Editor's note: NBCChicago.com will stream Navy Pier's fireworks LIVE starting at 9:30 p.m. in the player above.
Chicago's iconic annual Navy Pier fireworks show is back Thursday night in celebration of Independence Day, but with thousands expected to show up and max out capacity, we've got you covered on how to watch it from the comfort of your choice in case you're unable to make it in person.
NBC 5 will be livestreaming the event at 9:30 p.m. CT.
At approximately 6:30 p.m., Navy Pier's parking garages reached full capacity, and additional cars are being turned away, according to officials.
As of 9 p.m., Navy Pier has hit maximum occupancy, and no more visitors will be allowed into the area prior to the fireworks show.
Though if you are planning to go, here's what you may need to know to have a blast at this year’s Fourth of July show:
Local
What time should I get to Navy Pier? As early as possible. The Pier opened to the public at 10 a.m. Thursday and large crowds are anticipated. Maximum capacity is expected to be reached, prompting gate closures for public safety. Expect multiple security checkpoints throughout the Pier.
Do I need tickets? No tickets necessary for the fireworks show. If you have tickets for other events at Navy Pier, arrive early as well.
Where can I find parking? On-site parking is located at 600 E. Grand Ave. and can hold around 1,600 cars. If this fills up, Navy Pier suggests Grand Plaza Park, 540 N. State St., and Ogden Plaza Self-Park, 300 E. North Water St.
Can I just take a cab? Sure, but locations for taxi services will be moved from the regular stand location outside to south of the Navy Pier main entrance. The taxi pick-up location will be on Grand Avenue, between Streeter and Lake Shore Drive. Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft will not be picking up or dropping off at the Pier.
I’m just going to take CTA. Sounds good! Buses that serve routes to the west and north of Navy Pier will pick up passengers at the permanent CTA terminal at the northwest corner in front. Buses to the south of Navy Pier will pick up passengers along the semi-circular roadway in the south end of Polk Bros Park. The Navy Pier Free Trolley will also run on its regular schedule.
nWhere: 1301 N. Humboldt Blvd.
nHours: 2-10 p.m.
nWhy Go: Celebrate Puerto Rican culture in Humboldt Park with this festival and parade. The parade steps off at 2 p.m. Saturday near Division and Western.
nWhere: Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park
nHours: Vary by performance. View the full schedule here.
nAdmission: Prices vary
nWhy Go: Enjoy free music from the Grant Park Orchestra and Chorus. There is free seating in the Seating Bowl and on the lawn. If you want to sit extra close to the stage, tickets and membership are available.
nWhere: Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park
nHours: Check here <a href="https://www.choosechicago.com/things-to-do/parks-and-outdoors/millennium-park/summer-music-series/" for schedule details
n Why Go: Enjoy a variety of music in Millennium Park for free during the summer. Genres include soul jazz, indie and African electronic.
nWhere: Lincoln Park Zoo
nHours: 6:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. daily
nAdmission: General admission $20-$79
nWhy Go: Beer tasting stations, entertainment and lawn games are scattered around the Lincoln Park Zoo.
nWhere: 900 W. Randolph St
nHours : Friday 5 p.m.-10 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 12 p.m.-10 p.m.
nAdmission: $10 suggested donation. VIP tickets are $40-$100
n Why Go: This is the street festival’s 23rd anniversary and will feature food from 16 different restaurants along with a number of performers.
nWhere:Boystown, Chicago, IL
Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. daily
nAdmission: $10 suggested donation
nWhy Go: Enjoy live performances from artists such as LeAnn Rimes, Betty Who, Pabllo Vittar, Ultra Nate and others. Celebrate 50 years since Stonewall and the birth of the Pride movement.
nWhere: Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Ave.
nHours: Various screening times
nAdmission:Passes are available for $100-$175.nWhy Go: This is a weeklong horror film festival showing more than 60 films, hosting Q&As with creators and panels featuring special guests.
nWhere: Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island
nHours: 2 p.m.-11 p.m. daily
nAdmission: $80-$649.50
nWhy Go: The lineup includes Miranda Lambert, Maren Morris, Keith Urban, Luke Bryan and more.
nWhere: Old St. Pat’s Church campus in Chicago’s West Loop
nHours: 5 p.m.-10:30 p.m. on Friday, 2 p.m.-10:30 p.m. on Saturday
nAdmission:General admission $10 and $55 for VIP passes
nWhy Go: The lineup includes Hello Weekend, 7th Heaven and 16 Candles. There will also be a bags tournament beginning at 6 p.m. each day.
nWhere: Union Park
nHours: Friday 3 p.m.-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday 1 p.m.-10 p.m.
nAdmission: $79.99-$279.99 Purchase here
nWhy Go: Ruido Fest is Chicago's only three-day Latin music festival. This year's headliners include Enanitos Verdes, Los Tigres del Norte, Malafacha, Los Gold Fires, and many more.
