July 3 Fun & Fireworks Celebration Information

Wilmette Park District invites residents and visitors to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary with its annual Fun & Fireworks celebration at Gillson Park on Friday, July 3, from 5:00 – 10:00 pm. The 2026 celebration will feature an enhanced 40+ minute fireworks display, expanded shuttle service, live entertainment on two stages, family activities, and local food vendors. 

One of the North Shore’s signature summer traditions, this free community event features an evening filled with live entertainment, family activities, local food options, and a spectacular fireworks display over Lake Michigan. 

Pace Shuttle Bus Information

To help improve access and reduce traffic congestion, the Park District is expanding its partnership with PACE this year by offering two shuttle routes serving Gillson Park during Fun & Fireworks. 

Route 1 will operate from Loyola Academy, with buses beginning service at 4:00 pm. Riders may park at Loyola Academy and travel directly to Gillson Park. Buses on this route will also stop at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2727 Lake Avenue, where additional parking will be available.

Route 2 will provide shuttle service from the Wilmette Metra Station at 12th Street. 

Both routes will drop passengers on Sheridan Road adjacent to Gillson Park. At the conclusion of the event, designated shuttle pick-up zones will be located along Sheridan Road, with separate boarding areas for each route to ensure riders return to their original parking locations. PACE representatives, Park District staff, additional lighting, and directional signage will be available to assist guests throughout the evening. 

Transportation Shuttle Information 

• Shuttle service begins at 4:00 pm on July 3.
• Round-trip fare is $4.50 per rider.
• Cash, credit cards, and electronic payments will be accepted.
• Return transportation requires proof of purchase from the outbound trip.
• Return-only fares will not be available.
• All PACE buses are fully accessible. 

Shuttle service will continue throughout the evening and after the fireworks until all ticked riders have been transported or until shuttle service stops at 11:00 pm. Because capacity is limited, attendees are encouraged to arrive early and plan accordingly. 

“We’re excited to expand shuttle service this year by adding a second route, giving attendees more transportation options while helping ease congestion around Gillson Park,” said Dave Merrill, Superintendent of Recreation for the Wilmette Park District. “We want to make it as easy as possible for families and visitors to come together and celebrate 250 years of freedom.” 

Attendees are also encouraged to carpool, ride-share, or bike to the event. To support pedestrian safety, Sheridan Road and Michigan Avenue between Lake Avenue and 3rd Street will be closed to vehicle traffic during the celebration. Bike racks will be available at various locations around the event footprint, including Gillson Park’s south entrance and near the Gillson Beach House. Limited on-site parking is available.

Entertainment & Fireworks Schedule

This year’s celebration will culminate in an expanded fireworks spectacular beginning at 9:20 pm over Lake Michigan. In honor of America’s 250th Anniversary, the Wilmette Park District and presenting sponsor North Shore Community Bank have extended the fireworks program, featuring an additional five minutes at the beginning of the show and an enhanced ten-minute grand finale. The result is a 40+ minute fireworks display accompanied by patriotic background music. 

Throughout the evening, attendees can enjoy live entertainment across two stages and family activities throughout the park. 

The Main Stage entertainment lineup will feature: 

• Central High at 4:45 pm 
• Men on the Moon at 6:00 pm 
• Antler Chandelier at 7:30 pm 

The Wallace Bowl will showcase: 

• Superhero Training at 5:00 pm 
• Miss Jamie’s Farm at 5:30 pm 
• Jesse White Tumblers at 6:30 pm 
• Footloose Preview Performance at 7:00 pm 
• Barefoot Hawaiian Dance Troupe at 7:15 pm 

Family-friendly activities and entertainment vendors will be available throughout the event, including Total T Magic, airbrush tattoos, face painters and a superhero photo booth. 

Food Vendors

Guests can also enjoy food and refreshments from local favorites, including Lefty’s Pizza Kitchen, La Cocinita, Mustard’s Last Stand, Hecky’s Barbecue and additional vendors. Some vendors will be cash-only, and NO on-site ATM services will be available. 

General Reminders

While admission to Fun & Fireworks is free, beach access regulations remain in effect. Gillson Main Beach will require a valid season or daily beach pass throughout the day and evening. South Beach will operate under normal hours before opening to the general public at 8:00 pm for fireworks viewing.

Please note that all bags are subject to search. Sparklers and alcohol are prohibited. Parking at Gillson Main Beach is reserved for Season Parking Pass holders only. Daily parking passes will not be sold on July 3 and July 4. 

For event schedules, road closure information, weather updates, and additional details, visit wilpark.org/FunAndFireworks and wilpark.org/WeatherConditions, or follow the Wilmette Park District on social media. 

The Wilmette Park District extends its sincere thanks to North Shore Community Bank, the presenting sponsor of this year’s Fun & Fireworks celebration. 

Event Reminders 

• Bags are subject to search. 
• No sparklers permitted.
• No alcohol allowed.
• Gillson Main Beach requires a season or daily beach pass throughout the day and evening.
• South Beach opens to the general public at 8:00 pm for fireworks viewing.