Oak Forest July 4 Fireworks Are Back! Picnic, Live Music In Plans

OAK FOREST, IL — Oak Forest residents are excited to see Fourth of July fireworks again launch over the town, after officials voted in February to bring back the show for the first time since the disbanding of Oak Fest in 2019.

The City announced on Thursday that the 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.

A 30-minute fireworks show will launch from Gaelic Park at 9:30 p.m. The show can be seen from Central Park or one of several parks in town. Gaelic Park will be open from 6 to 11 p.m. The cost to enter is $10 per vehicle and includes two drink tickets. No outside food or drink is permitted.

Schedule for the Day

Central Park, 15601 S. Central Avenue

• 4 p.m.: Picnic area opens
• 4 to 9 p.m.: food/craft vendors
  • DA’s Deli – roast beef sandwiches
  • Tone Cappone – tacos
  • Jack Frost – ice cream
  • Emerald Cup – coffee, smoothies, and specialty drinks
  • Truckin’ 4 Vets – military vehicle showcase
  • Sisters’ Concrete Creations – handmade patriotic crafts
  • Mark Odewald – caricatures

LIVE MUSIC

• 6 p.m.: Joe Cantafio: Cantafio has toured with the biggest names in music history on the biggest stages in the world. Cantafio plays rock and roll classics.
• 8 p.m.: Freebyrd: Freebyrd performs all of the songs you know and love from the greatest southern rock band of all time, Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Gaelic Park, 6119 W. 147th St.

• 9:30 p.m.: Fireworks! A 30-minute fireworks show will launch from Gaelic Park at 9:30 p.m. Enjoy the show from Central Park or one of several parks in town. Gaelic Park will be open from 6 to 11 p.m. The cost to enter is $10 per vehicle and includes two drink tickets. No outside food or drink permitted.

Watch the fireworks from Central Park or another nearby park where you can gather, picnic, play and celebrate with family, friends and neighbors.

• Stezco Park – 6200 Daniels Lane
• Convent Park – 14800 Menard Avenue
• Tower Park – 5922 Rob Roy
• Heritage Park – 5400 W. 149th Street
• Leonard Park – 14900 Laramie Avenue
• El Morro Park – 15500 Arroyo Drive
• Jesk Park – 15500 Ridgeland Avenue