Navy Pier’s Independence Day Fireworks, presented by Choose Chicago, will light up the Chicago skyline on Saturday, July 4. Held as part of the nationwide celebrations commemorating America’s 250th anniversary, the event is expected to draw tens of thousands to the lakefront for one of Chicago’s most beloved seasonal traditions. As Navy Pier prepares to host the longest public fireworks display in its history and welcome the largest crowd of the year, guests are encouraged to plan ahead and review important event information before arriving to help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
Due to the large number of attendees expected, significant vehicular congestion is anticipated on roadways surrounding Navy Pier throughout the day and evening. Guests should plan for extended travel times and be aware that road closures, traffic restrictions sanctioned by the city of Chicago, and public safety measures may affect traditional routes to and from the Pier. Access to portions of Navy Pier may be temporarily restricted if capacity limits are reached, as directed by the City of Chicago, and on-site parking garages will close when full.
Arrive Early
Navy Pier’s Independence Day Fireworks will be held on Saturday, July 4 at 10 p.m. at Navy Pier. Guests are strongly encouraged to arrive well in advance of the fireworks to ensure access to the Pier, scout a viewing location, and avoid traffic delays. Please allow ample time for parking, security screening, and entry.
Getting Here
Guests are strongly encouraged to utilize public transportation or rideshare services when traveling to and from Navy Pier. CTA bus routes #29, #65, #66, and #124 provide direct service to Navy Pier from Metra stations, CTA rail lines, and other key transit hubs throughout the city. To identify the most convenient transit options and plan your route, visit here.
The designated pick-up and drop-off locations for Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare services will be moved west of Lake Shore Drive. Guests are encouraged to reference the updated locations and information in the rideshare apps when booking.
Parking is available in Navy Pier’s two enclosed on-site parking garages, the West Garage and East Garage, which accommodate up to 1,500 vehicles combined. Additional parking garages are available within walking distance to the pier including Grand Plaza Park, Ogden Plaza Self Park, Millenium Park Garage, and Cityfront Place Parking Garage. Valet parking is only available for Sable hotel guests, and both garages are expected to reach capacity prior to the start of the fireworks.
Additional parking information, rideshare details and maps can be found here.
Best Viewing
Navy Pier’s Independence Day Fireworks, set to a patriotic soundtrack, will light up the Chicago lakefront with red, white and blue. While fireworks will be visible from vantage points across the lakefront and throughout the City, on-site guests are encouraged to view the show from the East End Plaza. Prime viewing locations along the South Dock include the Navy Pier Beer Garden and the Ferrara Candy Wave Wall Stage. For those seeking additional space, Polk Bros. Park offers unobstructed views of the display, typically with smaller crowds and a more convenient exit route following the event.
No matter where guests choose to gather at Navy Pier, expect spectacular views of Chicago’s largest public fireworks display. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to identify their preferred viewing location and make the most of the evening’s festivities.
Reservations and Attraction Tickets
If Navy Pier reaches capacity and closes to general admission, guests with confirmed reservations or tickets for on-site restaurants, attractions, boat tours, cruises or the Navy Pier Marina may still access the Pier. Guests should proceed to the Peoples Energy Welcome Pavilion, where staff will verify their reservation or ticket and issue a wristband for entry. Guests are encouraged to connect with Navy Pier attractions and partners in advance of the Independence Day celebration to confirm arrival procedures and any event-specific instructions.
Make it a Day
Navy Pier is home to over 70 restaurants, attractions, and retail partners. By arriving early, guests can experience all the wonder and fun found at Navy Pier. For a full list, head to www.navypier.org/eat-drink-and-play/.
Safety and Security
Navy Pier is working closely with the City of Chicago, the Chicago Police Department, and other public safety partners to help ensure a safe, welcoming, and enjoyable Independence Day celebration for all guests. Enhanced security measures will be in place throughout Navy Pier, including multiple security checkpoints staffed by Navy Pier’s Safety and Security team in partnership with Chicago Police Department, Chicago Fire Department, Illinois State Police, and the Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications.
All bags are subject to search, and guests are strongly encouraged to bring clear bags to help expedite entry. Outside alcohol, coolers, chairs, fireworks, and weapons of any kind are prohibited, among other items. For a full list of prohibited items, please see here. Guests are encouraged to remain aware of their surroundings and report suspicious activity by following the "If You See Something, Say Something®" campaign. Navy Pier Security can be reached at (312) 595-5296.
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Click here for Navy Pier’s Summer Fireworks assets.
ABOUT NAVY PIER
Located on Lake Michigan, Navy Pier is the most visited destination in the Midwest, stretching more than six city blocks and welcoming nearly 9 million annual guests. Originally opened in 1916 as a shipping and recreation facility, this Chicago landmark showcases over 50 acres of parks, restaurants, attractions, retail shops, sightseeing and dining cruise boats, exposition facilities, and more. The Pier celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2016 with the unveiling of the Centennial Wheel, Polk Bros Park, and Peoples Energy Welcome Pavilion. Today, Navy Pier continues to usher in its second century with ongoing redevelopment efforts including the 223-room Sable hotel, the all-transient Navy Pier Marina, and thrilling new attractions such as Flyover. The Pier is proud to present free programming designed to inspire and engage communities across the city and globe, including the #1 Fireworks display in the nation. For more information, visit www.NavyPier.org.