Highland Park 4th Of July Fireworks: 2019 Guide, Scheduled Time

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — July 4th is quickly approaching, which means it's time to fire up that barbecue and find out what Fourth of July fireworks and festivities are going on near you this Independence Day. Patch has gathered up all the fireworks shows, parades and festivals happening in and around Highland Park, so you can start planning now.

Here's what's in store this July 4th in Highland Park, which is celebrating its sesquicentennial this year.

9:30 a.m. — Children's Bike and Bet Parade
All are welcome to arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of the parade in the lower level of the parking garage at the northwest corner of St. Johns and Laurel avenues.

10 a.m. — Independence Day Parade
The city and park district are hosting the annual Independence Day parade with the theme of "HP150 — Happy Birthday, Highland Park!" in honor of the 150th anniversary of the city's founding. Descendants of some of the town's first families will serve as grand marshals of the parade. This year the parade has a new route, heading down St. Johns Avenue to Elm Place, west on Elm Place, south on First Street and west on Central Avenue to Sunset Woods Park.

11 a.m. to 2 p.m. — HP150 Big Bash/Fourth Fest
The party at at Sunset Woods Park will include carnival rides, a petting zoo, food, music, a pie-eating contest at noon and an all-community photo at 1:15 p.m. Free Highland Park 150th birthday cake slices will be available. Wristbands allowing for unlimited rides can be purchased at a discount from June 25 to July 3 at West Ridge Center, the Highland Park Rec Center and Highland Park Bank and Trust.

4 p.m. — Bitter Jester Music Festival and Fireworks
The annual grand finale concert takes place at Wolters Field, 1080 Park Avenue West. There will be food vendors on site ahead of a 9:30 p.m. fireworks show. Those wishing to relax at the pool while enjoying the show can also view the fireworks from Hidden Creek AquaPark, 1220 Fredrickson Place, from 8:15 to 10:15 p.m.

As of Wednesday, the National Weather Service was predicting a high of 82 to 89 degrees Thursday for the Chicago area, but just like last year — when storms turned deadly on the 4th of July — scattered storms are a possibility. The NWS is predicting a 30 percent chance of storms both Wednesday and Thursday nights — so keep an eye out for weather-related fireworks cancellations.

Know of other events in the area? Post them on the Patch calendar or share details on our free Neighbor Post feature.

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More: Guide To 2019 Summer Festivals, Events In Highland Park, Highwood

Planning a celebration for the Fourth? Check out epic July Fourth essentials like red, white and blue swag, patriotic games and luminous LED lights to ensure your party is the best in the USA.