Happy 4th!

Chicago might not have the patriotic landscapes of Washington, D.C., but it is going to be far from quiet this Independence Day weekend. Your dedicated HI-Chicago interns have sniffed out some of the best deals for you to celebrate your 4^th in style, not to mention a couple awesome events that you should be sure to hit!

July 4^th Festivities

Lottie’s Pub (1925 W Cortland): Beer and BBQ Party

-Lottie’s is hosting its own July 4^th BBQ on its open-air patio—$7 will get you a barbecued chicken plate with baked beans, potato salad and dessert. $3 cans and $4 drafts complete this American-style celebration!

Castaways Bar and Grill (1603 N Lake Shore Dr): Live Music Independence Day Weekend

-Castaways on North Avenue Beach, a popular beach hangout with casual walk-up service on the first level, also boasts a rooftop bar and restaurant that offers full food and drink service. Enjoy ice cold drinks and beachside burgers while listening to live music both Sunday and Monday: Chicago-grown DJ Jem will be spinning on Sunday, and the exciting new band Sunfallen will take over on Monday. Hit the beach on what promises to be a swelteringly hot weekend and enjoy these free performances! Music from 1 – 7 PM both days, no cover.

John Barleycorn (658 W Belden Ave): Independence Day at John Barleycorn

-A DJ dance party at John Barleycorn on Sunday (10 PM – 2 AM), including $1 sliders, $7 pizzas, and $18 Bud Light buckets, followed by a $12 all-you-can-eat buffet on Monday (what could be more patriotic?!) with all of your 4^th favorites: ribs, chicken, burgers, and more! And this traveler’s personal favorite--$4 Arnold Palmers and vodka! Mmmmm…

Frontier (1072 N Milwaukee Ave): Independence Day at Frontier

-Barbecue and drink specials, but we’re most excited about Frontier's $12 firecracker punch, available Sunday and Monday from 11 AM – 2 AM, made with blue raspberry lemonade, raspberry vodka and blue curacao float. Independence has never tasted so good!

The Pony (1638 W Belmont Ave): Independence Day at The Pony

-Specials include $3 cans, $5 designer shots, and $2 mini-Chicago dogs, brats and burgers. Complimented by a DJ spinning American classic tunes, The Pony promises to be a fun time!

Bangers and Lace (1670 W Division St): 4^th of July BBQ & Horseshoes

-Are you a horseshoes fanatic? Never heard of it but think it sounds fun? Check out Bangers and Lace anytime this weekend, Friday through Monday from 12 – 5 PM, for a backyard-style celebration. A horseshoes tournament will be accompanied by $1 hot dogs and craft beer, and winners may find themselves in the B&L beer of the month club!

And also…

Bushwood 4^th of July RibFest: July 1 – 4 (Fri 3 – 11 PM, Sat/Sun 12 – 11 PM, Mon 12 – 8 PM)

Bushwood Golf Center (30 Madison St, Maywood):

If you are a rib aficionado, consider taking a quick trek out to the near-west suburb of Forest Park for its first annual RibFest! Friday through Monday will host live music, including a Bon Jovi cover band (YES!) and, of course, finger-lickin’ good ribs.

African-Caribbean International Festival of Life: July 1 – 4 (12 – 10 PM)

Washington Park (5500 S. Cottage Grove Ave, Chicago)

Ok, this is not really 4^th-related, but SO COOL! Head to Washington Park and check out the 19^thannual cultural celebration that will host food, vendors, and live music on two stages, featuring headliner Loretta Lee! That’s 10 hours of non-stop music all 4 days, so don’t miss out! $10/single day ($15 if purchased at door after 5 PM), $30/4 day pass.

DON'T FORGET THE FIREWORKS!

While there will not be official city fireworks due to economic difficulties, fear not! Navy Pier will still hold its previously scheduled 15-minute fireworks show at 9 PM on July 2nd and 4th. If you've got your heart set on watching them from the pier, be sure to get there early. Last year's crowd reached over a quarter of million people before police had to shut down access to the pier entirely! Especially with the lack of fireworks elsewhere this weekend, expect enormous crowds to flock to Navy Pier. However, there are tons of places along the lakefront that you can see the show from, so be sure to check out fun restaurants and bars that have a view of the pier (and won't have those jacked-up tourist prices! $10 for a beer? Come on)!

Written by: Keren Mikva