Dazzling displays: Fireworks, drone shows in the suburbs

Suburban skies will light up this week with fireworks displays and drone shows. Some will be even bigger than usual to celebrate America’s 250th. Here’s where you can see them.

Wednesday, July 1

Mount Prospect Fourth of July Festival fireworks: Approximately 9-9:15 p.m. Wednesday, July 1, and approximately 9-9:30 p.m. Saturday, July 4, in Melas Park, 1500 W. Central Road, Mount Prospect. Music lineup before and after fireworks: X-Side (party rock) from 7:30-8:45 p.m. and Journey 2 Jovi (Journey and Bon Jovi tribute) from 9:15 to 11 p.m. Wednesday; and No Turn on Red (high energy funk and brass) from 8:30-9 p.m. and 9:30-11 p.m. Free festival shuttle. Free. For a map, see mplions.org.

Thursday, July 2

Rockin’ in the USA Fourth of July Weekend Festival: 7-10 p.m. Thursday, July 2; 6-10 p.m. Friday, July 3; and 2-10 p.m. Saturday, July 4, at Rosemont’s Parkway Bank Park entertainment district, 5501 Park Place, Rosemont. Live music from tribute bands with fireworks after the last shows every night. Music lineup: Listen to the Music, Doobie Brothers tribute, on Thursday; Boy Band Night and Super Diamond on Friday; and Garth Guy, Toby Keith Made in America, Hillbilly Rockstarz on Saturday. Free. parkwaybankpark.com.

Frontier Days fireworks: 9:30 p.m. Thursday, July 2, at Recreation Park, 500 E. Miner St., Arlington Heights. Drone show featuring 400 drones, with the theme “Taking America’s 250th Celebration to the Heights.” Rod Tuffcurls & The Bench Press at 7:30 p.m. and Blackberry Jam from 9:45-11:45 p.m. Two free shuttle buses. Free. For a map, see frontierdays.org.

Sleepy Hollow Fourth of July fireworks: 9:30 p.m. Thursday, July 2, at Sabatino Park, Thorobred Lane, Sleepy Hollow. Parking opens at 7 p.m.; $20 per car donation. If rained out, fireworks will move to Sunday, July 5. Free. sleepyhollowil.org.

Friday, July 3

Wheaton Independence Day fireworks and drone show: 9 p.m. Friday, July 3, at Graf Park, 1855 Manchester Road, Wheaton. Family festivities and food trucks starting at 5:30 p.m., with a drone show and fireworks starting around 9 p.m. wheatonparkdistrict.com/events/july4/.

Aurora’s Fireworks Celebration: 9:15 p.m. Friday, July 3, at RiverEdge Park, 360 N. Broadway, Aurora. Music from DJ Suave Smooth and The 6050’s from 6-9:45 p.m. Food vendors at Wilder Park. Watch for the large red balloon flying over Veterans Island to find the best viewing spot. Gates open at 6 p.m. Free. For parking and gate information, see paramountaurora.com.

Hawthorn Woods fireworks: 9:15 p.m. Friday, July 3, at Hawthorn Woods Community Park, 5 Park View Lane, Hawthorn Woods. Park opens at 3 p.m., with food vendors at 5 p.m. and live music at 6 p.m. Free. vhw.org/4thofJuly.

Highland Park Independence Day fireworks: 9:30 p.m. Friday, July 3, at The Preserve of Highland Park, 1207 Park Ave., Highland Park. Food and games from 5:30-9:30 p.m. and Dancing Queen. Free. Wristbands ($10 in advance/$15 on-site) for attractions and games. pdhp.org.

Lisle Independence Day fireworks: 9:30 p.m. Friday, July 3, at Community Park, 1800 Short St., Lisle. Extended 250th fireworks celebration. Alt 101 (’90s alternative rock) performs at 5:30 p.m. and Mike & Joe at 7:30 p.m. on the Van Kampen Stage. Drink sales benefit Lisle Partners for Parks Foundation. Bring blankets and lawn chairs. Parking is very limited. For parking maps, see villageoflisle.org.

