Seasonal & Holidays
Elgin July 4th Fireworks, Fests And More: 2018 Guide
Here's your complete guide to Fourth of July fireworks shows, parades and other festive events in and around Elgin.
Independence Day will be here before you know it. Check out our local list, and let us know where you'll watch 4th of July fireworks this year. Some events include parades and celebrations throughout the day, while others focus fully on fireworks after dark.
Find out what's happening in Elginfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Parade Information: The parade steps off from Slade & Douglas streets at 9 a.m. The parade ends at Douglas and Highland at about 11 a.m. No parking on the parade route/staging area starting at 6:00 a.m. Fireworks will begin at 10:30 p.m. at Festival Park, 132 S. Grove Ave. Prior to the fireworks, Kool & the Gang and The Commodores will perform starting at 6 p.m. Gates open at 4 p.m. Tickets are available at gvctickets.com. For more details, visit the city of Elgin website.
Bartlett Fourth of July Festival
Where: Apple Orchard Park, South Bartlett Road and Stearns Road, Bartlett
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When: 9:30 to 10:30 p.m. on July 4
- The Bartlett Fourth of July Festival will be held from July 4 to July 8. The festival grounds are located at the corner of S. Stearns and S. Bartlett Road near the Bartlett Community Center, 700 S. Bartlett Road. The fest includes a carnival with rides and games, food, beverages, FREE entertainment for all ages, BINGO, a Turtle Race, a Parade, on site presence for non profit groups, and skydivers. For more updates check the festival's Facebook page.
- Glen Ellyn will go all out on 4th of July with a day packed with activities. The fun begins with the the Freedom Four run at 8 a.m., followed by the village's annual Fourth of July Parade. From 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., live music will fill the air as kids and grownups alike enjoy games and other outdoor activities. The fireworks display begins after dark at Lake Ellyn, where boathouse seating is available for some amazing views over the water.
Where: McCullough Park, Illinois Avenue and Lake Street, Aurora
When: 9:35 p.m. on July 4
- Free family activities from 6 to 10:30 p.m. at RiverEdge Park, 360 N. Broadway Avenue, Aurora. Great food along with an amazing view of the fireworks at Aurora's premier outdoor concert venue. The following bands will be playing: 6:15 to 7:15 p.m., American Legion Band; 7:45 to 9:15 p.m., Fox Valley Orchestra. There will also be an attempt to set a World Record for Most People Head Banging Simultaneously, with 'Bohemian Rhapsody' performed LIVE at 9 p.m. More details on the Facebook event page. At McCullough Park, there will be local food vendors, inflatables and music. Aurora's own Pawnshop Horns will play everything from Blues to Rock, Soul to Ska, R&B to Country from 7 to 9:15 p.m. More via the city of Aurora website
- The annual 4th of July Parade will step off at 10 a.m. on July 4. The parade route will begin at Benton and River, head east on Benton, north on Broadway, west on Galena, south on Stolp, and west on Downer ending at River Street. The Reviewing Stand, for best viewing, will be in front of the Paramount Theatre at 23 East Galena. As for parking, Lots C, I and L are closed. Lots B, D, G, Q and R may be accessed until 9:30 a.m. on the 4th. Those five lots will re-open again at approximately 11:30 p.m.
Batavia's 4th of July Sky Concert
When: 9 p.m. on July 4
Where: Main Street and Millview Drive, Batavia
- Schedule of events prior to fireworks include: Savor the Flavor – Food Vendors/Food Trucks starting at 5 p.m., Laughing Gas takes the stage at 6 p.m. and the Batavia Community Band performs starting at 8 p.m.
When: Fireworks at dusk on July 4, best viewed from the grounds at either Pottawatomie Park or Ferson Creek Park
- Pottawatomie Park opens at dawn for family and friends who want to make a day of it. Picnic tables are available on a first-come/first-served basis, so it is strongly suggested that patrons bring their own tables, blankets and lawn chairs. Refreshments from hot dogs and bratwurst to popcorn and ice cream are available at the River View Miniature Golf concession stand, which will remain open until 9:15 p.m. The band, Shout Out, will take the stage in the historic pavilion at 6 p.m. until the start of the fireworks extravaganza at dark.
Barrington July 4th Fireworks, Parades
Barrington will hold a 4th of July Parade and kids bike brigade. The parade steps off at 10 a.m. Kickstart your July 4th early with this patriotic parade. Enjoy watching from the sidelines or join in by registering before the parade begins. Barrington's White House Open House will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be a reading of the Declaration of Independence and other historic events. Fireworks will be shot off at dusk at Barrington High School, 616 W. Main Street.
July 7
The festival gets underway on the Fourth of July but fireworks will be shot off on July 7 at 9:30 p.m. at the Sears Centre Arena, 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway in Hoffman Estates. The festival also includes a carnival, petting zoo, musical entertainment, parade, food and drink and plenty of daily activities for the whole family. The fireworks can be viewed from anywhere on the festival grounds. More via the event website.
July 8
Bartlett Fourth of July Parade
- The parade steps off at 1 p.m. on July 8. The parade includes horses, floats, fire engines, bands, Shriners, Community Groups, and much more. The parade goes Oak Ave. from North Ave. south to Railroad Ave.; Railroad Ave. from Oak Ave. to Main St.; Main St. from Railroad Ave. to South Bartlett Rd.; South Bartlett Rd. from Main St. to Stearns Rd. The Bartlett Fourth of July Festival will be held from July 4 to July 8. The festival grounds are located at the corner of S. Stearns and S. Bartlett Road near the Bartlett Community Center, 700 S. Bartlett Road. For more updates check the festival's Facebook page.
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