July 4th 2024 Parade, Events, Fireworks Around Highland Park

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — Independence Day is fast approaching, so it's time to find out where you can celebrate in and around Highland Park and Highwood. Area events include fireworks, festivals and other Fourth of July fun.

To help you fit it all in on your 4th of July calendar, Patch has put together a guide to what’s going on in Highland Park and surrounding areas.

There are no evening events planned in Highland Park for Independence Day 2024. The city has not held a fireworks show since prior to the coronavirus pandemic and 2022 shooting.

“While our community was forever changed by the events on July 4, 2022, this Independence Day, we can start a new chapter by coming together in love and kindness for one another,” Terry Grossberg, president of the Park District of Highland Park Board of Commissioners, said in a statement announcing plans for this year's July 4th events.

“Celebrating this national holiday with our loved ones is crucial to our community’s identity," Grossberg said. "Let’s come together, share this special moment with our neighbors and friends, and create cherished memories.”

Wilmette July 3 Fun and Fireworks

What: Lakefront fireworks show and family festival
When: Live music begins at 5 p.m., July 3, fireworks are set to begin at 9:30 p.m.
Where: Gillson Park

The free event will feature vendors from C&W Market Ice Cream, Chabad Wilmette, Domino’s Pizza, Grecian Kitchen, La Cocinita, Mustard’s Last Stand and Sweet Tooth Donuts & Crepes. There are no ATMs on site and the event is cash-only. Read more...

Glencoe July 3 Party and Fireworks, July 4 Games and Parade

What: Party in the Park
When: 5 to 10 p.m., July 3, with music from 6 p.m. and fireworks at 9 p.m.
Where: Lakefront Park

Prior to Glencoe' annual Independence Day fireworks There will be games and inflatables on the tennis course, food trucks and drink sales and live music from Boy Band Review with a full band, choreography and harmonies. Read more...

What: Fun Run
When: 8 a.m., July 4
Where: Glencoe Train Station

Park district officials encouraged participants to register in advance for the free holiday run, which is meant for those aged 7 and above.

What: Early Childhood Games
When: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., July 4
Where: Kalk Park

This free event is aimed at children under age 7, and no registration is needed.

What: 4th of July Bags Tournament
When: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., July 4
Where: Kalk Park

Each team of two must register once.

What: Glencoe 4th of July Parade
When: Live music from 11:30 a.m., parade begins at 1 p.m., July 4
Where: South and Hawthorn avenues to Village Court at Hazel Avenue

Parking is prohibited along the parade route from 10 a.m. on July 4.

Highland Park July 4 Events For 2024

What: Remembrance Ceremony
When: 10 a.m., July 4
Where: Edgewood Middle School

Taking place two years after the shooting, the ceremony's program will be available in English, Spanish and American Sign Language, with remarks from Mayor Nancy Rotering, faith leaders and music. Advance registration is required to attend.

What: Independence Day Parade
When: 1 p.m., July 4
Where: From Laurel Avenue and First Street, west on Laurel Avenue to Green Bay Road, then west on Central Avenue to Sunset Woods Park

The theme of this year's parade is "Sweet Home Highland Park" and incorporates the children's bike and pets parade. Entries that most creatively embody the theme will win “best in show” awards for neighborhoods, community groups and businesses.

What: Fourth Fest
When: 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., July 4
Where: Sunset Woods Park

Entertainment from the band Radio Gaga, rides, carnival games, a petting zoo and other family-friendly activities are planned at Sunset Woods Park.

“Independence Day has traditionally been a special opportunity for our community to come together with beloved traditions,” Mayor Nancy Rotering said in a statement. “As we continue our journey as one Highland Park, we do so with respect, compassion, and support for all whose lives were forever changed on July 4, 2022, while maintaining the community spirit that has always been a hallmark of Highland Park’s Independence Day events.”

Lake Forest July 4 Festivities For 2024

What: July 4th Festival and Fireworks
When: 5 p.m., July 4
Where: Deerpath Community Park

The 17 annual Lake Forest festival and fireworks features openers the Shagadelics followed by headliner Dancing Queen. Read more...

Winnetka July 4 Festivities For 2024

What: Firecracker 5K Run
When: Check-in at 7 a.m., 7:30 a.m. start
Where: Green Bay Trail, 130 Wilson Street

Chicago Race Management will track time and post live results throughout the five-kilometer race.

What: Winnetka Fourth of July Parade
When: 10 a.m.
Where: Starts at Elm Street and Glendale Avenue, heads east down Elm Street and finishes at Village Green Park, 525 Maple St..

What: Events on the Green
When: 11 a.m. to 1:30 a.m.
Where: Village Green Park

The local Fourthfest events will include the traditional flag-raising ceremony, a children’s flag parade, family foot races, face-painting, inflatables, rides and more

What: Winnetka 4th of July Fireworks and Concert
When: Live music from 7 p.m., fireworks from 9:20 p.m.
Where: Duke Child's Field, 1321 Willow Road

A concert from Shout Out and a performance by the Jesse White Tumblers are scheduled to take place before Winnetka's July 4, 2024, fireworks show. Read more...

These days, Americans celebrate the birth of a new nation with fireworks, parades, concerts, and family gatherings and barbecues. Celebrations, though, predate by centuries the designation of Independence Day as a federal holiday, which didn’t happen until 1941.

During the pivotal summer of 1776, the pre-Revolutionary celebrations honoring King George III’s birthday were replaced with mock funerals as a symbolic break from the crown.

It was an exciting time in Philadelphia — the Continental Congress voted to break from the crown and, two days later on July 4, the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the original 13 colonies —New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland. Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia — to adopt the Declaration of Independence.

The first annual commemoration of the nation’s independence was in Philadelphia on July 4, 1777, while the Revolutionary War was ongoing. Fireworks have been part of Fourth of July festivities since the first celebration in Philadelphia.