CHICAGO — While many residents flock to lake houses or suburban yards to celebrate America's birthday, others prefer to stay close to home.
And why not? The weather is supposed to be perfect, and Chicago's neighborhoods have more than enough parades, concerts and holiday barbecues to keep any patriot satisfied.
Jon Hansen confesses to Lizzie Schiffman his biggest fireworks party fail:
So if you're looking to show off your red, white and blue without leaving your 'hood, look no further:
Bridgeport
Sox vs. Mariners Postgame Fireworks
When: After the 7:10 p.m. Friday game
Where: U.S. Cellular Field, 333 W. 35th St., but you can catch the display from the surrounding neighborhoods without attending the game, especially if you're on the east side of the ballpark
Downtown/The Loop
Chicago Fireworks Dinner Cruise
When: 7 p.m. Friday boarding
Where: Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave.
Fireworks Paddle
When: 8-11:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: 1220 W. LeMoyne Ave.
Kayak down the Chicago River and watch the fireworks. Sign up online.
Fourth of July Fireworks
When: 9:30 p.m. Friday and 10:15 p.m. Saturday
Where: Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave.
Independence Day Salute concert
When: 6:30-8:15 p.m. Friday
Where: Jay Pritzker Pavilion, 201 E. Randolph
Lakefront Fireworks Cruise
When: 9 p.m. Saturday departure
Where: Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave.
Reserve a spot on the waitlist online or by calling 888-636-7737.
Mercury 3-D Fireworks Cruise
When: 7:30 p.m. boarding Friday
Where: 112 E. Wacker Drive
Shoreline Fireworks Cruise
When: Varies depending on cruise
Where: Varies depending on cruise
Various fireworks cruises available.
Sweetwater Tavern and Grille Cocktail Specials and Competition
When: 2 p.m. Friday
Where: Sweetwater Tavern and Grille, 225 N. Michigan Ave.
Wendella Fireworks Cruise
When: 9:15 p.m. Saturday
Where: One tour departs from the Wendella Dock at Trump Tower
Buy tickets online.
Edgebrook
Fourth of July Parade and Picnic
When: 11 a.m. Friday
Where: Edgebrook Elementary School, 6525 N. Hiawatha Ave.
Edgewater
Saddle and Cycle Club Fireworks Show
When: about 9 p.m. Friday
Where: Show takes place on private club grounds at 900 W. Foster Ave., but can be seen from surrounding parks
Hyde Park
4th on 53rd Parade
When: 10:30 a.m. Friday
Where: Hyde Park Bank, 1525 E. 53rd St.
Lincoln Park
Chicago History Museum's 55th Annual Fourth of July Celebration
When: 10 a.m.-noon Friday
Where: Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St.
Mayfair
North Mayfair Improvement Association Annual Fourth of July Parade
When: 9 a.m.-noon Friday
Where: Palmer Elementary School, 5051 N. Kenneth Ave.
Near West Side/West Loop
African/Caribbean International Festival of Life
When: 4-10 p.m. Thursday, noon-10 p.m. Friday-Sunday
Where: Union Park, 1501 W. Randolph St.
Fulton Market Kitchen Beach Party
When: 5 p.m. Friday
Where: Fulton Market Kitchen, 311 N. Sangamon
River West
Riverwest Music Festival
When: Friday-Sunday
Where: Elston Avenue and Division Street
Woodlawn
Chosen Few DJs Picnic
When: Thursday-Sunday
Where: Jackson Park, 63rd Street and Hayes Drive
Sauganash
Fourth of July Parade and Picnic
When: 9:30 a.m. Friday
Where: Kostner and Thorndale avenues
Unofficial fireworks displays, all on Friday
Horner Park
Where: 2741 W. Montrose Ave.
Humboldt Park
Where: 1440 N. Sacramento Ave.
Legion Park
Where: 3100 W. Bryn Mawr Ave.
Rogers Park
Where: Between Albion and Farwell avenues
Sheridan Park
Where: 910 S. Aberdeen St.
Welles Park
Where: 2333 W. Sunnyside Ave.
Winnemac Park
Where: Winnemac Park, 5101 N. Leavitt St.