Lake County, Illinois, is preparing for a vibrant series of Independence Day celebrations, offering residents and visitors a diverse range of activities from late June through early July. Communities across the area will host elaborate fireworks displays, traditional parades and lively festivals. These events, many spanning multiple days, promise family-friendly fun with live music, various food options and recreational activities. The collective celebrations underscore a strong sense of local pride and unity in observing the national holiday.
Antioch’s Independence Day Parade steps off at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 4, in the heart of downtown. Later in the day, the celebration continues with Party in the Park at Williams Park beginning at 4 p.m. Attendees can enjoy an afternoon of live music, food truck fare, a beer garden and family-friendly fun.
Celebrate Fox Lake returns Saturday, June 28, with a full day of festivities for all ages. The event begins with a 10 a.m. parade from Grant Community High School to Millennium Park, followed by a Classic Car Show at the park from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The celebration continues at 3 p.m. at Lakefront Park with live music, food vendors and family entertainment. The day wraps up with a fireworks display lighting up the lakefront sky. Admission is free, and community members are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and enjoy the day.
The 62nd Annual Deerfield Family Days celebration returns July 3–4 with two full days of Fourth of July festivities at Jewett and Shepard Parks. The event features a wide range of activities, including a 5K run, arts and crafts fair, carnival games, amusement rides and inflatables. Families can also enjoy a dog show, bike parade, pie eating contest and the village’s traditional Fourth of July parade. Live music performances will include sets by Mike and Joe Band, Spicy City Music and Louie in the Middle. The celebration concludes with a dazzling fireworks display lighting up the Deerfield sky.
Grayslake’s signature summer celebration, the Taste of Grayslake Family Picnic and Fireworks, takes place Saturday, June 28 at Central Park. The event features a lively mix of food trucks, carnival rides, local vendors and family activities. Live performances by Rock Legacy, The Complex and Big City Knights will keep the energy high throughout the day. Guests are invited to relax on the lawn with picnic blankets and enjoy the festive atmosphere. The evening wraps up with a dazzling fireworks display that caps off the night.
Highland Park will commemorate Independence Day with a series of thoughtful and inclusive events, beginning with a community festival on July 3 at The Preserve of Highland Park. The festival, hosted by the Park District, will feature food trucks, live music, games and attractions for all ages. On July 4 at 9 a.m., the City will hold a remembrance ceremony to honor those affected by past tragedy, reflecting a trauma-informed approach developed with support from mental health professionals and the Department of Justice. The annual “Dream Team”-themed parade steps off at 11 a.m., showcasing community unity through team-inspired floats and attire as it travels through Downtown Highland Park to Sunset Woods Park. While there will be no fireworks or drone show this year.
Lincolnshire’s Red, White & BOOM! 4th of July Celebration spans two days of patriotic festivities packed with family fun. Events kick off July 3 at North Park with rides, games, a children’s concert, live DJ and performances by the Lincolnshire Bolts. The celebration continues July 4 at Spring Lake Park, beginning with the Rotary 5K at 8 a.m., followed by a community parade at 10 a.m. and an afternoon of carnival games, face painting and food. A crowd-favorite cardboard boat regatta sets sail at 2 p.m., and the festivities culminate with a fireworks display at 9:30 p.m.
Step back in time at Brothers’ Field for America the Beautiful: Sock Hop in Long Grove. This patriotic celebration channels the spirit of the 1950s with live rock ’n’ roll, retro dance lessons from Fred Astaire Dance Studios and classic American eats from the AJ Kapps food truck. The Tiki Bar will serve themed cocktails throughout the evening, adding a festive twist for adults. Families, couples and vintage lovers alike are invited to don their best throwback attire for a night of community fun and nostalgia.
Mundelein Community Days returns July 3–6, bringing four days of family-friendly fun to the heart of the village. The beloved summer festival features a full lineup of attractions, including a carnival, live music, fireworks, a parade, food vendors, games and kids’ activities. Thousands of residents and visitors attend each year, making it one of Lake County’s most anticipated celebrations. Community Days also includes contests, demonstrations and displays that highlight local talent and spirit.
Lace up your running shoes and celebrate Independence Day at the Freedom Classic 5K in Mundelein on Friday, July 4. The newly certified USATF course winds through scenic Loch Lomond and features professional chip timing. The first 400 registrants receive race T-shirts, with $100 prizes for top male and female finishers and medals awarded by age group. Every participant also gets a free day pass to Barefoot Bay, printed on the back of their race bib. A free Firecracker Fun Run for kids 10 and under begins at 9 a.m., with freeze pops and medals for all finishers.
Get ready to celebrate Independence Day at the 2025 American Independence Parade in Waukegan. Watch as colorful floats, community groups and local organizations march along Sheridan Rd. from Franklin St. to Jack Benny Dr., all coming together under the theme “Family, Friends and the Fourth.” This year’s Grand Marshal is Special Recreation Services of Northern Lake County, celebrating 25 years of empowering people with disabilities. Thousands of spectators are expected to line the streets for this beloved community tradition filled with fun and patriotic spirit. Don’t miss out on the festivities—bring your family and friends to enjoy a memorable Fourth of July kickoff!
Six Flags Great America will celebrate Independence Day with Star-Spangled Nights presented by M&M’S® from July 3 -5 at 9:45 p.m. nightly. The event features a spectacular fireworks show synchronized to patriotic music, lighting up the night sky for guests of all ages. Visitors can also experience thrilling rides like the new record-breaking dive coaster Wrath of Rakshasa and the classic Whizzer before the fireworks begin. Special events and entertainment are scheduled throughout the celebration, though weather may impact the lineup. Some rides may close early to accommodate the fireworks display.
The Zion Park District will host its Independence Day Celebration on Friday, July 4, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at the Zion Park District Bandshell. The event will feature food vendors, axe throwing, HoverBall archery, cornhole, face painting and activities led by Axe Legends. Live music by Mike & Joe is scheduled from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Attendees can enjoy a festive evening of entertainment and games for all ages. The celebration will conclude with a fireworks display starting at 9:30 p.m.
The Vernon Hills Independence Day Celebration will take place Friday, July 4 at Century Park. The day begins with a parade through the Deerpath neighborhood at 9 a.m., with roads closing at 8:30 a.m. The parade follows a new route designed for a smoother exit, looping from Aspen Dr. back to the starting area. Evening festivities at Century Park start at 7 p.m. with DJ Top Dog spinning hits, leading up to a fireworks display at 9:15 p.m. Residents are encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs and their patriotic spirit to enjoy the full day of community fun.
Blackberry Jam will provide live music for the Lake Zurich Fourth of July celebration at Paulus Park. The band returns to headline the annual Independence Day event, offering a festive soundtrack for the community gathering. Residents are invited to enjoy the music and celebrate the holiday with friends and family.
The Lincolnshire Arts Festival will take place Saturday and Sunday, July 5-6 at the Village Green. The event features original works from more than 80 artists, along with a Kids Art Zone offering face painting, caricatures and hands-on creative activities. Attendees can enjoy live music and refreshments from Half Day Brewing throughout the weekend. Interactive opportunities include live art demonstrations and family-friendly art tents. The festival promises a fun and engaging experience for all ages in the heart of Lincolnshire.
For more to do Fourth of July weekend, continue here. To learn about summer festival season in the land of lakes, click here.
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