2016 Guide to Fourth of July

By: Jonathan Jones 06/17/2016

We all love heading outdoors for summer festivals and family fun, but one of the best things to do Next Weekend in Lake County is saluting those stars and stripes on a blanket under the night sky! Here's our 2016 Guide to Fourth of July.

It's hot town, summer in Lake County 2016! Enjoy it while it lasts!

Lake County loves to party, and we always do it the good ole 'Murrican way with popular fests like Naval Station Great lakes 4th of July Celebration, Red, White & Boom in Lincolnshire and more.

We all live for that moment, bringing out our best “ooo’s and ahh’s,” (some of us get 3D glasses to see if they work, but they never do) as we hope our favorite kind of firework will be the next one to light up the smiling faces around us. (Mine are those white ones that look like fairy dust and make that uber-loud bang! I also like the weeping willow style of cracker that blossoms in assorted colors in the sky).

This Fourth of July, whether you’re looking for a parade route and live music or a beer garden with delicious food, Lake County has it!  From neighborhood block parties and back yard cookouts, to community festivals, live music and fireworks, celebrate all-things-summer in this year's Guide to Fourth of July in Lake County.

Guide to Fourth of July in Lake County

Great Lakes Naval Base 4th of July Celebration

On July 3, don’t miss a full music line up on the "Rock, White & Blue" main stage featuring Royal Bliss and headliner Night Ranger. On July 4, festival-goers will enjoy more live music throughout the day. Besides that, children of all ages will have plenty to do in the Kids Zone, featuring tons of dynamite activities! On both days, a full schedule of live family entertainment acts are on the schedule; a “Fun and Fitness” area, designed for those who seek a challenging obstacle course, bingo, the Marketplace, with specialty exhibitor booths for fun shopping; an enormous paintball arena; and roving entertainment and costumed characters! Plus, thrilling carnival rides and games are a must go. After all of that, an abundance of delicious festival food and refreshing beverages and each night a spectacular fireworks show.

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="274"] Red White & Boom - Adventures in Lincolnshire![/caption]

Red White & Boom - Adventures in Lincolnshire! July 3-4

Come out and enjoy this annual celebration. The fun begins on Friday with live entertainment, food and beer tent, carnival games and a classic car show. Saturday start early with the famous Pancake Feast. Next join them for the 5K run, followed by the annual 4th of July parade, the Cardboard Boat Regatta, live music and more ending with the fireworks extravaganza.

American Independence Parade & Festival - Waukegan July 3; 1-5 pm

The step-off for the American Independence Parade is at 1:00 pm from Franklin Street and Sheridan Road, proceeding north to Bowen Park. The festival includes a petting zoo, pony rides, children's activities, and skate expo with musical entertainment, located throughout Bowen Park from 2:30-5pm. Food vendors begin at 11:30am. A program of American music will be played from 3-5pm.

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="267"] July 4th Fest at Six Flags Great America - by the Carousel[/caption]

July 4th Fest at Six Flags Great America July 2-4; 10:30 am - 10 pm

Celebrate Independence Day weekend with us at the Great America 4th Fest! This patriotic celebration will feature 3 days of everything there is to love about the 4th all in one place. Great specialty foods all weekend and great fireworks show every night, 2nd-4th. There will be daily exclusive coaster ride times, live music and visit the Coca-Cola® July 4th zone and be entertained by the live DJ, dance contests and games that help emphasize summer fun or participate yourself for a chance to win cool prizes!

53rd Annual Deerfield Family Days July 3-4; Sun 5-10 pm, Mon 8 a.m.

Celebration begins Sunday night at 5pm at the Brickyards Park with food, fireworks, family and fun. Then on Monday join the downtown parade and a pancake breakfast in the morning followed by an endless array of food, arts and crafts, 10K Race/5K Walk, rides, petting zoo, bike parade and activities at Jewett Park, there will be something for everyone. Most of all, it is a time for the residents and families to mingle, share and reacquaint.

37th Annual Freedom Classic 5K and Fun Walk - Mundelein July 4; 8 am

Celebrate the 4th in a healthy way and join in on this professionally-timed race along a challenging and scenic route. Medals are awarded for the top 3 finishers in each category. Walkers are welcome also. Sign up early and save $5. There will also be a free 1/2 mile kids run for ages 4-10. Each kid will receive a medal and no registration is required.

Antioch's Independence Day Celebration July 4; 8 am

This single day, multiple activity event starts with the State Bank of the Lakes "Run for Freedom" and ends with the Annual Fireworks Show in downtown Antioch. In between there is something for everyone, like sports tournaments, children's games, food and beverage vendors, a parade, and lots of music. After the parade, stay for the slew of activities in Williams Park. Once the parade is over, and everyone is at Williams Park to enjoy the many activities, they will start the sports tournaments, kids fun fair and live music.

Zion's 4th of July Celebration July 4

Bring the family out for the 4th of July festival. Enjoy a little league all-star baseball games, concerts, a fun fair, games, pony rides, petting zoo, fishing derby, variety of concerts and entertainment, family games, food, fireworks and much more.

Libertyville Fourth of July Fireworks July 4; 7:30 pm

The Village Band will perform a special concert of patriotic music and other favorites beginning at 7:30pm at Butler Lake Park. Experience the fireworks display at dusk, approximately 9:30pm.

Round Lake Beach 4th of July Celebration July 4; 6 pm

The Round Lake Community Band will be providing the soundtrack for the Independence Day celebration at this annual Fourth of July Event at the Round Lake Civic Center. Join us for patriotic music, fireworks and a celebration of America.

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="275"] Lake Zurich's Annual Independence/Family Day[/caption]

Lake Zurich's Annual Independence/Family Day July 4; 10 am - 9:30 pm

Bring the family out for a day of great fun, music, carnival rides, Taste of Summer, a boat parade and fireworks. Enjoy live entertainment from Sonic 7, Keith Semple and LAVA Rock. Residents & beach pass holders admission for adults is $2, age 17 and under free. Bring a valid driver’s license for proof of residency. Non-residents: Ages 4 and up $7 and ages 3 and under free.

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="317"] 2016 Antioch Run for Freedom[/caption]

2016 Antioch Run for Freedom July 4; 8 am 

Register for the 22nd Annual Antioch Run For Freedom. This well received walk/run has become a holiday tradition in Antioch attracting 1400+ participants. The competitive runner and casual walking family enjoy the challenging USATF Certified course that winds through the beautiful streets of Antioch. Please join us in supporting our troops by donating items. Bring the donation to the designated area on race day.

Vernon Hills July 4th Parade & Evening Entertainment July 4; Parade: 9 am, Evening Entertainment: 6:30 pm

The parade steps off at 9:00am and will be bustling with activity with marching bands, floats, clowns, costumed characters and more. The evening events start with live entertainment in Century Park at 6:30 to 9:30pm with the fireworks at 9:30pm. Visit the website for more info.

Waukegan's July 4th Fireworks Show July 4

Bring the family to the Lakefront in Waukegan after the sun goes down for the July 4th Fireworks show. The show will be visible along Waukegan Harbor and Sheridan Road. Show will begin at dusk, so arrive early.