From viewing fireworks on chic rooftops to sipping blue frosé and more, Fourth of July weekend abounds with activities that make for an extravagant long holiday in the city. Below, our favorite picks to maximize the fun, from Independence Day and beyond.
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Photo courtesy of Parker Restaurant Group
Channel your patriotic spirit with a glass of blue frosé ($10) and up the indulgence with a Smash Burger ($10) on the Fourth. Hit the East Coast-inspired concept’s Streeterville outpost to take it outdoors at their lush rooftop lounge. 164 E. Grand Ave., 312.414.1861, Streeterville; 353 W. Hubbard St., 312.464.0500, River North
Photo by devHour/courtesy of The Signature Room
If jockeying with crowds isn’t on the agenda, enjoy the higher life and admire Navy Pier’s Fourth of July fireworks from the 95th floor over dinner or drinks at this downtown staple, which boasts a postcard-worthy, 360-degree view of the city. 875 N. Michigan Ave., 312.787.9596
Photo by Christopher Neseman/courtesy of Grant Park Music Festival
Plan an outing to Millennium Park for the annual Independence Day Salute, where the Grant Park Orchestra will perform Sousa’s Stars and Stripes and other classics. Grab a free spot in the Seating Bowl or the Great Lawn; or, reserve a seat closer to the stage with a One Night Member Pass (starting at $26 per ticket). July 4, 6:30PM, Jay Pritzker Pavilion, 312.742.7647
Photo courtesy of DineAmic
DineAmic's latest concept is saluting the Fourth with a backyard barbecue. Head to the recently debuted West Loop space to enjoy their indulgent riff on Chicago-style hot dogs ($9), Fourth of July-themed jello shots ($6) and other offerings (including off-the-menu bites) while relaxing on the resto's spacious patio. July 4, 11:00AM, 841 W. Randolph St., 312.666.6061
Photo by Iron + Honey/courtesy of Shore Club
On the Fourth, hit this chic beach club and reserve your own cabana with the ‘Merica Package ($750), which includes a stocked Yeti One cooler, Fourth of July-themed inflatables and U.S. flags to get you in the ultimate Independence Day spirit. 1603 N. Lakeshore Drive, 312.635.8058
Photo courtesy of The Hoxton, Chicago
Whether you’re a hotel guest or just a local, watch the fireworks from the sky-high vistas at the new Fulton Market hotspot, which boasts The Hoxton brand’s first rooftop pool. Make a complete night of it and dine at chef Stephanie Izard’s Peruvian-inspired restaurant, Cabra. Room rates start at $129 per night; 200 North Green St., 312.761.1700
Photo courtesy of The Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile
Relaxing with a staycation? Centrally located with quick access to Millennium Park, Navy Pier and other bustling spots, this Mag Mile space is just the spot for some R&R. Plus, the hotel’s Tote Bag To-Go ($15)—equipped with a blanket and a 15% discount at Rush Pantry—is an ideal accessory for the perfect Fourth of July picnic. 540 N. Michigan Ave., 312.836.0100
Photo courtesy of the Chicago Architecture Center
If you're hosting friends or family from out of town, acquaint them to the city’s storied architecture (and steakhouse scene) with Lawry’s Dinner + Chicago Architecture Center cruise offering. After enjoying a 90-minute architectural tour on the Chicago River with First Lady Cruises, guests cap the evening with a three-course dinner at Lawry’s. To reserve a spot on this package tour, contact Shannon Tauschman. 100 E. Ontario St., 312.787.5000
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Photo by Meghan Leigh Photography/courtesy of Frontier
Extend the post-Fourth celebrations at chef Brian Jupiter’s Pig Roast ($19/person) on Saturday, July 5. Featuring the toque’s whole-roasted pig, drink specials like Vodka Sweet Tea Lemonades and a Stone Brewery Bags Tournament, it’s the perfect way to continue the weekend revelry. 1:00PM-5:00PM, 1072 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773.772.4322
Photo courtesy of Gage Hospitality Group
Fend off the Sunday Scaries at Camp Dawson, The Dawson’s summer-long spin on “adult camp.” At the Sunday, July 7 edition, relax on the sprawling patio to tunes from featured cover band True Company, indulge your sweet tooth at the s’mores bar ($4) and imbibe on camp film-inspired cocktails. July 7, 4:00PM-7:00PM, 730 W. Grand Ave., 312.243.8955
If you overindulged on the Fourth, burn off those calories with a session of Stand Up Paddleboard Yoga, which follows the basic practices of yoga under the summer sun on Lake Michigan. Classes available on July 5 & 6; Montrose Beach, 773.307.7369
Photography by: Rotator frosé photo courtesy of the Hampton Social
