The Fourth of July holiday is upon us, and there will be plenty of ways for residents of Brookfield, North Riverside and Riverside to mark Independence Day, with concerts, parades, ball games, parties and, of course, fireworks.

Here’s a roundup of what’s taking place over the next couple of days.

 

Brookfield

Independence Day kicks off in Brookfield, as always, with one of the best parades in the area at 10 a.m.

Starting from the intersection of Garfield Avenue and Grand Boulevard, the parade heads southeast down Grand Boulevard, past the circle at Eight Corners, all the way through downtown Brookfield.

The parade then heads east on Brookfield Avenue toward the Brookfield Village Hall, which marks the end of the line.

After the parade, hike on over to Kiwanis Park at the corner of Brookfield and Arden avenues and stake your claim to a spot for the annual July 4 Party in the Park, starting at noon.

Live music will come courtesy of The Redmonds (country) from 12:30 to 2 p.m.; Bosco (covers, 60s thru today) from 2:30 to 4 p.m.; and Bob Koutek from 4:30 to 6 p.m.

Food and drink will be available for purchase from Beach Ave. BBQ, Sebastian’s Ale and Whiskey House, Chicago Donut Truck and Leo’s Liquors. Children’s activities include face painting, Giant Connect Four, Giant Checkers, balloon artist Tommy Twister and roaming magician Gary Kantor.

 

North Riverside

There will be a full day of Independence Day-related events in North Riverside on July 4, kicking off with the traditional Little League parade at 10 a.m.

The parade steps off from 14th Avenue and 23rd Street and heads east to 9th Avenue where it heads south to 24th Street. Then it heads east on 24th Street to 2nd Avenue and then turns south to 26th Street. From there, the parade will travel east down 26th Street all the way to Veterans Park.

Enjoy a party in the park that includes the T-Ball All-Star Game and Crosstown Classic and live entertainment by the band The Acousticles (easy listening rock). There will also be food and beverages available for purchase.

After the party, you can rest up for the fireworks Sky Spectacle courtesy of the Riverside Golf Club, 2520 Desplaines Ave.

North Riverside residents with valid ID are invited to watch the show on the grounds of the golf club, with the gates opening at 7 p.m. Fireworks start at 9 p.m. Bring blankets, chairs and small coolers.

Both residents and non-residents are invited to watch the fireworks show from the grounds of the village municipal complex across the street or along Desplaines Avenue, which will be closed to traffic during the event. Attendees are advised to either walk or ride their bicycles to the fireworks show.

Anyone with questions should call North Riverside Parks and Recreation at 708-442-5515.

 

Riverside

The village of Riverside’s Fourth of July celebration is a team effort, involving the Parks and Recreation Department and the nonprofit organization Friends of the Fourth, which raises funds to help defray expenses for the village.

Things get started on the evening of July 3 with the annual Concert in the Park at Guthrie Park (Riverside and Burling roads, between the train station and library). The event kicks off at 5:30 p.m. with the singing of the National Anthem by Jennifer Pollock.

Then you can dance and rock the rest of the night away from 7 to 10 p.m. to the music of Libido Funk Circus. Food and beverages from The Chew Chew, La Barra, Empanadus, Aunt Diana’s, Tropical Sno Events and Marlins Bar and Grill will be available for purchase.

July 4 in Riverside begins early with the 41st Annual Independence Day 5K, which begins at 7:30 a.m. at Centennial Park (Longcommon Road and Forest Avenue). Hundreds of runners will wind their way through the streets of Riverside, so watch for temporary road closures north of the BNSF Railroad tracks.

If you haven’t registered to run yet, you can do so on race day in Centennial Park from 6:30 to 7:15 a.m.

Riverside’s Independence Day Parade follows at 8:45 a.m., stepping off from Longcommon and North Delaplaine roads and then heading south on Longcommon, through the downtown and across the tracks to the Riverside Township Hall.

The post-parade Fun Festival follows immediately in Guthrie Park. The event features music, food, activities and games, with a Toddler Trot at 11 a.m.

 

Other nearby fireworks displays

If you’re looking for a place to watch fireworks to celebrate The Fourth, there are at least two nearby options in Berwyn and Lyons.

The city of Berwyn, Berwyn Park District and the North Berwyn Park District are partnering with the World’s Largest Laundromat to present a fireworks extravaganza on Wednesday, July 3 at Morton West High School, 2400 Home Ave.

Seating opens at 8:30 p.m. The show starts at dusk. The event is open to the public.

Or if watching fireworks on July 4 proper is more your style, the village of Lyons will host a Party in the Park, starting at 6 p.m., at Veterans Park (42nd and Lawndale) featuring activities, food and beer.

Fireworks cap the event at dusk.