ALSIP-CRESTWOOD, IL—Fourth of July activities in Alsip-Crestwood could have extra sparkle in 2026, the 250th anniversary, or semiquincentennial, of the Declaration of Independence.
The holiday falls on a Saturday in the middle of a three-day weekend, July 3-5. To help you fit it all in on your 4th of July calendar, Patch has put together a guide to fireworks and other celebrations in Alsip-Crestwood and the surrounding areas.
Friday, July 3
What: Bridgeview Park District 3rd of July Independence Day Celebration
When: Gates open at 4 p.m., Friday, July 3, fireworks at 9 p.m.
Where: Commissioners Park, 8100 S. Beloit, Bridgeview
Highlights: Family-friendly fun, Oscar Meyer Weiner Mobile (4 to 8 p.m.), live DJ, games and food trucks.
What: Palos Heights Independence Day
When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Friday, July 3
Where: Community Park at 76th Avenue, just south of Route 83
Highlights: Inflatables and games for the kids; $15 per child, available through June 30, or $20 on the day of the event. Wristbands are on sale at the Palos Heights Recreation Center, 6601 W. 127th St., Palos Heights. A wristband is required to play in the inflatables.
What: Palos Heights Music and Fireworks
When: Gates open at 5 p.m., Friday, July 3
Where: Memorial Park, 7611 College Drive, Palos Heights
Highlights: A DJ spins the tunes from 5 to 6:45 p.m. Live music starts at 7 p.m. Fireworks will be blasted off at 9:15 p.m. A beer tent and food vendors will be open during the event from 5 to 9:15 p.m.
What: “Sparks In The Park” Family Flick And Fireworks
Where: Ozinga Field, home of the Windy City Thunderbolts, 14011 Kenton Ave, Crestwood,
When: Gates open at 6 p.m., Friday, July 3. “The Wild Robot” will be beamed on the ThunderBolts’ video board at 7 p.m. , followed by an awesome fireworks show after the movie. FREE.
Highlights: Fans are invited to spread out their blanks or lawn chairs (must have rubber tips) on the field and have a picnic. Some concessions may be on sale. No peanuts or seed products allowed in the stadium
Saturday, July 4
What: Palos Heights Fourth of July Parade
Where: The parade steps off at noon from the Harris Bank, 12534 S Harlem Ave, and marches north to 119th Avenue.
When: Noon, Saturday, July 4
Highlights: Sensory-friendly block at Harlem and 120th Street to Harlem and Route 83. There will be no lights, sirens or music so everyone can enjoy the parade.
What: Oak Lawn Fireworks Fourth of July Fireworks
When: 9 p.m. Saturday, July 4
Where: Richards High School, 10601 S. Central Ave., Oak Lawn
What: 4th on 53rd Parade And Festival
When: 11 a.m. Saturday, July 4
Where: Chicago’s favorite July 4th parade steps off on 54th Avenue, south to South Lake Park Avenue, east 55th Street to Hyde Park Avenue, north on 53rd Street ending at Nichols Park, 1355 E. 53rd Street.
Highlights: The parade showcases marching bands, floats, community groups and kids on decorated bikes, followed by a free festival in the park, featuring from noon to 3 p.m., featuring performances, games, bouncy houses, face painting, magicians, and more!
What: Blue Island Fourth of July Parade
What: Blue Island Fourth of July Parade
When: Noon Saturday, July 4
Where: Parade steps off at noon from Prairie and Western, south on Western Avenue to Grove Street.
What: Blue Island Fireworks
When: 7 p.m. music and food, following by a dazzling fireworks display at 9 p.m.
Where: Waterfall Park, Fulton Street and Irving Avenue, along the Cal-Sag Channel.
Highlights: Enjoy music and food along the Cal Sag Channel, followed by a dazzling fireworks display. The festivities will begin at 7 p.m. and fireworks start at 9 p.m.
Celebrations around the country recall not only the events leading up to the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, but also look forward and aim to make the 4th of July weekend a massive, multigenerational cultural moment focused on community connections and charitable giving.
America’s Block Party, an unprecedented coast-to-coast initiative, is one of the signature events of America 250, the congressionally chartered nonprofit overseeing the semiquincentennial celebration.
A Times Square Ball Drop, a rolling series of ball drops, timed to occur at midnight on July 3 in every U.S. time zone from Guam to American Samoa, is part of the “Giving 4th Broadcast Benefit Show,” creating a nearly 24-hour celebration of the 250th anniversary. It’s part of the broader “Giving 4th” initiative that aims to make and establish Independence Day the biggest annual day of giving.
A time capsule will be buried in Philadelphia to be opened in 2276 on July 4. It contains a carefully curated collection of letters and artifacts reflecting the leadership, institutions, and communities that shape the country today. It will include contributions from all three branches of the U.S. federal government and submissions from each of the 50 states, Washington D.C., and five territories.
Separately, the White House’s Freedom 250’s biggest spectacles are the Great American State Fair on the National Mall, running June 25 to July 10; the July 4 Salute to America Fireworks, also on the National Mall; “Sail 4th 250,” billed as the largest-ever flotilla of tall ships from around the world in New York Harbor; and Rushmore 250, an iconic 4th of July fireworks on July 3 alongside military concerts and live presidential reenactors.
Are you planning an event this summer? Feature it so nearby readers see it all across Patch — including in roundups like this!
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