See Fourth of July 2018 Fireworks, Parades in Kane County, IL!
We’re celebrating the Independence Day in a big way in Kane County, IL.
On and around July 4, 2018, there are more parades, fireworks and community celebrations than you can shake a sparkler at.
Here are a few of the events going on this weekend. If we missed any, email a link to Kane County Connects intern Allison Arguezo at allisonarguezo@gmail.com and Cc kanecountyconnects@gmail.com.
Happy Fourth of July!
Aurora
Fourth of July Parade and Fireworks
Aurora prepares to celebrate Independence Day on Wednesday, July 4, 2018, with an action-packed day of Fourth of July activities — from the parade in the morning to a picnic in the afternoon to the fireworks at night!
Morning Parade
Celebrating both the 242nd anniversary of the United States and the 200th anniversary of Illinois, the pre-parade ceremony is a community celebration beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the reviewing stand located in front of the Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Boulevard.
Receive a free handheld American flag and sing Happy Birthday to our country and state with a dance party led by Simple Destinee and AKA Dance Studio!
The parade then begins at 10 a.m. with nearly 90 exciting units led by Grand Marshal Jose Martinez, a hometown hero and coach who risked his own life to rescue another person.
Stepping off at Benton and River Streets, the parade heads east on Benton, north on Broadway, west on Galena Boulevard, south on Stolp Avenue, and west on Downer Place, ending on River.
The best viewing locations are at two separate reviewing stands: the main stage in front of the Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Boulevard, and a pop-up stage near Benton and Stolp.
Afternoon Picnic
Following the parade, the Aurora Historical Society will hosts its annual Independence Day Picnic and Bell Ringing Ceremony from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Tanner House, 305 Cedar St.
The annual event will feature old-fashioned Fourth of July with music, games, petting zoo, museum tours, pie-eating contest, food for purchase, and the national Ringing of the
Evening Fireworks and Family Fun
The City of Lights lives up to its name with a spectacular fireworks display that will light up the night sky over the Fox River at about 9:35 p.m. The best viewing will be at RiverEdge Park and McCullough Park, where free family-friendly activities begin at 6 p.m.
- McCullough Park, 150 W. Illinois Ave., will feature the horns of Pawnshop playing live blues, rock, soul, ska and everything in between, starting at 7 p.m. Carnival rides and giant inflatables for children and tempting treats from a variety of local food vendors will be for sale all evening.
- RiverEdge Park, 360 N Broadway, will feature patriotic music from the American Legion Band, beginning at 6:15 p.m., and the Fox Valley Orchestra, beginning at 7:45 p.m., on the main stage of the Dunham Pavilion, Aurora‘s premiere outdoor music venue. The traditional community line dancing will commence at 9:15 p.m. with the Cha-Cha Slide, Cupid Shuffle and more!
Free Shuttle Buses
The City of Aurora offers free park-and ride shuttle service from 6 to 9 p.m. with round-trip rides to 10 convenient locations throughout the city. The shuttles resume service following the fireworks, with the last shuttles departing at 11 p.m.
See details at www.aurora-il.org/4thofJuly
Bartlett
5-Day Fourth of July Festival!
The Bartlett Fourth of July Festival takes place from Wednesday, July 4, to Sunday, July 8, 2018, at the festival grounds, located at the corner of South Stearns and South Bartlett Road near the Bartlett Community Center, 700 S. Bartlett Road.
The five-day event includes a carnival with rides and games, food, beverages, FREE entertainment for all ages, bingo, a Turtle Race, a parade, onsite presence for nonprofit groups, skydivers, fireworks, and a great sense of community pride.
The Bartlett Police Department will be conducting traffic control at certain intersections along South Bartlett Road and Stearns Road after the fireworks show. Motorists in the general vicinity will experience heavy travel times due to the large amount of vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
This parade kicks off at 1 p.m. on the Sunday of the festival weekend. It includes horses, floats, fire engines, bands, Shriners, community groups and much more.
Parade Route
- Oak Avenue from North Avenue south to Railroad Avenue
- Railroad Avenue from Oak Avenue to Main Street
- Main Street from Railroad Avenue to South Bartlett Road
- South Bartlett Road from Main Street to Stearns Road
Visit the Bartlett Fourth of JulyCommittee website for schedule updates or visit Bartlett 4th of July on Facebook.