Where: Ravenswood and Berteau avenues
nHours: Saturday 12 p.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday 12 p.m.-6 p.m.
nAdmission: $5 donation
nWhy Go: Ravenswood on Tap returns for its third year. The outdoor festival will feature beer and spirits from local breweries, KOVAL Distillery cocktails, food trucks, live music and more.
nWhere: Event: Grant Park; Parade: from Broadway and Montrose to Halsted St.
nHours: 12 p.m.
nAdmission: Free
nWhy Go: The 50th annual Pride Parade is one of the country’s largest parades. This year’s theme is “Stonewall 50: Millions of Moments of Pride.” This year, a first-of-its-kind event will take place the day before the parade in downtown's Grant Park. "Pride in the Park" will feature headliners like Iggy Azalea and Steve Aoki.
nWhere: The Spirit of Music Garden at Grant Park and various other locations
nHours: TBD. Check back at the City of Chicago website, which currently has last year's dates and times posted.
nAdmission: Free
Why Go: This summer-long event features 48 different live bands and DJs and free dance lessons in different locations around the city.
nWhere: Lake Street east of Michigan Avenue
nHours: Friday 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.
nAdmission: Free
nWhy Go: This is the festival's 11th year. People can interact with over 100 artists through demos and booth chats. There will also be live music and food.
nHours: 4 p.m. Admission: $25nWhy Go: Join the first ever outdoor drag festival in Chicago. As indicated by the CIADF the lineup will represent drag from different generations, neighborhoods and performances.
nWhere: Lawrence Avenue and Broadway Street
nHours: 12: p.m.-10 p.m.
nAdmission: $5 donation suggested
nWhy Go: Windy City Ribfest in Uptown is returning for its 11th anniversary. The event always has live music, arts and crafts and—of course—ribs.
nWhere: Washington Park
nHours: 12 p.m.-10 p.m. daily
nAdmission:$9-300 Children under 12 are enter for free. For more information on tickets click here.
nWhy Go: The IFOL is a self-proclaimed "carnival of nations" dedicated to creating change for all. There will be two stages featuring Reggae, Calypso, Soca, African, Jazz, and more.
nWhere: Chicago Avenue between Damen Avenue and Wood Street
nHours: Friday 5 p.m.-10 p.m.; saturday and Sunday 12 p.m.-10 p.m.
nAdmission: $5 donation requested
nWhy Go: The festival is locally planned and managed by the West Town Chamber of Commerce, meaning that all the food and talent are local. There are also two specialty festivals inside West Fest: Kid Fest and Pet Fest.
nWhere: Jackson Park
Hours: 8 a.m.
nAdmission: $40-$175. Buy here.
nWhy Go: Celebrate house music with Grammy winners such as Def Mix Productions co-founder David Morales and Thelma Houston, house music vocalist and viral sensation Lady Alma and disco maven Taana Gardner.
nWhere: Grant Park
Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Wednesday-Friday; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
nAdmission: Free
nWhy Go: Taste the variety of food Chicago has to offer, all without having to leave Grant Park. Taste of Chicago has taken place annually since 1980 and is now the world's largest food festival, according to the City of Chicago website.
nWhere: Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N. Knox Ave.
nHours:Friday 6 p.m.-12 a.m.; Saturday 12 p.m.-12 a.m.; Sunday 12 p.m.-11 p.m.
nAdmission: $10 if purchased by July 11, and $15 after. Children 12 and under are free.
nWhy Go: Celebrate Irish American culture with a weekend of music, food, dance, exhibits, vendors and children's activities.
nWhere:1901 W. Madison St.
nHours: Friday 2 p.m.-10 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 12 p.m.-10 p.m.
nAdmission: $40+nWhy Go: Ribs, music and beer. What more could you ask for? Twenty pitmasters, brewers from across the country and a host of musicians including Jordan Davis, Cole Swindell and many more.
nWhere: Lincoln Avenue between Montrose and Wilson avenues
nHours: Friday 5 p.m.-10 p.m.; Saturday 12 p.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday 12 p.m.- 9 p.m.
