roosevelt and Halsted
Trains in both directions will operate on the same track between Roosevelt and Halsted, resulting in minor delays.
Pet Safety
Does your pet suffer from noise anxiety? Here are some suggestions to help get your best friend through the July 4th holiday from Family Pet Animal Hospital in Lincoln Park (click on the previous link for the full article with information):
- Don’t panic.
- Close windows and doors to secure your home. This will decrease the risk of your pet escaping.
- Create a safe space. Pets will often find a covered space comforting. Place familiar items such as favorite blankets and toys in the area and provide plenty of your pet’s favorite treats.
- Don’t use punishment. Physically punishing or yelling at your dog or cat for his or her fear behaviors will likely make your pet more anxious and reinforce his/her fears.
- Redirect your pet’s attention. Try redirecting your pet’s attention to fun activities that he/she enjoys – obedience exercises, agility, laser pointer fun, food puzzle toys, etc.
- Dress your pet in a Thundershirt. Thundershirts, made for both dogs and cats, are snug-fitting shirts for your pet designed to help calm your pet during stressful events.
- Consult your veterinarian about medications that can help your pet.