Batavia
Batavia’s Fourth of July Sky Concert!
The city of Batavia is proud to host one of the most celebrated Fourth of July fireworks productions in the western suburbs of Chicago, which they call the “Sky Concert.” It has a more than 50-year history of being produced and paid for by local citizens.
Today, the show is provided under the auspices of the Batavia ACCESS Committee. The show is paid for with private donations and fund-raisers. While the city of Batavia incurs costs for police and fire safety, no tax dollars are used to pay for the pyrotechnics.
- Location: 326 Millview Drive, Batavia
- Food: Savor the Flavor food vendors start serving at 5 p.m.
- Music: The Batavia Community Band starts their patriotic music at 8:15 p.m.
- Fireworks: 2018 Sky Concert begins at 9:30 p.m.
The Fourth of July American Dialogue also takes place in Batavia on this day.
Elburn
2018 Lions Club Fireworks Show
The Lions Club of Elburn will be hosting a fireworks show at the Elburn Lions Park on Saturday, July 7, 2018. The grounds will be opened at 7 p.m., and the show is expected to begin at 9 p.m. The rain date is Sunday, July 8, 2018.
The theme of the show is “Bringing Back the Boom.” A fireworks show was held on the park grounds from 1997 to 2008. The current show is expected to last 20 to 25 minutes.
Concessions: The Elburn Lions Club will offer food and non-alcoholic drinks for sale near the viewing area. Attendees are encouraged to patronize local businesses that will be open prior to and after the show.
Parking: Parking will be available on the west side of Lions Park. There will be no charge to park on our grounds though a free will offering will be appreciated. Parking in the neighborhood surrounding Lions Park may be restricted.
Recognition: The Lions Club of Elburn would like to thank Drew Frasz, the Village of Elburn, the Elburn Police Department, and the Elburn and Countryside Fire Protection District for their valuable support.
For More Information
- Contact the Lions Club
- FaceBook: Elburn Fireworks Show
Elgin
Fourth of July Parade Read to Go!
Parade Information
Date/Time: 9 a.m. Wednesday, July 4- 2018 Parade Theme: Ride the Wave
- Start/Finish Parade: Parade Starts at Slade and Douglas. Parade Ends at Douglas and Highland
- Estimated Parade Time: two hours
No parking on the parade route/staging area starting at 6 a.m.
Participating in the Fourth of July parade? Click here to read parade details and instructions for participants.
If you have any questions about the staging process or anything else related to the parade prior to July 4, please contact 311 or e-mail specialevents@cityofelgin.org.
Grand Victoria Casino’s Fourth of July Celebration Information
Grand Victoria Casino’s Fourth of July Celebration — Wednesday, July 4, 2018
Kool & the Gang and The Commodores
- Wednesday, July 4
- Gates open at 5 p.m.
- Show starts at 7 p.m.
- Festival Park, 132 S. Grove Ave.
- Tickets available at gvctickets.com
Fireworks
- Wednesday, July 4
- Festival Park, 132 S. Grove Ave.
- Fireworks will start immediately after the concert ends.
Important Reminders
- Many downtown streets will close at various times to vehicular traffic over the holiday weekend to allow for a safe and enjoyable experience as the community celebrates Independence Day.
- Absolutely NO coolers, outside alcohol or animals will be allowed at Festival Park for the concert and fireworks on Wednesday, July 4.
- Click here for information on all downtown parking options.
- Shooting off fireworks in Elgin is illegal and there is an ordinance in place that will impact residents who allow fireworks to be detonated on their property. Click here for more information.
Geneva
Kane County Cougars Fourth of July Weekend
The Kane County Cougars are out of town for the Fourth of July this year, but the Cougars have a ton of fireworks and fun events before and after July 4, 2018.
The Cougars will be celebrating Independence Day all week long.
Fireworks and promotional events are scheduled during games on Thursday, Friday and Saturday (June 28-30) and again on Monday and Tuesday (July 2-3) and again on Friday and Saturday (July 6-7),
Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by calling the box office at 630-232-8811 or by visiting kccougars.com.
Huntley
Located at Deicke Park!
- Date: July 4, 2018
- Time: 9:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
- Website: http://www.huntley.il.us
North Aurora
July 3 Fireworks
In celebration of the Independence Day Holiday, the village of North Aurora will be hosting Fireworks again this year on Tuesday, July 3, at Riverfront Park in North Aurora, behind the Village Hall.
