Celebrate the 4th of July in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood, with a beloved local tradition of 31 years – the 4th on 53rd Parade and Free Festival! The parade kicks off at 11 a.m. with marching bands, floats, community groups, and kids on decorated bikes – with a free festival after the parade from 12-3 p.m. featuring performances, games, bouncy houses, face painting, petting zoo, magician, and more!
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The 4th on 53rd Parade started in 1992, organized by a legendary group of Hyde Parkers. Their vision and initiative to march around Hyde Park has continued for more than 30 years and has earned the reputation for being “The Parade Where Everyone Marches,” as the whole community is involved.
This family-friendly, neighborhood-centric tradition is much more than a parade now and includes 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 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, a petting zoo, and magician. The community stage showcases local youth group music and dance performances, cheering, and martial arts demonstrations.
SECC and Special Service Area #61 – Hyde Park are sponsors of this year’s celebration. #SSA61