03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
What to do in Chicago for Fourth of July weekend: Wu-Tang Clan, patriotic music in Grant Park and fireworks at Navy Pier
Our picks for events in and around Chicago this weekend.
It's Independence Day weekend, and Chicagoland offers no shortage of ways to celebrate. If you're looking for just one recommendation, though, consider heading to Hyde Park for The 4th on 53rd. The grassroots efforts of a small group of neighbors has blossomed over 30 years into an ideal version of American patriotism: an inclusive parade where 'everyone marches,' children decorate bikes, and families gather for a fun festival highlighting local your Fourth of July celebration with the Grant Park Orchestra as it performs quintessential American music: Duke Ellington and George Gershwin, hits from Broadway, and flag-waving favorites. Can't get out of the holiday without a little Sousa. Principal percussionist Josh Jones will be featured in 'Yankee Doodle Fantasy.'Or maybe the stars and stripes aren't flying so high for you this year? Rejoice in our First Amendment freedoms with a few laughs. No one better to help with that than Sammy Obeid, a Lebanese-Palestinian American comedian who hails from Oakland, California. His act combines an affable persona, sharp storytelling and incisive political commentary. Regardless of whether you agree with all of his takes, he'll get you Clan rolls into town on what's been billed as their final tour — 'The Final Chamber' — more than 30 years after their founding on Staten Island in 1992. Run the Jewels opens, offering a whole other reason to Cole, another Oakland native, unleashes her defining blend of R&B, soul and hip hop at the United Center. 'The Way It Is' tour marks her 20th anniversary and also features Tink, Jeremih and Elijah influential Buffalo Grove emo band has reunited for a tour that stops for two nights at Thalia Hall. Formed in 1989 by brothers Mike and Tim Kinsella along with Victor Villarreal and Sam Zurick, perhaps you know them better from such later projects as Joan of Arc, Owls and American Football. Jump on this if you want to go; Saturday's show is already sold out. Also features Coffin Prick and Jenny Pulse. … but in this case, it's the fifth of July in Ravinia — close enough. Chicago, now marking its 58th year since its local founding, has long been a staple of the summer outdoor concert scene. This time, the band is joined by a Fleetwood Mac tribute band, Stevie Zanies show features a solid lineup of comedians well known to Chicago audiences: Adam Gilbert, Skyler Higley, Chris Higgins and Kristen Toomey. You've got three more chances to catch the show. 7 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. July 5 and 7 p.m. July 6 at Zanies Comedy Night Club, 1548 N. Wells St.; tickets $32.25 (ages 21+; 2 item minimum) at
Fireworks 2025: All the Fourth of July shows in the Chicago areaExpect plenty of pyrotechnics all weekend long in the city's parks and boulevards, but for Chicago's official fireworks, head to Navy Pier.'Jurassic World Rebirth' not your speed? Consider the Music Box Theatre's mini festival of Federico Fellini films. It includes a new, 35mm print of '8½' as well as 'La Dolce Vita,' 'La Strada,' 'City of Women' and 'Amarcord.' Years ago, I saw 'Nights of Cabiria' on a steamy hot night, and it still lingers in my mind as a different sort of summer blockbuster.