Prior to the fireworks at 9:30, start the evening with music in the park beginning at 7 p.m. Join your family and friends for a relaxing evening. Bring a picnic or snacks and BYOB will be allowed in the park in designated areas.
At 7 p.m., enjoy the music of The New Vintage Strings, a quartet who will be playing their classical take on some well-known pop tunes. The quartet members are principal players in the Fox Valley Orchestra.
Following the quartet, at 8 p.m. enjoy the patriotic themed music of the Fox Valley Brass Band, a 30-member band of the Fox Valley Orchestra, to get everyone in the mood for a fantastic fireworks display.
Parking will be available at the parking lot on the corner of State Street and Lincolnway/IIL Route 31 (by the community sign) and at Island Park, which is across the street from Riverfront Park.
The village hall parking lot will be closed to the general public with the exception of a limited number of handicap parking, to allow for viewing of the fireworks.
Residents in close proximity to Riverfront Park may want to bike or walk to the park, as parking will be limited. North Aurora police will be directing pedestrian traffic to assist with crossing on State Street.
As a reminder, the Fox River trail will be shut down on the east side of the river between State Street and the Red Oak Nature Center, beginning in the afternoon, to prepare for this event.
Pingree Grove
Celebrate July 6-7!
The Pingree Grove Independence Day Celebration is chock-full of fun family activities! This year’s festivities include:
- Arts, Crafts & Vendor Market
- Bounce Houses
- Laser Tag
- Face Painting
- Main Stage Performances
- 5:30 to 6 p.m. — Inspirations Dance and Tumbling
- 6:00 to 6:30 p.m. —Cambridge Lakes Karate
- 6:30 to 7 p.m. —Meyers School of Irish Dance
- 7:00 to 7:30 p.m. —Zumba
- 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. —Annie Young Gospel Blues Band
- Car Show — If you’d like to enter a car in the show, please click HERE.
- And more!
Friday Night
Live Music
- 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The Lennys
- 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday Jackson
- Food
- Niko’s Tavern
- Kona Ice
- Beer Garden
- Niko’s Tavern
Saturday
Parade- Car Show
- Food
- Arts, Crafts & Vendors Market
- Games
- Children’s Activities
- Main Stage Performances
- The largest FIREWORKS display
in the area!
https://pingreegroveevents.wixsite.com/idc2018pingreegroveevents.wixsite.com/
Sleepy Hollow
Fourth of July Festival and Fireworks
The full schedule can be found on the 2018 July Fourth Schedule page.
Come out early and get in a bit of exercise and try your luck at landing that big one and claim your prize. The day starts at 8 a.m. with a 1-mile “fun run” starting at Sleepy Hollow Elementary School followed by the Bob Zdenek Memorial Fishing Derby at Lake Sharon at 9 a.m.
Refreshments open at 10:30 a.m., followed by the Bill Ritchie Memorial Parade. The parade starts at 11:30 a.m., with the fire departments leading the parade around Sabatino Park, made up of children on bikes, skaters, tractors, and floats. If you wish to be in the parade, meet at the Sleepy Hollow Pool parking lot at 11 a.m. No registration is required.
See the parade flier for additional lineup instructions. There will be trophies awarded for the best floats and the best tractor.
Again in 2018, the Service Club is proud to welcome the Chicagoland Chapter of the Buick GS Club of America car show. The car show starts at 10 a.m and runs until 2 p.m. Visit the BGSA Car Show site for additional information.
The festival features food, games, live music performances by The Lennys, and other entertainment throughout the afternoon. Sign up early at the ticket booth for a chance to be in the pie eating contest that will take place at 2:30 p.m. with trophies for the first- and second-place contestants.
At 3 p.m. the winners (who need not be present) of the raffle will be drawn. Raffle tickets are available right up to the drawing and are a great tax deductible way to support the Service Club. The games close at 3 p.m. while the music and refreshment wind down around 4 p.m.
At 7 p.m. the park begins to fill with spectators waiting to enjoy one of the best fireworks displays in the area. The Service Club asks for a donation per car to help fund the event. Arrive early and enjoy the evening with friends.
The fireworks start at approximately 9:15 p.m.
Setup is on July 3 at 3 p.m. Volunteers are always welcome to help with setup or on the day of the event. See any club member or go to the ticket booth during the festivities.
