Cocktails and a cruise: Chicago’s famous Navy Pier fireworks are off this year, the city just announced Friday a lakefront show July 3 to celebrate Open Chicago and Independence Day weekend. Chicago Fireboat Tours has tours planned both Saturday and Sunday. Grab a drink and watch the sky light up. “Sunset Fireworks Cruise” is 9:15 p.m. July 3, also 8:30 p.m. July 4 at Chicago Fireboat Tours, 111 N. Lake Shore Drive; $45. Tickets available at fireboattours.com
A hidden gem in the city: Experience the French Riviera on the 24th floor of the famous Carbide & Carbon building. DJs spin French house music while rosé and champagne bottle service are served up alongside hand-rolled sushi on this open-air patio. “Secret open-air rooftop garden” from 2 p.m. to midnight Fridays and Saturdays, noon to 10 p.m. Sundays at Château Carbide, 230 N. Michigan Ave.; reservations at pendry.com
Pregame for the Fourth in River North: Celebrate the Fourth of July a little early with live music and dueling pianos. Two nights of drink specials and $5 bomb pop shots. “Red, White & Brew Party” from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. July 2-3 at Howl at the Moon, 26 W. Hubbard St.; howlatthemoon.com
Nothing like live music in the park: Returning for 2021, The Grant Park Music Festival plans a patriotic-inspired show in honor of the Fourth of July. In the program this year are the “1812 Overture,” Florence Price’s “Dances in the Canebrakes,” the “Armed Forces Salute” and Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes Forever.” “Independence Day Salute” from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. July 2-3 at Jay Pritzker Pavilion, 201 E. Randolph St.; free lawn seating, reserved seats $25-$50; full program lineup at grantparkmusicfestival.com
Step right up for family fun: The annual Frontier Days Festival in Arlington Heights will return bigger and better in 2022, but the carnival portion is still here to add some fun to 2021. This year’s jamboree is filled with food, games, and traditional carnival fun. “Carnival Jamboree” is through July 5 at Recreation Park, 500 E. Miner St., Arlington Heights; $25-$40 (rides wristband); full festival information at frontierdays.org
Runners, take your mark: After a 2020 COVID hiatus, this Fourth of July run is back! Groups of 50 racers will start at staggered times in 15-minute increments to allow for health and safety protocols. First, second, and third place runners in each age category win awards based on their chip timing. “Stars and Stripes 5k” begins 8 a.m. July 4 at McCarthy Park, 16801 S. 80th Ave.; $16-$30. Full race information and entries at tinleyparkdistrict.org
Free fun for everyone. The traditional fireworks might be canceled this year, but Navy Pier is bringing in some heavy hitters for live music on the 4th. One of the most sought-after tribute bands, Creedence Revived, performs Sunday night with opening performances by Oston and The Shades. “Live on the Lake!” from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. July 4 at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave; free, full performance schedule at navypier.org
UPDATE: This story has been updated with news of the Chicago fireworks show.
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