Chicago July 4th Fireworks, Grant Park Music, Cruises: 2018 Guide

CHICAGO, IL — Summer is already chugging along, and that means Fourth of July celebrations are getting ready to light up the sky with fireworks. Here's what Chicago has planned for Independence Day this year.

Navy Pier continues its annual summer fireworks tradition this year. The free Fourth of July display will be at 9:30 p.m. Independence Day at the pier, 600 E. Grand Ave.

But if you miss that show, don't worry. Navy Pier will shoot off pyrotechnics at 9:30 p.m. Wednesdays and 10:15 p.m. Saturdays throughout the summer. The fireworks run though Sept. 1. Check out the full schedule at Navy Pier's website.

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For the Fourth of July festivities, people are encouraged to arrive early to avoid big crowds. Navy Pier might need to close its gates if the area reaches capacity.

Before the fireworks, Navy Pier will offer two concerts. The Prissillas will perform an all-ages show from 2 to 3 p.m. Wednesday, and Marina City will play from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Miller Lite Beer Garden.

RELATED: Other Chicago-Area Fourth Of July Fireworks And Celebrations

But fireworks aren't the only Independence Day activities in Chicago. Here's what else you can do on the holiday.

Grant Park Music Festival

When: 6:30 to 8:45 p.m. July 4.

Where: Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St.

Cost: Free

What to Expect?: The festival will feature patriotic songs and George Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue performed by 16-year-old pianist and conducted by Christopher Bell.

Fourth of July Lake Michigan Cruises

Here's a look at the cruises you can enjoy on the holiday. Many of these cruises also operate before and after the Fourth of July.

Mystic Blue Fourth of July Cruises

When: June 29 to July 4

Where: Navy Pier

What to Expect: Dinner, lunch and brunch cruises will be offered, giving people a chance to see the Fourth of July fireworks. Tours run from $29.90 to $139.90

Shoreline Sightseeing Fourth of July Cruise

When: Cruises start at 8:35 p.m. July 4

Where: Navy Pier

What to Expect?: Check out the Chicago skyline and top off the hour cruise by watching the Navy fireworks. The tour is $69.

Odyssey Chicago Fourth of July Cruises

When: June 29 to July 4.

Where: Navy Pier

What to Expect: A variety of cruises are available, including a four-hour Fourth of July skyline tour and a three-hour weekend cruise that runs June 29 to July 4 and provides a great view of the Navy Pier fireworks. The tours run from $56.90 to $189.90.

Spirit of Chicago Cruises

When: June 29 to July 4

Where: Navy Pier

What to Expect: Dinner, brunch, lunch and cocktail cruises are available for between $45.90 to $149.90. Tours feature views of the city, a DJ and more.

Image via Patch