Ready to celebrate Independence Day with a dazzling display of fireworks? Look no further! Our 2024 McHenry County Fireworks Guide has you covered. Of course, these festivities not only take place on or around the 4th, but often a week or two on either side of the 4th. Our guide to the 4th helps to make sure you don’t miss any of the events or fireworks near you.
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Ready for Fireworks? How about a parade? And who doesn’t like a good festival?!
Don’t wait until the last minute to make your plans for the 4th. Between getting together with family and friends, BBQ’s, festivals, and fireworks displays, there is a lot going on this time of year. We can’t do everything, but we’ve tried to pull together the most comprehensive list of fireworks displays, parades, and other festivals in McHenry County.
Below you’ll find, by city, the list of Independence Day fireworks shows, parades, and festivals across McHenry County. These events are highly subject to change, so be sure to visit the links we provide for the most up-to-date information.
Some of these shows are part of larger festivals, so also be sure to check their websites for more details on other dates and festival events.
Click to Submit Others, Information, or Corrections
Did we miss one or include one that is no longer relevant? Or maybe you have information to add or we need to correct our information? We greatly appreciate any help that others can provide. Please provide as much information, including links to other sources, as you can in the form below. Thanks!
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McHenry County Fourth of July Fireworks Shows, Parades, & Festivals
Cary
Stars N’ Stripes Fest
Date & Time: Friday 6/28/2024, 5:00 pm
Location: Cary-Grove Park
Address: 3 Oaks Rd &, N 1st St, Cary, IL 60013
Notes: Join the Cary Park District for their new replacement for the annual Summer Celebration.
Crystal Lake
Crystal Lake’s Annual Independence Day Parade
Date & Time: Sunday 7/7/2024, 1:00 pm
Location: Dole Avenue to West Crystal Lake Ave, to North Oak St.
Address: North Dole Ave and West Crystal Lake Ave, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Notes: Don’t miss the new parade route this year! Brought to you by the Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce.
Crystal Lake Fireworks & Concert
Date & Time: Sunday 7/7/2024, beach opening 9:00 am; fireworks at dusk.
Location: Crystal Lake Main Beach
Address: 300 Lakeshore Dr, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Notes: Main Beach admissions, $5 per person after 2:30 pm. Brought to you by the Crystal Lake Park District.
Phone: 815-459-0680
Information: Details
Lakeside Festival
Date & Times: Thursday 7/4 – Sunday 7/7/2024, times vary by day, see details.
Location: Dole Mansion & Lakeside Arts Park
Address: 401 Country Club Rd, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Notes: Four fun-filled days for the whole family with lots of bands on 2 stages, amazing food, bags tournament, carnival rides & games, and more. Brought to you by the Lakeside Legacy Foundation.
Fox Lake
Celebrate Fox Lake Parade
Date & Time: Saturday 6/29/2024, 10:00 am.
Location: Grand Avenue
Address: Grand Ave, Fox Lake, IL 60020
Notes: West on Grand Avenue to Rollins Road. Brought to you by the Village of Fox Lake.
Phone: 224-225-1404
Information: Details
Celebrate Fox Lake Fireworks
Date & Time: Saturday 6/29/2024, 5:00 pm, fireworks at dusk.
Location: Lakefront Park
Address: 71 Nippersink Blvd, Fox Lake, IL 60020
Notes: Live music before the fireworks, which will be held at dusk. Brought to you by the Village of Fox Lake.
Phone: 224-225-1404
Information: Details
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Fox River Grove
Fox River Grove Fireworks Display
Date & Time: Saturday 7/6/2024, 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Location: Picnic Grove Park
Address: 598 Birch Ln, Fox River Grove, IL 60021
Notes: No parking in the park, but convenient shuttles will be available around town. Come out for food, fun, and fireworks with the Village of Fox River Grove!
Phone: 847-639-3170
Information: Details
Hebron
Hebron’s Annual Independence Day Parade
Date & Time: Saturday 7/6/2024, 10:00 am – noon
Location: Community Park
Address: Moraine Rd & Price Rd, Hebron, IL 60034
Notes: Begins and ends at Community Park. See details for parade route. Brought to you by the Village of Hebron.
Huntley
Independence Day Fireworks Show
Date & Time: Thursday 7/4/2024, 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Location: Deicke Park
Address: 11419 IL-47, Huntley, IL 60142
Notes: Party in the Park beginning at 7:00 p.m. with fireworks beginning at dusk, brought to you by the Village of Huntley.
Phone: 847-515-5200
Information: Details
{ See more fireworks details below tips. }
BONUS: Top 20 Tips for a Great Time
- Check weather and details on the day of for any critical changes.
- Be aware of what is and isn’t allowed: food, drink, alcohol, glass, coolers, grills, lawn chairs, wagons, sparklers, etc.
- If beverages are allowed, bring more water than you think you’ll need, and pre-freeze some bottles or jugs if you will be there throughout the afternoon.
- Bring compact but filling and satisfying snacks…granola bars, a bag of almonds, etc.
- Napkins and wet wipes.
- Check ahead of time on fees: admission, parking, per person or by vehicle, cash or card, discounts, etc.
- Be aware of entrances and exits, both people and vehicles, and traffic routes; especially as these may not be the same as normal operations.
- Bring some compact umbrellas for emergency sunshade.
- Wide, all-around brim hats can provide great sun protection where you may need it most…your head and face.
- Lots of suntan lotion and bug spray.
- Pack a couple of pocket flashlights, which, especially for small children, can help for seeing as well as for being seen.
