Chicago Cancels Fourth Of July Fireworks: Here’s What You Need To Know

If you've lived in Illinois your entire life, and 2024 was finally going to be the year you head to Chicago to celebrate the 4th of July, I have some bad news for you...fireworks have been cancelled.

No Fireworks on the 4th of July?

Most people feel that a 4th of July celebration that doesn't include fireworks is pointless and un-American, but I happen to disagree. Sure, fireworks are cool, but they are also loud and cost a lot of money.

Plus, the older I get, the less tolerance I have for dealing with the masses of people going to watch fireworks. I'd rather just sit home and fire off illegal ones or watch them on TV. Maybe that makes me lame, but I'd rather be lame than completely annoyed waiting in traffic FOREVER trying to leave a fireworks show.

For these reasons and more, I have never gone to Chicago to celebrate the 4th of July before, but many Illinoisans do and are super mad right now. Here's why...

Chicago City Officials Cancel 4th of July Fireworks

WGN in Chicago reports that the City has confirmed there will be no 4th of July fireworks within city limits for 2024, and now many residents are demanding an explanation...which they aren't really getting.

According to WGN;

The city has offered no explanation but reminds residents that Navy Pier holds its twice-a-week fireworks display every Wednesday and Saturday through Labor Day, including Wednesday, July 3, and Saturday, July 6.

So, have the fireworks been cancelled because of too many other firework options? Sounds that way to me, and it honestly makes sense.

Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events Director of Communications, Madeline Long, told WGN;

As has been the case for several years, the City does not host fireworks for the July 4th holiday.

Why the big hoopla about no fireworks this year then? To help promote Navy Pier's 4th of July celebration? I'm still searching for the answer to that one.