Best Fourth of July Events by the Lake

Many people have a three day weekend to celebrate Fourth of July, so we recommend you head waterside and enjoy the summer weather overlooking Lake Michigan.

Fourth of July Weekend at Castaways

• Friday, July 3 to Sunday, July 5

Castaways Bar & Grill on North Avenue Beach announces their Fourth of July weekend entertainment lineup (full schedule below). Castaways will serve lunch and dinner from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (weather permitting). Menu items include fresh salads, wraps, sandwiches, and quesadillas accompanied by frozen cocktails and even Corona in a can (No bottles on the beach).

Castaways now offers cabanas available for rent daily through Labor Day. The two cabanas are located on the North end of the Castaways upper deck with a capacity of 10 to 12 people (max) each. The cabanas are available for rent from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Friday, July 3

• Demi Lovato Concert: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• DJ Jem: 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Saturday, July 4

• DJ Jem & The Dance Floor Junkies
• KissFM 103.5 Live Broadcast
• Restaurant open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. (weather permitting)

Sunday, July 5

• Michael Lynch Dance Band
• Restaurant open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. (weather permitting)

Fireworks Outdoor Dining at Landshark Beer Garden at Navy Pier

• Wednesday, July 1 to Sunday, July 5

The LandShark Beer Garden, on the East End of Navy Pier, announces a full lineup of live music during Fourth of July Weekend. Guests can also enjoy a prime fireworks viewing spot on both Wednesday, July 1 and Saturday, July 4.

Headlined by its signature, Landshark Lager, imports, micro-brewed and domestic beers are always served at the Landshark Beer Garden, as well as cocktails and frozen drinks. Favorite picnic foods including pizza, bratwurst soaked in Landshark Lager, Italian beef, hot wings, hamburgers, and Chicago style hot dogs are available.

Wednesday, July 1
7 p.m. - 10 p.m., Stache

Thursday, July 2
7 p.m. - 10 p.m., Clemency

Friday, July 3
7 p.m. - 8 p.m., Briar Rabbit
9 p.m. - 11:30 p.m., Workout Music

Saturday, July 4
2 p.m. - 4:30 p.m., Nicholas Barron
5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m., Upshot
9 p.m. - 11:30 p.m., Todd Hembrook & The Hemispheres

Sunday, July 5
2 p.m. - 4:30 p.m., Mer's Music Showcase
5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m., Creedence Revived

RIVA Cafe Outdoor Dining and Fireworks

• Wednesday, July 1 to Saturday, July 4

This more casual version of Riva Crab House, Chicago's premiere seafood restaurant, will please visitors and locals alike on lively Navy Pier during Fourth of July weekend. Guests can enjoy a prime fireworks viewing spot on both Wednesday, July 1 and Saturday, July 4. Riva Café accommodates guests with a superb seafood menu, gourmet sandwiches, soups and salads. The café's outdoor seating area provides a beautiful view overlooking Lake Michigan as well as access to all of Navy Pier's fun and excitement.