North Aurora Independence Day fireworks: 9:30 p.m. Friday, July 3, at Riverfront Park, 25 E. State St., North Aurora. Community picnic, food trucks from 5-10 p.m. and Music by The Simple Remedy from 6-9 p.m. No parking at Route 31/State Street lot, which will be for viewing with pedestrian access only. Free. For parking locations, go to northaurora.org.

Northwest Fourth-Fest fireworks: 9:30 p.m. Friday, July 3, at 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates. 7th heaven performs before and after the fireworks at 8:30 and 10 p.m. Food vendors open from noon to 10 p.m. Over 9,000 free parking spaces and plenty of routes to access the grounds. Free. northwestfourthfest.com.

Taste of Oak Brook fireworks and drone show: 9:30 p.m. Friday, July 3, at the Village Sports Core Fields, 700 Oak Brook Road, Oak Brook. Gates open at 2 p.m. Sixteen Candles performs from 7:30-9 p.m., with drone show at 9:30 p.m., followed by fireworks. Advance VIP parking for $50, preferred for $30, or value for $20; day of is $5 more. oak-brook.org.

Burlington Independence Day fireworks: Dusk Friday, July 3, at Burlington Park, off Burlington Road, Burlington. The biggest fireworks in the town’s history to celebrate America’s 250th. Gates open at 5 p.m. Local food vendors, 50/50 raffle, glow Items, novelties, freebies, and live music by Sally Medearis and 3D Sound. Veterans ceremony at 8 p.m. All proceeds from Fireworks Committee sales, raffle tickets, parking, and donations go directly toward funding the celebration. facebook.com/villageofburlington.

Palatine Jaycees Hometown Fest fireworks: Dusk Friday, July 3, at Palatine Community Park, 250 E. Wood St., Palatine. Bands performing before and after fireworks, with Fletcher Rockwell at 7 p.m. and Bucket Number Six at 10 p.m. Buy “Fireworks Experience” raffle tickets for $5, 5 for $20, 10 for $35, 20 for $50 or 50 for $100. Grand prize winner receives a prime fireworks viewing space and VIP parking for the fireworks, as well as four lawn chairs, two beach blankets, a variety of patriotic goodies, and a gift basket including food and drink certificates. Runner-up receives a prime fireworks viewing space, VIP parking for the fireworks, and food and drink certificates. Raffle tickets will be sold until 9 p.m. Thursday, July 2. Ride share drop-off and pickup at the Family Aquatic Center, 340 E. Palatine Road. Free. For parking locations, go to hometown-fest.com.

Park Ridge Fireworks Celebration: Dusk Friday, July 3, at Maine East High School, 2601 Dempster St., Park Ridge. Interactive dance party at 6:30 p.m. with live music at 8 p.m. Free; preferred parking: $30/$40. prparks.org.

Roselle Independence Day fireworks and laser lights show: Dusk Friday, July 3, at Lake Park High School West Campus, 500 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Roselle. Food trucks starting at 6:30 p.m., with live music by Maggie Speaks from 7-9 p.m. National anthem performed by Roselle's own Frankie Molfese. No street parking surrounding Lake Park High School. Free. For parking locations, go to roselle.il.us.

Wauconda Community Fireworks: Dusk Friday, July 3, at Cook Park, 600 N. Main St., Wauconda. Hosted by the village and Wauconda Park District. Music and concessions starting at 6 p.m. and fireworks at dusk over Bangs Lake. Rain date: July 5. Free. wauconda-il.gov.

Saturday, July 4

Itasca Independence Day fireworks: 4:30-10 p.m. Saturday, July 4, at Hamilton Lakes, at -390 and Park Boulevard, Itasca. Celebrating 250 years of independence with a day filled with family fun, live music, and fireworks. Also, a new kids’ activity zone and treats from a variety of local vendors, including craft brews from Church Street Brewing. Maggie Speaks All-Stars performs Motown starting at 5 p.m., country favorites from 6:15-7:15 p.m., and a lineup of hits at 7:30 p.m. Fireworks at 9:45 p.m. Parking is limited; purchase advanced parking at $34.42 by July 1. On-site parking is $40 per vehicle; first-come, first-served (cash only). eventcreate.com/e/itascafourthofjuly.

