By: Ashmar Mandou
The summer holidays may look a little different because of COVID-19 and social distancing, but that shouldn’t hinder you from having a festive time. Even if it’s just you or a small group, we have a list of activities sure to keep you entertained this Fourth of July.
Create a Waterpark
Between sprinklers and a fun hose extension, you can create a waterpark in your own backyard. The kids will be entertained for hours (and cooled off) by playing fun water games.
Pack a Picnic
Take all of those adorable red, white, and blue recipes you made and celebrate with a picnic in the park.
Go for a Bike Ride
Get active on your day off and go for a bike ride before all the eating and partying begins.
Take a Walk in the Park
Looking for low-key 4th of July? Use your day off to explore a new neighborhood park as a family.
Lounge in the Pool
Sometimes with holiday plans, less is more. Make delicious summer drinks, play a few patriotic tunes, and kick back, relax, and soak up some sun.
Chicago’s new and reimagined Fourth of July events include:
• Virtual Chosen Few Picnic & House Music Festival (July 4, 12–9 p.m., chosenfewdjs.com), featuring live-streamed 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 and Carla Prather, and comedian, actor, and DJ Deon Cole. Presented with support from DCASE. For details, visit chosenfewdjs.com and join the conversation on social media using #ChosenFewDJs and #Chicago4th.
• Festival Remixed: Independence Day Salute (July 4, 6:30–7:30 p.m., gpmf.org), a virtual expression of the Grant Park Music Festival’s popular annual holiday tradition, featuring the Grant Park Orchestra and conductor Christopher Bell with flutist Mary Stolper playing the American Flute Salute, baritone John Orduña performing God Bless America, along with Fanfare for the Common Man, Armed Forces Salute, America the Beautiful, 1812 Overture, Stars and Stripes Forever, and more. Presented with support from the Chicago Park District and DCASE. For details, visit gpmf.org and join the conversation on social media using #ClassicChicago and #Chicago4th.
