When it comes to the no.1 Fourth of July destination this year, Orbitz Travel says nothing beats Chicago.
With its famous rooftop fireworks fest and special concert nights, Chicago is facing a very busy Independence Day this weekend.
Here are the five ways to celebrate the occasion in the city:
1. Cheering with the loud fireworks.
Fourth of July means fireworks everywhere. In Chicago, the best fireworks show that everybody wants to see is at the Navy Pier Freedom Fest.
The annual event offers the best spot to view the show, the Navy Pier's Rooftop. Doors open at 6:30 pm.
While the rooftop is a lively and family-friendly place, people can also enjoy the Navy Pier Fest with a boat cruise. Odyssey and Mystic Blue offer special three-hour Fourth of July Dinner Cruises that start boarding from 7:30 pm and 7:45 pm respectively.
2. Jamming with the music.
One of the reasons why people are coming to Chicago this year is the three-day concert of Grateful Dead, a legendary country music band, at Soldier Field.
The original members reunite to perform their last tour, "Fare Thee Well: Celebrating 50 Years of Grateful Dead." The last band's concert before the reunion happened about 20 years ago at the same venue.
The Chosen Few Picnic Weekend also offers a Reunion Picnic on Saturday for a musical festival and celebration of Chicago's dance genre. This will be held at Jackson Park, 63rd and Hayes Drive.
3. Having a date with history.
In the middle of loud fireworks and concerts, it is also best to give some time for a patriotic reminiscing of the past.
The Chicago History Museum is holding its annual Fourth of July celebration from 10 am to 12 pm. The event includes outdoor activities that are best for families, some patriotic music and a children's costume parade with the World's Tallest Uncle Sam.
There will also be a keynote oration by Ronald J. Gidwitz and a reading of the Declaration of Independence.
The Grant Park Orchestra is also playing patriotic songs at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion at 7:30 pm.
4. Marching when nobody is watching.
The famous "everybody marches, nobody watches" Fourth of July event will be held at Hyde Park. The 4th on 53rd Parade and Picnic kicks off with bike decorating. At 11 am, the parade will start and people will start marching to Nichols Park, where more fun activities await.
5. Expecting thousands of people and traffic.
It seems that everyone is really coming to Chicago for the holiday weekend.
While thousands are already coming for the Grateful Dead, the Sox and Cubs are also coming home.
Sox will be playing against the Orioles while the Cubs are facing the Marlins at 1:10 pm and 6:15 pm respectively. A post-game fireworks show will follow.