July 4th 2024 Fireworks, Events Around Northbrook

NORTHBROOK, IL — Independence Day is fast approaching, so it's time to find out where you can celebrate in and around Northbrook. 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 Northbrook and the surrounding area.

July 4 Festivities For 2024

What: Northbrook 4th of July
Where: Techy Prairie Park, Cherry Lane and Meadowhill Park
When: Fireworks conclude day of activities at dusk

The day begins with the annual Liberty Loop & Lap (7:30 a.m.) at Techny Prairie Park & Fields in the morning, followed by the Northbrook 4th of July parade (4 p.m.) down Cherry and Cedar Lane in the afternoon, and finishes with the big Northbrook 4th of July fireworks display in the evening (at dusk) – best experienced from Meadowhill Park.

What: Glenview 4th of July Celebration
Where: Gallery Park, 2001 Patriot Blvd., Glenview
When: Parade at 11:15 a.m., Fireworks at 9:20 p.m.

• Bike parade starts at 11:15 a.m. at Jackman Park
• Parade starts at 11:20 a.m. at Harlem and Glenview Road
• 6 p.m. — Music with live DJ, food vendors at Gallery Park
• 7 p.m. — live band
• 9:20 p.m. — fireworks

What: Park Ridge festivities and fireworks
Where: Maine East High School, 2601 Dempster St., Park Ridge
When: 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. July 3, festivities, followed by fireworks

• DJ & Children’s Entertainment — 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m.
• Live Music Entertainment — Starts at 8 pm.

Bring a picnic (no alcoholic beverages or grills allowed) to Maine East High School and relax before the fireworks begin. Enjoy the evening catching up with friends and family. Join the Park District’s party staff and DJ for an Interactive Dance Party at 6:30pm. Arrive early and get a great spot.

What: Deerfield Family Days
Where: Alan B. Shepard Middle School, 440 Grove Ave., Deerfield
When: 5:30 p.m. July 3

The two-day festival features live music, food vendors, carnival games, a 5K race, arts and crafts, dog show, parades, rides, and of course, fireworks (at dusk, around 9:15 p.m., on July 3). Check out the event's website for a complete list of activities.

Today, 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.