St. Charles Independence Day fireworks: 4:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday, July 4, at Langum Park, 7th and Madison avenues, St. Charles. Fireworks at dusk. Around noon, look for a big red balloon above Langum Park to have a good view of the fireworks. In Langum Park, there will be Snack Zone concessions and Sweet Sensations starting at 4 p.m. and DJ entertainment from 6:30-9:30 p.m. In Mount St. Mary Park, food trucks start at 4 p.m. and DJ entertainment from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Glow Zone novelty sales from 6-9 p.m. benefit financial aid program. Pottawatomie Park is not a viewing site. stcparks.org/july-4th.

75th annual Batavia Fourth of July Sky Concert: 5-10 p.m. Saturday, July 4, at Engstrom Park, Main and Millview streets, Batavia. Food and live music with Sky Concert from 9-9:30 p.m. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. bataviafireworks.org.

Elgin’s Fourth of July Concert and Fireworks: 5-10 p.m. Saturday, July 4, at Festival Park, 132 S. Grove Ave., Elgin. Live music, food trucks and drinks, family-friendly games, a buttermaking activity, and a pie-eating contest sponsored by Herb’s Bakery at 7:30 p.m. Band lineup: Petty Betty from 5-6 p.m., Journey From the Heart from 6:30-7:30 p.m. and Jump, America's Van Halen Experience from 8-9:20 p.m.; VIP Lounge Area for $25 for ages 12 or older; free for 11 or under with paid adult. Fireworks around 9:20 p.m. elginil.gov.

Lake Forest Festival and Fireworks: 5 p.m. Saturday, July 4, at Deerpath Community Park, 400 Hastings Road, Lake Forest. Performances by Fletcher Rockwell and Freddy Jones Band, followed by fireworks. Tickets: Lake Forest/Lake Bluff residents: $28.03; nonresidents: $34.21; and free for kids 5 and younger. Premier parking: $55.81. lfparksandrec.com.

Bensenville LibertyFest Independence Day fireworks: 6-9:30 p.m. Saturday, July 4, at Redmond Recreation Center, 545 John St., Bensenville. DJ M.B. Entertainment at 6 p.m. and ARRA at 7:30 p.m. Food and beer for purchase from 6-9:30 p.m. Fireworks will be launched from the public works facility at 9:30 p.m. Rain date: July 5. bensenville.il.us.

Carol Stream’s America 250 Independence Day concert and fireworks: 6-10 p.m. Saturday, July 4, at Ross Ferraro Town Center, 960 N. Gary Ave., Carol Stream. Food vendors from 6-8:30 p.m. Mackenzie O’Brien Band from 7-9 p.m., with fireworks at approximately 9:15 p.m. Park and Walk Service available from posted parking lots along Lies Road Industrial Corridor. E-bikes and scooters prohibited near the stage and its adjacent pathways. Free. carolstream.org.

Vernon Hills July Fourth celebration: 6:30 p.m. Saturday, July 4, in Century Park, 1001 Lakeview Parkway, Vernon Hills. Music from DJ Top Dog. Fireworks at 9:15 p.m. over Big Bear and Little Bear lakes. Free. vernonhills.org.

Buffalo Grove Fourth of July Fireworks & Celebration: 7 p.m. Saturday, July 4, at Willow Stream Park, 651 Old Checker Road, Buffalo Grove. The Buffalo Grove Symphonic Band will perform. Fireworks show at around 9 p.m. Free. vbg.org.

Woodstock Fourth of July fireworks: 7-10:30 p.m. Saturday, July 4, over Emricson Park, 900 South St., Woodstock. Walk-ins can enter through South Street and Jackson Street entrances. Fireworks at dusk. Snack and beverage concessions. Park for $20 in the park. Donations accepted to help cover the cost of the fireworks. woodstockilchamber.com.

Libertyville Independence Day fireworks: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 4, at the Butler Lake Band Shell, 835 W. Winchester Road, Libertyville. Concert of patriotic music performed by the Village Band at 7:30 p.m., with fireworks display at approximately 9:30 p.m. This year, to mark the 250th anniversary of America, there will be a themed opening and closing finale. Lake Street will close to pedestrians and vehicle traffic at 9 p.m. before the show. Parking will be available at Butler Lake Park (residents only), the main commuter lot, both parking garages, and Butterfield School. libertyville.com.

