Chicago weekend events: Fireworks, fests and more

Friday

✍️ The American Writers Museum presents a pop-up exhibition titled "Declarations: 250 Years of Writing Toward Independence," exploring topics surrounding the Declaration of Independence. | The American Writers Museum | $15.35 | Friday - Sunday | Details

🎇 Can't catch the fireworks on the 4th? Wheaton will present fireworks, drone shows and festivities on Friday. | Graf Park in Wheaton | Free | Friday, 5:30pm | Details

✌Kokandy Productions is presenting a revival of "HAIR." | The Chopin Theatre Mainstage | $28-$65 | Through Sept. 13 | Details

🍺 The Graystone Tavern will serve holiday-themed food and drink specials and a July 4th happy hour from noon-4pm on Saturday. | The Graystone Tavern | Friday - Sunday | Details

Saturday

🎆 Navy Pier will host Chicago's Independence Day fireworks show. To celebrate America's 250th birthday, the display will be extended by 15 minutes, making it the largest and longest in the Pier's history. | Navy Pier | Free | Saturday, 10pm | Details

🛥️ First Lady's 4th of July Fireworks Extravaganza includes a 2.5-hour lakefront cruise from the Chicago Riverwalk to Lake Michigan, 3D glasses, snacks and a bar. | First Lady Cruises | $74 | Saturday, 7:45-10:15pm | Details

🎻 Conductor Christopher Bell will lead the Grant Park Orchestra for the Grant Park Music Festival's annual Independence Day Salute. The program features marches and anthems, along with music by George Gershwin, Aaron Copland, John Philip Sousa and more. | Pritzker Pavilion | Free | Saturday, 7:30pm | Details

🥁 Head to Hyde Park for the neighborhood's 34th annual "4th on 53rd" parade, which includes marching bands, floats, community groups and kids on decorated bikes. A festival kicks off immediately afterward, featuring live performances and games. | 53rd Street between Hyde Park Boulevard and Nichols Park | Free | Saturday, 11am | Details

🇺🇸 The Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park is hosting a 4th of July event with live music, performances and activities for families. | John Lewis Plaza | Free. Activities are first-come, first-served | Saturday, 2-7pm | Details

🏛️ The Chicago History Museum opens its revamped "Facing Freedom" exhibition. | Chicago History Museum | $17-$19 | Saturday, 9:30am-4:30pm | Details

🎵 The Museum will also rededicate Augustus Saint‑Gaudens' "Lincoln: The Man," followed by a free public concert by the Americana Concert Band. | Chicago History Museum | Free | Saturday, 4:30-7pm | Details

🦅 Brookfield Zoo Chicago celebrates America 250 with family-friendly activities and special $2.50 kids admission. | Brookfield Zoo Chicago | Saturday, 9:30am-6pm | Details

⚾️ Rosemont's Chicago Dogs baseball team will host its largest fireworks display of the year and an Elvis tribute on July 4. First pitch is at 6pm. | Impact Field | $10 | Saturday, 4:45pm | Details

🛳️ Chicago Boat Company is offering private, self-captained boat rentals, duffy boats, pontoons, party barges and retro boats to enjoy the weekend. | Chicago Boat Company (Chicago River, near Navy Pier) | Saturday - Sunday | Details

🍾 Cody's Public House's all-day Fourth of July party includes $2.50 mimosas until 2pm and other drink specials. | Cody's Public House | Saturday, 11am | Details

🍔 Frank & Mary's Tavern will serve up free Chicago dogs, burgers and apple pie beginning at 2pm. | Frank and Mary's Tavern | Saturday, 11am | Details

🍻 Central Park Bar's Patio Bash includes Maplewood drafts and THC drinks. | Central Park Bar | Saturday, 12pm | Details

🕺🏻 Estelle's hosts a late-night holiday party, starting at 4pm with DJ Papa G. | Estelle's | Saturday - Sunday | Details

🌭 Remedy's has free hot dogs when you buy a $2.50 shot of Malort. | Remedy | Saturday - Sunday | Details

🥂 Olio e Piu has Bottomless Bubbles during brunch and an Aperitivo Hour from 4–7pm. | Olio e Piu | $25 | Saturday | Details

Sunday

🏳️‍🌈 Pride South Side creates a space for Black and Brown LGBTQI+ folks to gather with food, music and dance. | DuSable Museum | Free | Sunday, 2-9pm | Details

🇺🇸 Keter's Fourth of July Weekend Celebration at Gallagher Way serves complimentary mocktails, trivia and giveaways. | Gallagher Way at Wrigley Field | Free | Sunday, 10:30am-1:30pm | Details

🧘 Rosemont presents "Yoga in the Park." | Parkway Bank Park | Free | Sunday, 10-11am | Details

🎤 Lauren Alaina will perform at RiverEdge Park. | RiverEdge Park | $37 | Sunday, 8pm | Details