- Dress in light colors, which help reduce the sun’s heat but also add visibility when it turns dark.
- Make sure your devices are well charged ahead of time.
- Think about how you can use wheels…if coolers are allowed and you have one on wheels, what can you strap to it? Have an old foldup luggage dolly?
- Wheels aside, consider what you are willing to carry if you have to carry things that you had planned to roll, and how far you might have to carry them…perhaps two chairs and a couple of blankets are better than eight chairs!
- Books or small toys to occupy the little ones.
- Room for a board game? Great opportunity for everyone to put their phones away for some quality family time as you wait for the sun to go down.
- Earplugs, especially for the little ones, but really, for everyone.
- White kitchen trash bags…because it’s just not that hard to pick up after ourselves and they provide added visibility when you are walking out.
- Plan to stick around a while. Bring a lantern to light up a gameboard or pull up a video on your phone or tablet as you wait for people to clear out ahead of you.
Island Lake
Independence Day Parade & Community Picnic
Date & Time: Thursday 7/4/2024
Location: TBD
Address: TBD, Island Lake, IL 60042
Notes: See details for parade route. Brought to you by the Village of Island Lake.
Phone:
Information: Details
Independence Day Fireworks
Date & Time: Sunday 7/14/2024
Location: TBD
Address: TBD, Island Lake, IL 60042
Notes: See details for specifics. Brought to you by the Village of Island Lake.
Phone:
Information: Details
Johnsburg
Pistakee Bay Fireworks
Date & Time: Saturday 7/6/2024, 3:00 pm.
Location: Pistakee Bay
Address: 801 Oak Grove Rd, Johnsburg, IL 60051
Notes: Donations accepted.
Phone: 815-385-9872
Information: Details
Lakemoor
4th of July Parade
Date & Time: Tuesday 7/4/2024, 10:00 am – 12:30 pm
Location: Village Hall
Address: 28581 IL Rte 120, Lakemoor, IL 60051
Notes: See details for parade route. Brought to you by Village of Lakemoor.
Phone: 815-385-1117
Information: Details
Marengo
Day in the Park
Date & Time: Saturday 7/13/2024, 2:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Location: Indian Oaks Park
Address: 825 Indian Oaks Trail, Marengo, IL 60152
Notes: Fireworks will be held around dusk as part of the Day in the Park event.
Brought to you by the City of Marengo.
Phone: 815-568-5126
Information: Details
McHenry
Red, White, & Booze Fest
Dates & Times: Saturday 6/29-30/2024, 11:00 pm – Midnight
Location: The Courthouse Tavern
Address: 1401 Riverside Dr, McHenry, IL 60050
Notes: Celebrate with a brand new festival! Enjoy food trucks, great drinks, games, giveaways, and live music! Brought to you by The Courthouse Tavern.
Phone: 815-322-2658
Information: Details
McHenry
Fiesta Days Fireworks
Date & Time: Sunday 7/14/2024, 9:30 pm – 11:00 pm
Location: Petersen Park
Address: 4300 Peterson Park Rd, McHenry, IL 60050
Notes: Free entry and parking (limited). Brought to you by the City of McHenry.
Phone:
Information: Details
Fiesta Days Parade
Date & Time: Sunday 7/21/2024, 1:30 pm
Location: Green Street
Address: 1200 N Green St, McHenry, IL 60050
Notes: Route: east on Main Street, left on Green Street, right on Pearl Street, left on Riverside Drive to Washington Street. Brought to you by the City of McHenry.
Phone:
Information: Details
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Spring Grove
Spring Grove 4th of July Parade
Date & Time: Thursday 7/4/2024, 12:00 pm
Location: Main Street
Address: 8013 Blivin St., Spring Grove, IL 60081
Notes: Food and beverages will be available in Main Street Park during the parade. Brought to you by the Village of Spring Grove.
Phone:
Information: Details
Spring Grove 4th of July Fireworks
Date & Time: Thursday 7/4/2024, Dusk
Location: Thelen Park
Address: 8516 Winn Rd, Spring Grove, IL 60081
Notes: See Details.
Phone:
Information: Details
Wonder Lake
Wonder Lake Independence Day Parade
Date & Time: Saturday 7/6/2024, 1:00 pm
Location: Hancock Drive
Address: Hancock Dr, Wonder Lake, IL
Notes: Free. See details for a full line-up of fun. Brought to you by the Village of Wonder Lake.
Phone:
Information: Details
Wonder Lake Water-Ski Show & 4th of July Fireworks
Date & Time: Saturday 7/6/2024, 4:30 pm
Location: Wonder Center Beach
Address: 4107 E Lake Shore Dr, Wonder Lake, IL 60097
Notes: See details for a full line-up of fun. Brought to you by the Village of Wonder Lake.
Phone:
Information: Details
Woodstock
Woodstock Annual 4th of July Firework Display
Date & Time: Thursday 7/4/2024, Dusk
Location: Emricson Park
Address: 1313 Kishwaukee Valley Rd, Woodstock, IL 60098
Notes: Brought to you by the City of Woodstock.
Phone: 815-338-4301
Information: Details
Reminder, all information is subject to change. We’ll do our best to add and update as we can, but we always encourage checking the specific sites for the most up-to-date information.
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President and Founder of Identity Developments, LLC, the parent company of the McHenry Life website. My hope for McHenry Life is to create a resource and destination for the residents and businesses of McHenry County alike. A place where residents can discover new places to explore, fun events and ways to spend time, and then share those experiences with others. A place where businesses can connect with existing and potential customers, and not simply market their businesses, but share their own unique stories.
