By: Ashmar Mandou
One of the highlights of Chicago summer is watching the fireworks illuminate all across the sky on the Fourth of July and with the long weekend comes plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors activities. Whether it’s enjoying the fireworks or working out at Millennium Park or even catching fantastical creatures, there is something for everyone this weekend.
Mercury Cruiseline
This Saturday, July 2, Mercury, Chicago’s Skyline Cruiseline, is offering the best seats in the house to experience Chicago’s Independence Day celebration with its 3D Fireworks Cruise. For $45, visitors will get a front row seat to take in the fireworks amidst city views from Lake Michigan while wearing complimentary “3D” glasses, part of an explosive 2-hour experience. Tickets are going fast and can be purchased at https://mercurycruises.com/3d-fireworks-cruise.
Aurora Fireworks
You can watch Aurora’s 4th of July fireworks from either RiverEdge Park or McCullough Park, where DJs will spin tunes from 7pm onward—get there when gates open to secure your spot. RiverEdge Park and McCullough Park. July 4 at dusk; free. For more information, visit www.aurora-il.org
Alebrijes: Creatures of a Dream World
Alebrijes: Creatures of a Dream World is on display through October at Cantigny Park. Some 48 alebrije sculptures—some taller and wider than an SUV–arrived at Cantigny in early May. They were created by six artists from Mexico City who participate annually in the internationally known “La Noche de los Alebrijes,” a parade and festival in Mexico City for “Día de los Muertos” (Day of the Dead). Admission to “Alebrijes: Creatures of a Dream World” will be included with Cantigny’s regular parking fee, currently $5 per car ($10 on summer weekends). Exhibit will be on display from June through October. Cantigny Park is located at 1S151 Winfield Rod, Wheaton, IL. For more information, call 630-668-5161 or visit www.cantigny.org.
Navy Pier Fireworks
Chicago’s favorite sky spectacle show Wednesday and Saturday nights from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Find a spot anywhere on the pier to take in this dazzling free display. Soundtracks feature dramatic and popular music with some special occasion soundtracks. For the Navy Pier Fireworks schedule, visit www.navypier.org.
Summer Workout
From June through September, Millennium Park provides a unique outdoor studio where Chicagoans and visitors alike can be energized in the form of Summer Workouts. Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, guests can enjoy free 45-minute classes on the Great Lawn including yoga, strength training, Pilates, and Zumba®. Sessions are accompanied by live music or local DJs playing the latest tracks. To learn more, visit www.millenniumparkfoundation.org.
Movies in the Parks
The Chicago Park District will bring big-screen entertainment to local parks for the 22nd year of Movies in the Parks. The jam-packed 2022 summer lineup will feature fan favorites like Encanto and the superhero movie Spider-Man: No Way Home. The roster will include an array of critically acclaimed films, cult classics, remakes, sequels and biopics, including Sing 2, Space Jam: A New Legacy, Ghostbusters: Afterlife and King Richard. To check out movie listings, visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/movies