Naperville Community Fireworks Show: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 4, at Frontier Sports Complex, 3380 Cedar Glade Road, Naperville. Naperville Municipal Band performs patriotic classics at 7:30 p.m. at the Wagner Pavilion at the 95th Street Community Plaza. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Parking also available at Neuqua Valley High School, 2360 95th St. Free. napervilleparks.org/fireworks.

Elk Grove Village Mid-Summer Classics Concert Series: 8 p.m. Saturday, July 4, at Rotary Green, 164 Lions Drive, and on the Village Green, 901 Wellington Ave., Elk Grove Village. Country singer/songwriter Jake Owen performs. Fireworks around 9:30 p.m. Free. elkgrove.org.

Northwest Fourth-Fest drone light show: 8:30 p.m. Saturday, July 4, at 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates. This year's show will feature more drones and a longer run-time; best place to view is at the Village Green. Rod Tuffcurls and the Bench Press performs before and after the fireworks at 8:30 and 10 p.m. Food vendors open from noon to 10 p.m. Over 9,000 free parking spaces and plenty of routes to access the grounds. Free. northwestfourthfest.com.

Oswego Fourth of July fireworks: Around 9 p.m. Saturday, July 4, at Prairie Point Park, 4120 Plainfield Road, Oswego. Starting at 3:30 p.m., the village is honoring “America 250” with live music from DJ Suavesmooth, Take Note Quartet, American Legion Band, and Superfly Symphony and food from local favorites. Classic cars at the Oswego250 Car Show, hosted by the Fox Valley Cruisers. Rain date July 5. oswegoil.org.

Lake Zurich Independence Day fireworks: 9:15 p.m. Saturday, July 4, at Paulus Park, 200 S. Rand Road, Lake Zurich. Food, live music, fireworks and more. Includes Taste of Summer food trucks, Giant Bubble Show at 3 p.m., performance by Kelly Daniels Band from 7:15-9:15 p.m. Free admission; $5 BYOB wristbands available. lakezurich.org.

Barrington Fourth of July Fireworks: 9:30-10 p.m. Saturday, July 4, at Barrington High School, 616 W. Main St., Barrington. Free. barrington-il.gov.

Downers Grove-Woodridge Independence Day Fireworks: About 9:30 p.m. Saturday, July 4, at 75th Street and Lemont Road, Downers Grove. Spectators can park and view the show from several parking lots in the area. downers.us/independence-day.

East Dundee’s America 250 fireworks: 9:30 p.m. Saturday, July 4, from the Fox River footbridge area, East Dundee. From 4-7 p.m. at The Depot, 319 N. River St., enjoy food, live music, community activities, and a hometown pie baking competition. Free. eastdundee.net.

Mundelein Community Days fireworks: 9:30 p.m. Saturday, July 4, in Courtland Commons Park, at the corner of Seymour and Courtland, Mundelein. Judson Brown performs from 8:30-11 p.m. Mundelein Munch opens from noon to 11 p.m. Saturday. Free. For parking, go to mundelein.org.

Stars & Stripes Over Glen Ellyn fireworks and drone show: 9 p.m. Saturday, July 4, at Lake Ellyn Park, 645 Lenox Road, Glen Ellyn. Chicagoland Skydiving Center demonstration at about 8:30 p.m., with drone show at 9 p.m. and fireworks display at 9:15 p.m. Due to construction at Glenbard West, access to the bleachers is only available via Ellyn Avenue. Free. Tickets ($50) for the Glen Ellyn Boat Dock starting at 6 p.m. glenellyn4thofjuly.org.

Warrenville Fourth of July Celebration fireworks: 9:15 p.m. Saturday, July 4, at Cerny Park, 4S150 River Road, Warrenville. Hairbanger’s Ball performs from 7:30-9:15 p.m. on the main stage. Free; donations welcome. facebook.com/WarrenvilleFriendsOfThe4th/.

