Navy Pier summer fireworks in 2011. (Michael Mayer / Flickr)
No surprise here, but Navy Pier won’t be hosting its annual Fourth of July fireworks display, in order to prevent a large gathering of people, Chicago officials announced Wednesday.
Not that the holiday will be short of illegal booms, crackles and pops, if recent weeks are any indication.
In terms of approved activities, the city will present a number of alternative events on July 4, including a virtual House Music Festival and an at-home version of the popular SummerDance program.
One tradition that will continue, sort of: The Grant Park Orchestra will still perform a medley of patriotic tunes on the fourth. But the concert will stream on YouTube instead of taking place in front of a live audience.
Here are the details:
Virtual Chosen Few Picnic & House Music Festival, noon-9 p.m. Saturday, chosenfewdjs.com. Livestreamed performances and DJ sets from the Chosen Few DJs: Wayne Williams, Jesse Saunders, Tony Hatchett, Alan King, Andre Hatchett, Terry Hunter and Mike Dunn. Plus special guest performers Byron Stingily, Carla Prather and comedian/actor/DJ Deon Cole.
SummerDance in Place, 5-6:30 p.m. Saturday, youtube.com/chicagodcase. A 30-minute salsa dance lesson by Latin Street followed by 60 minutes of music by Afinca’o, recorded at Millennium Park. Plan a smaller, socially distant dance party and connect via the live broadcast.
Independence Day Salute, 6:30–7:30 p.m. Saturday, gpmf.org. The Grant Park Orchestra will perform “America the Beautiful,” “1812 Overture,” “Stars and Stripes Forever” and more.
Contact Patty Wetli: @pattywetli | (773) 509-5623 | [email protected]
