Independence Day

Hundreds gathered Friday, July 4 at Kankakee Community College as the city of Kankakee hosted its annual Independence Day celebration.

Hundreds gathered Friday, July 4, 2025, at Kankakee Community College as the city of Kankakee hosted its annual Independence Day celebration.

Check out our photos from all across northern Illinois of fireworks, parades, and more from July 4 celebrations throughout the region

The Riverview Historic District kicked off the holiday weekend Friday morning with its annual 4th of July Celebration featuring the annual Kids' Bike Ride and music by the Riverview Kids' Band.

Just in time for Independence Day, here ere are a few patriotic facts and trivia.

Those attending the July 4 fireworks show are encouraged to use the parking lots at Traughber Junior High School, Eastview Academy, Prairie Point Park/Prairie Point Elementary School and Oswego High School.

There will be parking lot closures and traffic alterations around Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park and Theatre for the city of Joliet’s fireworks Thursday evening

There's no shortage of Independence Day fireworks displays across DuPage County

From food trucks and live music to family-friendly festivities, here is a roundup of places to enjoy the Fourth of July across Kendall County:

Live music, food vendors and fireworks are part of the July 3 celebration at Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park in Joliet.

Most visitor centers at Will County forest preserves will be closed for the Independence Day holiday.

Fourth of July festivities can be frightening and even dangerous for animals with noisy fireworks and other celebrations. The American Veterinary Medical Association offers these guidelines for keeping pets safe.

It’s been 70 years since four Yorkville senior girl scouts went door to door collecting donations to bring back the Yorkville Independence Day parade and fireworks that have since helped shape the community’s identity over the past seven decades. Two sisters remember the days.

Families celebrating the Fourth of July will still face high grocery bills, with prices down an average of just 30 cents from last year’s record, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 2025 marketbasket survey.

In Illinois, consumer fireworks may be purchased and displayed only by adults who have obtained permits from their local jurisdiction. Handheld fireworks, including firecrackers, roman candles and bottle rockets, are not approved for sale or use in Illinois.

The DuPage County Sheriff’s Office announced plans for July Fourth traffic enforcement with a focus on impaired and unbuckled drivers.

Yorkville’s 2026 Fourth of July fireworks display is gearing up to be unforgettable. To commemorate the nation’s 250th birthday next year, city staff are recommending a massive show featuring synchronized air drones, pyro elements and expanded fireworks.

Despite rain, people enjoy the Crystal Lake’s annual Independence Day Parade on Sunday, July 7, 2024 in Crystal Lake. This year’s parade feature close to 100 units.

Joliet waste collection service will be one day late for Thursday, July 4, and Friday, July 5.

Various Independence Day festivities will take place across Will and Grundy counties featuring community celebrations, fireworks, live music, food trucks and more.

With festivities abound, the DeKalb Park District is gearing up to bring the community together for the annual tradition, that is the Fourth of July.

Motorists can expect temporary road closures in Wheaton during the city’s Independence Day events on July 3 and 4.

I tell this story to suggest two concepts: how easy it is to mistake falsehood for truth, and how we lead unexamined lives regardless of how hard we try.

The hour-long patriotic program — part of the 60th annual Let Freedom Ring celebration — started at noon, when the heat index was around 93 degrees, which kept most people in the shade of nearby trees. A reenactment of former U.S. Rep. Robert R. Hitt was part of the program.

The Field of Honor in Wheaton creates a stirring display of patriotism at Seven Gables Park for five days through the Fourth of July.

From the Petunia Festival to watching fireworks shoot across the Rock and Mississippi rivers — people are ready to turn out and celebrate America's birthday.

Once rain clears mid-day Thursday, it will be dry for fireworks shows and festivals.