Bartlett Fourth of July Fest fireworks: 9:30 p.m. Saturday, July 4, in Apple Orchard Park, southwest corner of Stearns and Bartlett Road, Bartlett. With a bigger show to honor America’s 250th birthday, the fireworks launch location has changed. The new launch location means the fireworks will be lower in the sky, so visibility from surrounding neighborhoods may be different from in years past. Icons of Country performs from 7:30-11 p.m. The skydivers will now perform from 7-8 p.m. Friday, July 3. Free shuttle buses and a dedicated rideshare pickup and drop-off zone at 700 S. Bartlett Road. See the updated map at bartlett4thofjuly.com.

Huntley Independence Day Fireworks: 9:30 p.m. Saturday, July 4, at Deicke Park, 11419 Route 47, Huntley. Attendees should cross at Route 47 and Main Street; crossing at Route 47 and Mill Street is strongly discouraged. Attendees coming from the west/south should use Lois Lane for entering and exiting; those from the north/east should enter through the Mill Street entrance. Rain date: Around 9 p.m. July 5. huntley.il.us.

Lincolnshire Red, White & BOOM! fireworks: 9:30 p.m. Saturday, July 4, over Spring Lake Park, 49 Oxford Drive. Free. For a map of viewing locations, go to lincolnshireil.gov.

Rolling Meadows Fourth of July fireworks: 9:30 p.m. Saturday, July 4, from Community Center Park fields, 3705 Pheasant Drive, Rolling Meadows. Free. cityrm.org.

Westmont Independence Day fireworks and drone display: 9:30 p.m. Saturday, July 4, at Ty Warner Park, 800 Blackhawk Drive, Westmont. Entertainment, crafts, petting zoo, kids’ activities, food trucks, and music from Westview Hills Band at 4 p.m. and Black Bolts Band at 7 p.m. Fireworks are launched from the Willow Crest Golf Club, north of the park, and ground display fireworks are launched from the northeast corner of the park. Electric scooters and e-bikes are not permitted inside the park during the event. Free. For parking locations, go to westmontparks.org.

Yorkville Fourth of July fireworks and drone show: 9:30 p.m. Saturday, July 4, viewable from Route 47 and Countryside Parkway, Yorkville. Countryside Parkway will be partially shut down between the Hampton Inn and McHugh Road. Free. For visibility map, go to yorkville.il.us.

Antioch Fourth of July fireworks: Dusk Saturday, July 4, at Sequoit Creek Park, 845 Main St., Antioch. “Party in the Park” starts at 4 p.m. with food trucks, splash pad, face painting and more. DJ Positive from 4-6 p.m. and Tennessee Whiskey from 6-8 p.m. Free. antioch.il.gov/events.

BeachFest fireworks: Dusk Saturday, July 4, at the Round Lake Beach Cultural & Civic Center, 2007 Civic Center Way, Round Lake Beach. Food and live music with Mellencougar at 5 p.m. and The Ultimate Garth Brooks Tribute at 7:30 p.m. Free. rlbciviccenter.com.

Lombard Fourth of July Fireworks: Dusk (about 9:30 p.m.) Saturday, July 4, at Madison Meadow Park, East Madison Street and South Ahrens Avenue. This year's fireworks show will serve as a special tribute to America's 250th anniversary. Temporary parking restrictions will be in effect in the surrounding neighborhoods. Note: This year’s event does not include shuttle buses. For parking maps and information, visit villageoflombard.org.

Northbrook Independence Day: Dusk Saturday, July 4, viewed from Meadowhill Park, 1479 Maple Ave., or Techny Prairie Park and Fields, 1750 Techny Road, Northbrook. DJ entertainment at 7 p.m. at Meadowhill Park. Free. eventcreate.com/e/northbrook4thofjuly.

Rolling Meadows Fourth of July Fireworks: 9:30 p.m. Saturday, July 4, at the Rolling Meadows Community Center, 3705 Pheasant Drive, Rolling Meadows. Free. cityrm.org.

Sunday, July 5

Crystal Lake Independence Day fireworks: Dusk Sunday, July 5, at Main Beach, 300 Lakeshore Drive. Presented by City of Crystal Lake, in cooperation with the Crystal Lake Park District. Voices in Harmony and Crystal Lake Community Band perform at 7 p.m. at Main Beach Band Shell. Fireworks admission wristband is $5 per person; kids under 3 free. For parking locations, visit crystallakeparks.org.