Chicago's Jarvis Beach Sees Massive Fireworks Display on July 4th

Despite the City of Chicago not hosting official July 4th fireworks for a number of years, beachfront displays were seen up and down Lake Michigan's coast

Natalie C. Frank, Ph.D July 5, 2025

Fireworks seen from Lake Michigan beaches July 4th

CHICAGO - Chicago hasn't had official fireworks On July 4th in several years due to safety and logistical concerns associated with overseeing large public areas. Navy Pier will continue to have fireworks displays every Wed. and Saturday during the summer. But that doesn't mean you can't watch a fireworks display to celebrate the holiday. Many neighboring suburbs including Northbrook and Oak Lawn hold fireworks shows on Independence Day, and there are many unofficial fireworks displays around, some quite large, in particular those along the beachfront.

Anyone who has lived in Chicago, will know how much the residents of the city love fireworks. There are impromptu displays for the week around New Years, July 4th and often on warm nights throughout the year. Friday night, July 4th, was no different. Fireworks could be seen up and down the Northside shoreline along Lake Michigan and there was a large fireworks display that occurred on Marion Mahoney beach (Jarvis Beach) at the end of Jarvis Ave. in Rogers Park on Chicago's Northside. Many streets north of Broadway end in small neighborhood beaches, populated by locals throughout the summer days and nights.

It's in not unusual at Jarvis beach that one neighbor will say something like, "I'd love to see some fireworks tonight, " to a fellow neighbor. They are likely to respond something along the lines of, "Yeah, that would be great." What often happens next is someone overhearing the conversation will say, "You know, [neighbor x] is always up for fireworks and they have a ton of them." By the time it's nightfall, this desire has usually gotten around to multiple neighbors and those who have fireworks, will show up bringing them. Before long, another summer night is punctuated by the sounds and sights of an eclectic fireworks display.

Although all non-professional, and commercial fireworks are banned in Illinois, lots of backyards and Lake Michigan beaches are graced by lit skies especially during the warm months, and often, police look the other way, at least for a while. This July 4th on Jarvis beach there was a large and lengthy fireworks display that went on for over two hours with short bursts which began and sunset and lasted will into the night. The main concentration of pyrotechnics included numerous types of commercial fireworks that created burst and rocket-type effects in the night sky. Anyone who grew bored with the local beach show, could look north or south to view a number of other unofficial fireworks shows along the shoreline.

As neighbors gathered, greeted each other and shared barbecue and other food items, the night continued to be punctuated with "booms" and light bursts. Children ran around the lawn leading up to the beachfront, some waded into the water and a few brave souls witnessed the show from rafts or innertubes floating just off the shore. People took turns watching from the beachfront and pier to ensure no one floated too far out while distracted by fireworks. (Floatation devices are also prohibited along Lake Michigan beaches in Chicago except for Coastguard approved water wings and lifejackets.)

As the night came to an end, people packed up their belongings, gathered their children, and bid goodnight to each other. But the sense was that these goodbyes were only temporary leave takings as many of these neighbors would be back out the next day with similar festivities taking place.