STREETERVILLE — As it does every year, Navy Pier will host a two-day spectacle of fireworks in honor of Independence Day on July 4 and 5.
The "bombs bursting in air" kicks off at 9:30 p.m. on Friday off the pier, synchronized to "a patriotic soundtrack," according to Navy Pier staff. On Saturday, the show starts at 10:15 p.m.
But guests should plan to get there hours earlier, Navy Pier staff warned in a release, because access to the pier will be closed when it reaches capacity, expected to happen sometime in the early afternoon. The gates open both days at 10 a.m.
Jon Hansen confesses to Lizzie Schiffman his biggest fireworks party fail:
There will be multiple bag checks along the pier, and coolers, bikes, skateboards, rollerblades and skate shoes are not permitted. Also banned are pets that aren't service animals and outside alcohol, though several restaurants will sell drinks as long as they are consumed on pier property.
Parking is offered at a discount day rate of $15 for up to 12 hours at Navy Pier's three partner garages: Grand Plaza Self Park at 540 N. State St., Ogden Plaza Self Park at 300 E. North Water St., and Millennium Lakeside Garage at 5 S. Columbus Dr.
The Navy Pier Trolley will shuttle to and from all three garages. Drivers can present their parking tickets at the pier's guest services desk for validation to get the discounted parking rate.
To keep tabs on news related to the Navy Pier fireworks this weekend, follow the attraction's official Twitter account @NavyPier, where staff will be posting updates about closures, trolley times and more.
Public transportation in the area will be particularly congested over Fourth of July weekend due to July 4 and July 5 Dave Matthews Band concerts at Northerly Island and a July 6 Cruz Azul vs. Pumas exhibition soccer match at Soldier Field.
The CTA will increase bus service on routes serving Navy Pier, downtown and the lakefront, according to a news release. There will also be more frequent train service and extended service hours across the weekend.
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