Family Sponsor parking passes and tickets will be delivered to your house by Wednesday afternoon (July 3).
If you do not receive your tickets or parking pass by July 3, you can pick them up at the Ticket Booth during the day on the 4th. For Sponsor parking, please enter off of Thorobred Lane near the fire house.
Visit the 2018 July Fourth Schedule page for a timeline of all the July 4th events. Check out the fun from the previous year’s celebration in the Service Club Photo Gallery.
St. Charles
Fireworks and Fun Abound at Pottawatomie Park!
The St. Charles Park District in cooperation with the city of St. Charles hosts what is widely acknowledged as one of the best extravaganza of awe-inducing fireworks displays in the region on Wednesday, July 4.
When the sun goes down, the night sky lights up with an ooh- and aah-worthy festival of colors, lights and sounds. Best viewed from the grounds at either Pottawatomie Park or Ferson Creek Park, the fireworks show is free to the public.
But before the boom-and-sizzle of fireworks supply the soundtrack to the Fourth of July celebration, the band, Shout Out, will take the stage in the historic pavilion at 6pm until the start of the fireworks extravaganza at dark.
Though the pyrotechnics don’t start until dark, Pottawatomie Park opens at dawn for family and friends who want to make a day of it. Picnic tables are available on a first-come/first-served basis, so it is strongly suggested that patrons bring their own tables, blankets and lawn chairs.
Refreshments from hot dogs and bratwurst to popcorn and ice cream are available at the River View Miniature Golf concession stand, which will remain open until 9:15 p.m.
In the case of inclement weather, the fireworks will be held the next available evening.
South Elgin
Come One, Come All!
South Elgin presents an old-fashioned, flag-waving parade through the heart of the community, kicking off promptly at 10 a.m. July 4.
The community honors our nation’s independence and the veterans who have fought to protect it.
The Parks & Recreation Department collects non-perishable food items at the beginning of the parade to help fill the shelves at the South Elgin Food Pantry.
For the safety of all, attendees are encouraged to keep children off of the street during the parade.
2018 Grand Marshal
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Operation Warrior Wishes, formerly known as All32in17, began as a father and son bucket list: a dream to be the first father and son to ever attend an NFL game at all 32 NFL stadiums in one season. -
In all, Matt and Craig Steichen visited their 32nd stadium in a world record time of 103 days. More importantly, they had honored more than 65 wounded warriors during the regular season and planned to continue their mission during the playoffs with hopes of honoring warriors at the Super Bowl!
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Thanks to Mercedes Benz, the Steichens reached that goal and had four warriors at the big game! In just over four months they had had honored 75 warriors at a total of 35 NFL games in one season!
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Craig and Matt continue to volunteer their time to make these warrior wishes come true and are very conscious of how the organizations’ money is spent. Since becoming a 501c3, the organization is proud to say 99 percent of funds donated has gone directly to making warrior wishes come true and giving back to the warriors.
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For more information about Operation Warrior Wishes, click here.
More Information
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The parade begins at the corner of West Spring Street and Wedgewood Drive. Spring Street will be closed at 8 a.m., between Route 31 and McLean Boulevard.
The Parks & Recreation Department collects non-perishable food items at the beginning of the parade to help fill the shelves at the South Elgin Food Pantry.
For the safety of all, attendees are encouraged to keep children off of the street during the parade.
2017 Grand Marshal
Operation Warrior Wishes will be grand marshals of the parade.
- Operation Warrior Wishes, formerly known as All32in17, began as a father and son bucket list. A dream to be the first father & son to ever attend an NFL game at all 32 NFL stadiums in 1 season.
- In all, Matt & Craig visited their 32nd stadium in a world record time of 103 days. More importantly, they had honored over 65 wounded warriors during the regular season and planned to continue their mission during the playoffs with hopes of honoring warriors at the Super Bowl! Thanks to Mercedes Benz, Matt & Craig reached that goal and had four warriors at the big game. In just over four months they had had honored 75 warriors at a total of 35 NFL games in 1 season.
- Operation Warrior Wishes mission is to honor heroes, keep legacies alive and provide once in a lifetime experiences to warriors from the Battlefields to the Ballfields.” Their mission helps civilians to better understand the sacrifices these brave soldiers have made for us and gives us appreciation for those who have served and sacrificed for our country’s freedom. For more information about Operation Warrior Wishes, click here.
