For a memorable stay, book a weekend at the Four Seasons and some time aboard their 55-foot yacht, where you can enjoy a curated fireworks experience, including a bespoke menu from chef Richie Farina featuring a medley of elevated bites. For a real splurge, spring for the Dom Perignon Epicurean Package, featuring a Champagne and raw bar set-up.
NASCAR Chicago Street Race
The NASCAR Chicago Street Race is back on July 6 and 7, gathering fans for its 12-turn, 2.2-mile course that will take drivers by some of the city’s most iconic sites and landmarks. Stick around post-race on July 6, when The Black Keys will perform at Grant Park, followed by The Chainsmokers—natural accompaniments to that night’s fireworks, accessible exclusively through NASCAR Chicago Experiences by QuintEvents (packages ranging to include prime seating and hotel stays).
The Robey
If you don’t do crowds and are content with neighborhood fireworks, opt for The Robey hotel in Wicker Park. You’ll be far from the lake, but you’ll be able to spot fireworks in every direction, especially from the hotel’s 13th-floor lounge, The Up Room. Afterwards, head to the 6th-floor Cabana Club, where you can dip your toes in the outdoor pool and order ice-cold drinks and Mediterranean bites by chef Michael Elliott. Try one of their frozen treats (Aperol pops or the piña colada, available with or without alcohol), and raise a glass as the sun sets and the light show kicks off.
Museum Campus
Promontory Point offers all-encompassing views over the distant, illuminated skyline—but for slightly closer views, settle in somewhere on Museum Campus (namely, the coveted stretch between the Adler Planetarium and the Shedd Aquarium). Keep the celebrations going on July 3, when the Shedd Aquarium hosts “Jazzin’ at the Shedd,” a weekly chance to enjoy drinks and music from one of Chicago’s top jazz ensembles, plus excellent lakefront and skyline views. Navy Pier’s regularly programmed Wednesday fireworks kick off at 9 p.m., ensuring a special way to wind down the evening.
Cindy’s at the Chicago Athletic Association
For an exciting viewing experience, gather with friends at any number of hotels with balconies, rooftops, or lake views—and if you’re near Millennium Park, make it the Chicago Athletic Association and its rooftop restaurant Cindy’s, where guests can enjoy bites by chef Kaleena Bliss while taking in exceptional city views. While there, try the Tierra Roja, a crowd favorite cocktail featuring mezcal, passionfruit, and green tea-infused rum.
360 CHICAGO
For some of the best vantage points of the Chicago 4th of July fireworks 2024, get advance tickets to the 360 CHICAGO observation deck at 875 N. Michigan Ave. (formerly the John Hancock Center). All admission passes include access from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., and you can spring for an all-access ticket to experience TILT, a thrilling ride that leans you forward for a staggering 1000-foot-high view of the Mag Mile.