nAdmission: Suggested donation $10 for adults, $5 for seniors or kids and $20 for families
nWhy Go: Anyone from local indie rockers to Old Town School of Folk Music students will take the stage at this music and craft beer festival. Donations help fund the Old Town School of Folk Music scholarship programs and Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce farmers market and concerts.
nWhere: 2159 West Belmont Ave., Chicago, IL
nHours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. daily
nAdmission: $10 suggested donation
Why Go: Chow down on some of the finest burgers Chicago has to offer. More than a dozen local restaurants will be there.
nWhere: West Waveland Avenue and North Southport Avenue, Wrigleyville
nHours: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. daily
Admission: Free
nWhy Go: This acclaimed festival has art of all mediums. TimeOut Chicago rated the festival as one of the city's best.
nWhere: 2200 S. Wentworth Ave. from Cermak Avenue to 24th Place
nHours: 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
nAdmission: Free
nWhy Go: The 41st annual festival will celebrate Far East beauty and culture with Chinese classical dance, music and martial arts. Some of the highlights include the lion dance procession and more.
Where: 435 N. Michigan Ave.
nHours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
nAdmission: Free
nWhy Go: The festival takes place at the base of the Chicago Tribune building overlooking the river. The festival will feature more than 65 artists.
nWhere: 61st Street between Cottage Grove and King Drive
nHours: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Admission: Free
Why Go: The outdoor book fair celebrates reading and literary arts in the Woodlawn neighborhood. Last year there were more than 4,500 attendees, 85 exhibitors and more than 100 books from black authors showcased at the fair.
nWhere: Kelvyn Park, 4438 W. Wrightwood Ave.
nHours: Friday 4 p.m.-10 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 12 p.m.-10 p.m.
nAdmission: $10, $15 and $25
nWhy Go:The festival celebrates Colombian history, culture and independence. Live music from Grupo Niche, Johnny Ventura, Khriz y Angel and other artists.
nHours: Friday 5 p.m.-10 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 12 p.m.-10 p.m. Admission: $5 Suggested donation Why Go: Enjoy a variety of tacos and tamales from different regions while dancing Latin music or watching dance performances.
nHours: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Admission: Free Why Go: It’ll feature amazing chalk art pieces from renowned 3D street and local 2D artists.
nWhere: Union Park
nHours: 12 p.m.-10 p.m. daily
nAdmission: $75-$400. Purchase here.
nWhy Go: The 14th annual Pitchfork Music Festival has a lineup full of current indie darlings such as HAIM, Pusha-T, The Isley Brothers, Belle & Sebastian and more.
nWhere: Wicker Park Chamber Commerce
nHours: Friday 5 p.m.-10 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 12 p.m.-10 p.m.
nAdmission: $10 donation
nWhy Go: This iconic festival is running for three days, bringing fashion shows, music from more than 40 bands, art, food and more.
Where: Navy Pier
nHours: Saturday 11 a.m.-6 p.m. and 7 p.m.-11:59 p.m.; Sunday 12 p.m.-7 p.m.
nAdmission: $8-$38. Purchase tickets here. Drink tickets must be purchased in advance.
nWhy Go: Drink margaritas until your heart's content at Navy Pier.
nHours: 4 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Admission: $15-$65nWhy Go: Enjoy a variety of beers and ciders from Illinois. This year’s participants will be 2 Fools Cider, 3 sheeps Brewing Company, Virtue Cider and many more.
Where: Grant Park
nHours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. daily
n Admission: $120-$4,200
n Why Go: This year’s lineup includes Ariana Grande, Childish Gambino, J Balvin, Twenty One Pilots and many more.
nWhere: Jefferson Memorial Park, 4822 N. Long Ave.
nHours: Friday 5 p.m.-10 p.m.; Saturday 2 p.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday 2 p.m.-9 p.m.
