2023 4th of July Events

July 4, 2023 Events

To translate information on the City’s website to Spanish or other languages click on the button () on the top right corner of the website and select your preferred language. Translation services are also available through the Highwood Public Library.

Para traducir la información en la página web de la Ciudad de Highland Park al Español u otros idiomas, oprima el botón () en la esquina superior derecha de la página web y seleccione su idioma preferido. Los servicios de traducción también están disponibles a través de la Biblioteca Publica de Highwood.

The City of Highland Park and the Park District of Highland Park (Park District) announce plans for the community to gather on July 4, 2023. The City and Park District are working collaboratively to develop events and activities using a trauma-informed approach with a goal of balancing the diverse needs that have emerged in the wake of the Highland Park shooting. The theme, “We are Highland Park,” focuses on who we are as a community. The day’s events will be flexible and structured to allow community members the opportunity to participate in the way that is most comfortable and meaningful for them.

Schedule of events for July 4, 2023:

• Remembrance Ceremony (10:00 AM, City Hall)
• Community Walk (11:00 AM, City Hall or St. Johns & Elm)
• Independence Day Community Picnic (11:30 AM - 1:30 PM, Sunset Woods Park)
• Gary Sinise & the Lt. Dan Band Concert & Entertainment - at capacity (5:00 PM Entry / 7:30 PM Concert, Wolters Field)
• We Are Highland Park Drone Show (9:30 PM, Wolters Field)

View an overview of events. Browse the Q&A. View event maps, which include parking and bike rack locations.


Resources for event attendees:

• July 4 Events: General Information
• July 4 Events: Security & Prohibited Items
• July 4 Events: Parking Information 

Emergency text notification signups: To receive day-of notifications about the community events on July 4, 2023, simply text HPJULY4 to 67283. Upon successful enrollment in text notifications, individuals will receive a confirmation message. The City will use this tool in the event of a weather cancellation or other emergency. The City will not issue text event reminders or programmatic updates; please continue to follow us on social media and in eNews for this information.

Q&A

Additional information is provided in the Q&A, which will continue to be updated as planning continues:

• Q&A: Security Protocols
• Q&A: General Questions
• Q&A: Registration & Check-in
• Q&A: Support
• Q&A: Remembrance Ceremony
• Q&A: Community Walk
• Q&A: Evening Entertainment at Wolters Field
• Q&A: Volunteering & Donations

Please reach out to the City with any additional questions at cityhp@cityhpil.com.

Security Protocols

The City has implemented a wide-ranging security plan that deploys internal law enforcement personnel alongside officers from area jurisdictions.  The City has been working with partner agencies from the federal, State and county as part of its security plans and leverages partnerships for enhanced security measures, including helicopter surveillance, metal detectors, and bag limits/bag checks. Understanding that the increased visibility of these security measures may recall trauma for some attendees, the City has provided further details on what to expect in a Q&A. 

Accessibility Information

Accessibility accommodations include live ASL/Spanish interpretation and limited seating at the Remembrance Ceremony and vehicular transportation for the Community Walk upon request. Questions about access or requests for any reasonable accommodations that will facilitate full participation in the events should be directed to the City’s ADA Coordinator Emily Taub at etaub@cityhpil.com or 847.926.1005 by June 20, 2023. The City will make reasonable efforts to accommodate questions or requests received by June 20, 2023.

Further Information

The planning process has been informed by conversations and feedback with victims’ families and individuals who were injured, as well as input from community members, elected officials, and staff, many of whom attended the parade. Cognizant that individuals build resiliency in their own time and in line with guidance from the Department of Justice, community members are encouraged to “opt-in” to the activities that are most comfortable for them. These multiple opportunities for the community to gather will give individuals the option to choose how best to engage; the City and Park District encourage all community members to be understanding of neighbors who may have a different comfort level.

Information regarding July 4, 2023 activities will be shared by both the City and Park District as planning continues. Updates from the City are available at www.cityhpil.com, and updates from the Park District are available at www.pdhp.org. Individuals are welcome to share their feedback via email to the City at cityhp@cityhpil.com.