You’ll feel extra patriotic when booking with Chicago Fireboat Tours, a veteran-owned and -operated business featuring cruises on the Fred A. Busse, a retired fireboat that served the Chicago Fire Department for more than 40 years. They offer a fireworks cruise every Saturday, including on July 1 at 8:15 p.m. (ensuring ample time before the 9 p.m. show).
Chicago Electric Boat Company has self-guided Duffy, retro, donut, and pontoon boats for rent, with the option to hire a captain. Reserve one of their party barges, cycleboats, or yachts—they come with a professional captain and deck hand—if you’re looking to kick back (and look up). And just in time for summer, they launched a lakefront location at Monroe Harbor, offering private cruises with perfect fireworks views.
For a memorable stay, book a weekend at the Four Seasons and some time aboard their 52-foot yacht, where you can enjoy a curated fireworks experience, including a bespoke menu from chef Richie Farina.
NASCAR Chicago Street Race
For NASCAR’s 75th anniversary season, Chicago is hosting the inaugural Chicago Street Race Weekend on July 1 and 2, featuring a 12-turn, 2.2-mile street course that will take drivers by some of the city’s most iconic sites and landmarks. Stick around post-race on July 1, when The Chainsmokers perform at Grant Park—the ultimate accompaniment to that night’s fireworks, accessible exclusively through NASCAR Chicago Experiences by QuintEvents (packages ranging to include prime seating and hotel stays).
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 5, 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 and 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 newly debuted cocktail featuring mezcal, passionfruit, and green tea-infused rum.
360 CHICAGO and The Signature Room
For some of the best vantage points in the city, get advance tickets to the 360 CHICAGO observation deck at 875 N Chicago (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 thrill ride that leans you forward for a staggering 1000-foot-view of the Mag Mile.
Afterwards, check out the recently opened CloudBar, a cocktail space featuring local breweries, Chicago-inspired cocktails, and stunning views for the fireworks. For a full dinner, book a table at The Signature Room one floor up, where you can catch the show with a glass of Champagne in hand.
