Enjoy Skokie's annual 4th of July parade and fireworks celebration on Tuesday, July 4, 2023.
Parade
The Skokie 4th of July Parade kicks off at noon from Lincoln Avenue and Dobson Street at Oakton Community College. The parade continues north on Lincoln Avenue and turns east onto Oakton Street, concluding at Kenton Avenue. A reviewing stand will be located on Oakton Street at Oakton Park.
The Skokie 4th of July Parade is seeking volunteers to support this year’s celebration. Opportunities include banner walkers, flag and water distributers, parade stagers and more. Visit skokie4th.org/volunteer to sign up.
Construction note: Nicor will remove all construction equipment in the area east of Skokie Boulevard on Oakton Street to accommodate parade activities. Construction in the area immediately west of Skokie Boulevard on Oakton Street will not take place on July 4, but there will continue to be a presence of equipment in the area; the Village is working with Nicor to minimize any impacts.
Fireworks Festival
On Tuesday evening, the fun moves to Niles West High School, located on Oakton Street just west of the Edens Expressway, with Skokie's Fireworks Festival. Food vendors open at 5:30 p.m. Live music, children’s games, and face painting begin at 6:30 p.m. Fireworks begin at dusk.
Safety, Health and Wellbeing
As with all large-scale events, the Skokie Police and Fire departments are collaborating to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all attendees and participants. Skokie Police were among the area departments that responded to last year’s tragedy in Highland Park, and have incorporated lessons learned into this year’s Incident Action Plan. Community members may notice a different look to parts of the security plan at this year’s Independence Day events.
Understanding the continued emotions, impact and trauma individuals may be experiencing, the Village’s Health and Human Services Department is encouraging community members to participate in 4th of July activities in whatever way makes them feel most comfortable, and is reminding community members of mental and behavioral health resources available to support them, including:
Help is available. For questions or more information, call Skokie Health and Human Services at 847-933-8208.
Village Services
Village Hall will be closed on Tuesday, July 4 in observance of Independence Day. Many Village services are available 24/7 online at skokie.org.
Refuse, recycling and yard waste collections will be impacted as follows:
Refuse and Recycling: Monday collection unchanged; Tuesday collection on Wednesday; Thursday and Friday collections unchanged.
Yard Waste: Collection on Saturday, July 8
(Note: Village Hall will be open and services will operate as normal on Monday, July 3.)