The Evanston Fourth of July Association, in cooperation with the City of Evanston, invites the community to enjoy a full day of festivities on Friday, July 4. This year’s celebration will feature the Association’s family-friendly games in the morning, a Fun Run for kids, an award-winning parade along Central Street in the afternoon, and an evening concert and fireworks display at the lakefront.
The 2025 parade theme, “Truth Guides, Justice Unites, Kindness Heals,”embodies Evanston’s continued commitment to unity, empathy, and civic pride. In keeping with this spirit, the Evanston Fourth of July Association has named four Grand Marshals for this year’s celebration, including Police Chief Schenita Stewart, all of whom represent this year’s theme.
Founded more than a century ago, the Evanston Fourth of July Association was established after a young child was injured playing with fireworks. In response, local parents came together in 1922 to create a safe, supervised way to celebrate Independence Day, a tradition that continues today. This year’s Celebration includes:
Morning Games
Family playground activities and games will start at 9 a.m. at six Evanston locations:
- Baker Park – Forest & Keeney
- ETHS West Field – Church & Dodge (behind the high school)
- Kamen Park – East – South Blvd & Barton
- Lincolnwood School – McDaniel & Grant
- Robert Crown Center – Main & Dodge
- Willard School – Central Park & Park Place
The morning games, including classic favorites like sack races, penny drop and egg races, and the ever-popular pie-eating contest, have become a cherished Evanston tradition.
Fun Run
Children aged 10 years and younger are invited to take part in the 0.7-mile Evanston 4th of July Kids’ Fun Run. Participants can register online or on race day from noon to 12:30 p.m. at the race’s starting line. The run begins at 12:45 p.m. at Ackerman Park, located at Central Street and McDaniel Avenue. The $15 registration fee includes a t-shirt, bib and ribbon for the first 125 children registered. All proceeds will benefit the Evanston Fourth of July Association’s Celebration.
Parade
The parade begins at 2 p.m. on Central Street at Central Park Avenue, and then travels east to Ashland Avenue (Ryan Field).
Concert & Fireworks
The Palatine Concert Band will perform from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Arrington Lakefront Lagoon at Dawes Park, located at Sheridan Road and Church Street. Lakefront fireworks, set to music through radio 90.5 FM, will begin at about 9:30 p.m. Fireworks are visible from most lakefront parks.
Volunteers Still Needed
The Evanston Fourth of July Association is seeking volunteers to help with morning games at six parks, the Fun Run at Ackerman Park, and to serve as parade marshals during the afternoon parade. Community members of all ages are encouraged to get involved and help make Evanston’s largest annual celebration a success.
Parade marshals will receive a celebration t-shirt, collectible buttons, lunch, and the satisfaction of supporting this beloved community tradition. A training session for marshals will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 1, at Lakeside Auto Rebuilders, 3101 W. Central St. To volunteer, visit evanston4th.org or call 847-637-5236.
Additional City Reminders
Parking: Free parking will be available in downtown Evanston’s public parking garages. Visit cityofevanston.org/residents/
Traffic and safety updates: Updates regarding traffic, parking and more can be found on the Evanston Police Department’s X account @EvanstonPD.
City chair ordinance: As a reminder, chairs may not be placed out along the parade route until 6 a.m. on July 1.
Firework safety: The use of fireworks is illegal in Evanston, this includes sparklers, firecrackers, bottle rockets, and Roman candles. Unauthorized fireworks pose serious risks of injury, fire, and noise disturbances, especially for children, pets, and veterans. Evanston Police will be enforcing laws prohibiting fireworks. Community members may report illegal fireworks by calling 847-866-5000 (police non-emergency line).
For more information about the celebration, visit evanston4th.org. For more information regarding City reminders, call 847-448-4311 or simply dial 3-1-1 while in Evanston.