City of Chicago Independence Eve Fireworks--Friday, July 3, 9:30pm. Strangely, Chicago launches its main fireworks show on July 3 instead of July 4, but we're all about spreading the celebration out over two nights. The big display is staged over Lake Michigan, from Monroe Harbor, so set up camp near the lake anywhere from Navy Pier to Soldier Field for a prime view. Since Grant Park will be all abuzz with the Taste of Chicago, we advise grabbing a few pieces of Harold's Fried Chicken or an Original Rainbow Cone and catching the 85th Army Band performing patriotic tunes at the Petrillo Music Shell at 7:30pm, before the fireworks begin.

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