Fireworks symbolize the Fourth of July as much as American flags, hot dogs and sweltering heat, but some Chicago suburbs are switching things up this year.

The big picture: Environmental and safety concerns with traditional fireworks have pushed some Chicago suburbs to opt for drone shows this weekend.

Why it matters: Fireworks release smoke and hazardous particles into the air, creating pollution and respiratory issues, and when set off by amateurs, can cause major injuries.

• Plus, the loud booms can be triggering and scary for people with PTSD and sensory issues, as well as for animals.

State of play: Arlington Heights is one of the cities opting for drones. Tonight's show kicks off at 9:35pm and will feature 400 drones synchronized to music at Recreation Park. The show is expected to last about 10–12 minutes, the village announced.

• Some suburbs are doing a combination of traditional fireworks and drones, including Schaumburg, Oak Brook, Glen Ellyn, Westmont and Yorkville.
• Hoffman Estates has fireworks tomorrow and a drone show on Saturday, with more drones and a longer runtime than previous years.

Zoom in: Fireworks release irritating gases, including carbon monoxide, as well as metals such as aluminum and cadmium, that can irritate lungs and cause respiratory problems, the American Lung Association warns.

Pro tip: Stay indoors if it's smoky outside, but if you must be outside, stay upwind.

Yes, but: Chicago is sticking with tradition with fireworks at 10pm on Saturday at Navy Pier.

• Navy Pier says it's the longest display in its history.
• The South Dock, Navy Pier Beer Garden and the Ferrara Candy Wave Wall Stage are prime viewing spots. Polk Bros. Park at the front of the pier draws smaller crowds.

More drone shows this summer

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 Fourth? Wheaton will present fireworks, drone shows and festivities on Friday. | Graf Park in Wheaton | Free | Friday, 5:30pm | Details

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

Saturday

🎻 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 Chicago History Museum will 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

Sunday

🏳️‍🌈 Pride South Side creates a space for Black and Brown LGBTQ+ 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

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

More events

Need something to put on after the fireworks? Check out these new streaming picks.

"Silo" — Season 3 available Friday on Apple TV

• Rebecca Ferguson's Juliette returns with memory loss and no idea who or what to trust in this dystopian drama about a mysterious underground society. Common returns as Robert Sims.

"Elle" — Season 1 available now on Prime Video

• This "Legally Blonde" prequel follows pre-Harvard Law Elle Woods as a teenager in the '90s who moves to Seattle.
• By the numbers: The trailer has racked up more than 10 million views, despite mixed early reviews.

"Enola Holmes 3" — Available now on Netflix

• Millie Bobby Brown is back, and breaking the fourth wall, as the younger sister of Sherlock Holmes (Henry Cavill).

"Worst Neighbor Ever" — Docuseries available now on Netflix

• This true-crime series revisits real cases where neighborhood disputes in Kentucky, Indiana and California escalated into harassment, deadly violence and criminal investigations.

Sharkfest — Documentary specials available Sunday on Disney+ and Hulu

• The annual TV event is back for its 14th year with two weeks of National Geographic shark content.
• Zoom in: Shows include "Hammerhead Sharks Up Close with Bertie Gregory," "World's Biggest Mako" and "Shark vs. Giant Croc."

Go deeper: See last week's picks.