The 4th of July is the unspoken halfway point of summer. Street festivals are well underway and abundant with delicious food and beverage. Lollapalooza tickets are arriving in the mail. You’re avoiding thinking of back to school. Whatever it may be, we all take it easy during the hot months and indulge in our favorite Chicago activities. (Ahem, Uptown Ribfest was this weekend June 29th to July 1st)

You might have the perfect Independence Day picnic planned… or perhaps totally forgot. What can we say? Time flies when you’re having summer fun! Hearon Fitzpatrick Marketing decided to rally 5 last minute ideas for a fun-filled holiday. The only sweat you’ll be breaking is over the grill or on the dance floor.

1. Go to Grant Park. If you want a traditional downtown 4th of July experience, skip the Navy Pier fireworks and check out the Grant Park Music Festival. From 6:30 to 8:45, hear the Independence Day Salute with patriotic favorites including Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. With the 8:45 end time, you have plenty of time to walk around downtown, grab some ice cream and head to the beach for some fireworks.

2. Eat Smoque BBQ. To this day, Smoque is one of our personal favorites when it comes to barbecue. Everything from brisket, pulled pork, and their mac & cheese is heavenly.

You can even add a taste to your plate to mix and match meats including ribs and Texas sausage. Regardless of what you get, we highly recommend that you get their peach cobbler and bread pudding. You’ve earned both amazing desserts.

3. Drink Wine and Popsicles. With the weather in the high 80s, you may want to keep it simple on the drinks. Popsicles in wine glasses are a colorful and refreshing way to treat yourself. You can even pair combinations of popsicles and wines for a mixture of fruity, tart, and sweet. This article features popsicles from Whole Foods and helps with a few pairings for stress free, delicious mixing. A bonus? They look super cute and the wine glass cuts down on the messy, melting popsicle. If you’re feeling creative and have popsicle molds – try these recipes for boozy popsicles that include bourbon and other liquor.

4. Dance at Big Whoop-De-Doo! at Theater on the Lake. Square dance and do-si-do the night away with your family by joining Theater on the Lake! Its their first summer back at the newly renovated lakefront venue. Did you know that in the 30s and 40s, Theater on the Lake served as a popular summer barn dance space? With cool history, a cash bar, and a view of the Navy Pier fireworks this will be a guaranteed fun night. No dancing experience required.

5. March with Chicago History Museum. From 10 AM to noon, the Chicago History Museum is offering a free event that is family friendly and educational. Kids can enjoy face-painting, themed arts and crafts, and a parade with the world’s tallest Uncle Sam. Check out the full schedule including a cool guest speaker here. We’ll let you see for yourself!

We hope you have a wonderful holiday!