The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is joining the America 250 Celebration in a big way on the Fourth of July.
The day begins with free admission to the museum starting at 9 a.m., where visitors can fully explore the life and legacy of our 16th president – including a new exhibit, “The Second American Revolution,” that reveals how the American Civil War and the era of Reconstruction transformed the United States, ending slavery, redefining citizenship, and expanding the promise of freedom and equality.
Then get ready to be a part of America’s Ultimate Block Party — the largest synchronized Fourth of July celebration in U.S. history — starting at 3 p.m. in Union Square Park with old-fashioned family fun, food trucks, a kid and pet parade, and highlighted by patriotic concert performances from Chicago’s premier symphonic brass ensemble and a re-created Civil War band that’s authentic in every detail.
Bring your little red wagons and strollers for a kid and pet parade around the park at 3:30 p.m. – be sure to decorate your wagons, strollers, kids, and pets in appropriate attire.
Throughout the afternoon, kids can interact with Foam and Flight Bubble Parties – including their incredible “kid in a bubble.”
Come hungry for food trucks featuring all-American favorites and a few other tasty surprises.
Bring your lawn chairs and blankets, too, and settle in for two concert performances in the park, beginning at 4:15 p.m. with the 33rd Illinois Volunteer Regiment Band and followed at 6 p.m. by Chicago’s premiere symphonic brass, 3rd Coast Brass. The special America 250 Symphonic Brass Celebration will feature works by American composers, Copland, Ellington, Gershwin and many patriotic favorites performed by a full symphonic brass and percussion ensemble.
Both performances are free to attend and will conclude in time to make your way over to the Old State Capitol for the official Fourth of July fireworks show at dusk.
