Fireworks Near Me: Oak Forest July 4th 2024 Events

OAK FOREST, IL — Independence Day is here, so it's time to find out where you can celebrate in and around Oak Forest. 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 Oak Forest and the surrounding areas.

July 4 Festivities For 2024

Oak Forest July 4 Fireworks, Picnic And Celebration: Oak Forest Veterans Commission will host the 2nd Annual Independence Day Celebration on Thursday, July 4 at the Oak Forest Park District. The picnic area opens at 4 p.m. and entertainment starts at 6 p.m. Fireworks launch from Gaelic Park, 6119 W. 147th St., at 9:30 p.m.

• Where: Picnic at 15601 Central Ave, Oak Forest. Fireworks from Gaelic Park, 6119 W. 147th St.
• When: Picnic area opens 4 p.m., fireworks at 9:30 p.m.

Tinley Park July 4 Fireworks At Tinley Park Ribfest 2024: Ribs, music, fireworks, and family fun at this multi-day event in Tinley Park. Single day admission tickets are $15. Kids 3 and under are free.

• Where: 18001 South 80th Avenue, Tinley Park, Metra Train Station
• When: July 4–7, 2 to 10 p.m. Fireworks July 4 at 9 p.m.

Orland Park July 4 Fireworks, Independence Day Celebration 2024: Continue your Independence Day festivities at Centennial Park West live music by How Rude and fireworks. Pack a blanket, lawn chairs, your favorite snacks and beverage.

• Where: Centennial Park West Amphitheater, 15609 Park Station Blvd, Orland Park
• When: Concert at 7:15 p.m., fireworks at 9:30 p.m.

Mokena's July 3 Fireworks, Independence Day Kickoff 2024: Food trucks, alcoholic beverages available for purchase. Live music by Whiskey Road. Beverages from Brothership Brewing and Dock on Front Street. Event and parking is free.

• Where: Mokena Main Park, 10925 W La Porte Rd, Mokena
• When: July 3, 5 p.m. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.

New Lenox July 4 Fireworks 2024: Food, non-alcoholic drinks, live music and fireworks at the Village Commons. Performances by Midlife Crisis, followed by the Joliet American Legion Band to lead into the fireworks display with patriotic tunes. The fireworks display will take place at dusk (approximately 9:15 p.m.). Admission is free. Guests of all ages are permitted.

• Where: 1 Veterans Pkwy, New Lenox
• When: July 4, 6 p.m. Fireworks at 9:15 p.m.

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.