Admission: $5
Why Go: Jeff Fest brings local and national acts for a jam-packed music-filled weekend. Proceeds go to the Jefferson Park Chamber of Commerce.
nWhere: Broadway between Thorndale and Ardmore avenues
nHours: Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m.-9 p.m.
nAdmission: $5 suggested donation
nWhy Go: Edge Fest is a fundraiser for the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce. All donations go to pay for the festival, and any money left over is invested in the community. Plus, your donation gets you the Edge Card community discount card. There's also a pet parade set to step off Saturday at 11 a.m. at Ardmore and Broadway.
nWhere: Montrose and California to Kimball Avenue
nHours: Festival is starts at 12 p.m.
nAdmission: Free
nWhy Go: Celebrate Ecuadorian culture and independence in Albany Park with floats, folklore and Andean music and dancing.
nWhere: Midwest Buddhist Temple, 435 W. Menomonee St.
nHours: Friday 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m.; Saturday 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
nAdmission: $5 donation
nWhy Go: This festival celebrates Japanese culture and will have stage performances, cultural displays and food. The temple will also be open for visitors who are interested in observing and learning about Buddhism.
nWhere: 2000 W. Roscoe St.
nHours: Friday 5 p.m.-10 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 12 p.m.-10 p.m
nAdmission: $10 suggested donation
nWhy Go: Return to the past with Retro on Roscoe through retro music, vendors, food and a car show with more than 50 classic cars. The proceeds from the festival go to local projects and schools.
nWhere: RIIS Park, 6100 W. Fullerton Ave.
nHours: Friday 3 p.m-10 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
nAdmission: $20-$150. Kids 12 and under are free.
nWhy Go: Grammy-winning artists, 30 restaurants, 75 vendors and carnival festivities guarantee a great time at the 10th annual Festival Cubano.
nWhere: Halsted Street between Belmont Avenue and Addison Street
nHours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
nAdmission: $10 suggested donation
nWhy Go: Billed as the largest outdoor street festival in the Midwest, Northalsted Market Days draws a crowd of around 100,000 fairgoers and spans six blocks with music on five stages.
nWhere: Glenwood & Morse Avenues
nHours: Friday 6 p.m.-10 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.- 7 p.m.
Admission: Free
nWhy Go: The free fest kicks off with the Friday Night Cobblestone Jam before the artists' market begins Aug. 18. It features more than 100 artists, open studios and live entertainment on three outdoor stages.
nWhere: Naper Settlement, Naperville.
nHours:Friday 5-10 p.m., Saturday 12-10 p.m., Sunday 12-9 p.m.
nAdmission: $10 per person
Why Go: The fest celebrates Italian heritage with lots of food and awesome shows like Zoppè Family Circus and Tony and Tina's Wedding.
nHours: 4 p.m.-10 p.m.nAdmission: $10 Why Go: Join military families as they celebrate those who fight for our country.
nWhere: Edison Park
nHours: Friday 5 p.m.-10:30 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
nAdmission: $5 donation
nWhy Go:Edison Park Fest first started in 1972 as a sidewalk sale on Northwest Highway. The annual community fundraiser draws about 20,000 people, and proceeds help free community programs and beautification projects.
nWhere: Nationwide
nWhy Go: Clear the Shelters is a nationwide pet adoption event hosted by NBCUniversal TV studios that aims to get animals into the loving homes they need. More than 100,000 pets were adopted for last year's event.
nWhere: North Avenue Beach
nHours: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. daily
nAdmission: Free
nWhy Go: This is the largest free show of its kind in the United States, according to the city of Chicago website. The show can be seen along the lakefront from Fullerton to Oak Street and from Ohio Street Beach. Food vendors will be stationed along the lakefront selling food like hot dogs, hamburgers and ice cream.
nWhere: On Halsted Street between Van Buren and Jackson
nHours: Friday 4 p.m.-11 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 12-11 p.m.
nAdmission: Free
nWhy Go: The acclaimed culinary festival returns for its 30th year, bringing "Old World traditions with a 21st century freshness."
nHours: 12 p.m.-9 p.m. Admission: $34-$99nWhy Go: This is a family friendly event where you can enjoy live music, cold beverages and of course, different dishes made with lobster.
nWhere: 26th Street from Albany Avenue to Kostner Avenue
nHours: Parade steps off at 12 p.m.
nAdmission: Free
nWhy Go: Celebrate Mexico’s liberation from Spain in one of the city’s largest and most colorful parades. Tens of thousands of people show up annually to see Mexican floats, mariachi bands and dancing.
When does the show start? The 15-minute-long fireworks show begins at 9:30 p.m. and will be synchronized to a patriotic playlist.
I’m driving nearby but not going to the show. Will my commute be affected? There will be no parking, stopping or standing along adjacent streets to Navy Pier, including, but not limited to Streeter Drive, Grand Avenue and Illinois Street. Depending on crowds and traffic, the Chicago Police Department may close some streets, usually Grand Avenue and Illinois Street, temporarily.
