• Chicago's Largest 4th of July Parade
• 30+ year Tradition
• Over 5,000 Attendees
• March from 55th Street to 53rd Street
• FREE Post-Parade Festival in Nichols Park
• FREE Sunday Concert Series July-August
• Made possible by the generous contributions of Hyde Park organizations, businesses, and volunteers
THE 4TH ON 53RD PARADE - started in 1992, organized by a group of Hyde Parkers. Little did they know their march around Hyde Park would continue for 30 years and grow into one of Hyde Park’s most anticipated events. It has grown from a parade to include a Free Festival and Sunday Summer Concert Series that attract over 5,000 people.
The parade begins promptly at 11 a.m. with the sound of the fire truck's siren. It has been called the parade where “Everyone Marches," as the whole community is involved. It features floats sponsored by local businesses, over 75 community groups, two marching bands, and the “bike brigade" - with over 100 kids and families decorating bikes, strollers, and wagons to set off down the parade route. It is truly a unique and special experience to see the excitement on peoples’ faces as they make their way around the 1.3-mile route.
FESTIVAL - After the parade, everyone is invited to participate in FREE activities at Nichols Park. At the music stage, we have a patriotic sing-along followed by two bands. Kids enjoy old fashioned lawn games, two free bounce houses, and magician. The community stage showcases local youth group music and dance performances, cheering, and martial arts demonstrations.
SUNDAY SUMMER CONCERT SERIES - is a series of six FREE concerts in Nichols Park on Sunday afternoons throughout July and August. We book performers from around the Chicago area with musical genres that range from Chicago blues to country and everything in between. It is a delight to see everyone from young families with kids, to college students, to older couples dancing and relaxing in the park.
The activities in Nichols Park continue through fall and winter with Pumpkins in the Park in October and our New Year’s Eve celebration. Last year our programming engaged 7,000 people and we anticipate that number will continue to grow. In addition to exposure at our events and on our social media, our sponsors receive year-round exposure on two large banners displayed at the north and south entrances to Nichols Park. We estimate that 1,400 adults pass the banners each day as they trek to the 53rd street commercial corridor.
Our sponsors receive exposure on both our digital platforms and on in-park banners and signage. Our digital reach alone is estimated to be 10,000 viewers. Previous attendees to our events have gone on to become mayor, governor, county board president, state senator, and even a U.S. president!