Summer Fireworks at Navy Pier

The spectacular fireworks display at Navy Pier is a much-anticipated Chicago hallmark. The twice-weekly Summer Fireworks show runs from May 24, 2025, through August 30, 2025.

The dramatic fireworks spectacle features synchronized music and vivid bursts of color that can be viewed for miles. The free fireworks display runs on Wednesday nights at 9 pm and on Saturday nights at 10 pm.

Besides Navy Pier, there are many prime spots around the city to take in the beauty of the fireworks show. Check out these spots for great vantage points.

Northside:

Montrose Beach/Montrose Harbor 4400 N Lake Shore Dr, Montrose Avenue and Lake Shore Drive, (312) 742-5121. There’s the people beach, dog beach, park area, the pier and the harbor where you can camp out.
Diversey Harbor, 2601 N. Cannon Dr., (312) 742-7762. Camp out in the grassy knolls along the Lakefront Trail.
Theatre on the Lake, 2401 N. Lake Shore Drive at Fullerton, (312) 742-7994. Past the northern end of North Avenue Beach on the Lakefront Trail, you’ll find the theater and its grounds. Adjacent is 5.8 acres of new parkland built on a landfill at Fullerton.

Downtown:

Ohio Street Beach, 600 N Lake Shore Dr, Ohio Street and Lake Shore Drive,(312) 742-5121. This smaller beach faces north but is parallel to Navy Pier.
Oak Street Beach, 1000 N Lake Shore Dr, Oak Street and Lake Shore Drive,(312) 742-5121. This beach is much larger than Ohio Street and you can also camp out in the grassy areas along the Lakefront Trail north of the beach.
DuSable Harbor, 111 N. Lake Shore Drive, 312-742-3577. Set up along the grassy area adjacent to the Lakefront Trail.
Monroe Harbor, Monroe Street east of Lake Shore Drive, 312-742-7643. Set up along the grassy area adjacent to the Lakefront Trail.

Buckingham Fountain, 301 S. Columbus Dr., (312) 742-7529. You’ll want to be on the Lake Shore Drive side of the fountain in the grass along the Lakefront Trail across LSD from the fountain. The “walk” signals across LSD will activate only when a pedestrian pushes the crossing button.
Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S Lake Shore, 312-939-2438. You can sit on the grassy slopes of the north side of the Shedd.
Adler Planetarium, 1300 S Lake Shore Dr., 312-922-7827. The official address is Lake Shore Drive but where you want to camp out is on the north side of Solidarity Drive, which runs east into the Lake.

Northerly Island, 1400 S. Linn White Dr., (312) 745-2910. This secluded spot is good for peaceful viewing without crowds.