TUE 7/3
On fire
Can’t wait until the 4th of July for your fireworks action? You don’t have to. “Ooh” and “aah” your way through the Independence Eve Fireworks, exploding onto the scene early in Grant Park. Get in the mood with the Grant Park Orchestra’s renditions of Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture,” Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes Forever” and other patriotic numbers. Concert starts at 8 p.m.; fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Free. Columbus and Jackson Drives. 312-742-7638.
Smooth sailing
Really want to make a splash? Watch the Independence Eve Fireworks from the deck of the catamaran Surprise on Lake Michigan. The five-hour fireworks cruise puts wind in your sails with gourmet sandwiches, desserts, wine, beer and — weather permitting — swimming beneath the stars. 5:30 p.m. $140. Monroe Harbor, 100 S. Lake Shore Drive. 312-782-8081.
Let’s dance
If you’d rather light up the dance floor than the night sky this holiday week, get your groove on at Ohm’s Independance party. Fly your freedom flag as DJs Speed, 33 1/3 and Eddie 2 spin mashups, top 40 and hip-hop and DJs Nando and Cesar Perez mix it up with alternative, electro-pop and house. 10 p.m. $15. 1958 W. North Ave. (entrance at rear/alley). 773-278-4646.
WED 7/4
A little bit country
If wild horses couldn’t drag you to a dance club on the 4th of July, scoot your boots to Delilah’s 4th of July Party for a down-home bash aimed at country mice and city cowpokes alike. DJ Nan Warshaw of Bloodshot Records spins Johnny Cash and other classic American hard country tunes. Whet your whistle with $2 PBRs and Old Crow bourbon cocktails. 9 p.m. No cover. 2771 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-472-2771.
Love shack
Snuggling beneath the fireworks is so romantic. Maybe a little too romantic. Have a bawdy blast instead at the 4th of July party at Motel Bar. Shack up for a performance by the Star & Garter Burlesque (9:30 p.m.) and bob for beers at a $1 a pop. While you’re at it, get messy with a mini-burger eating contest and top it all off with $1 Chicago-style ‘dogs and $5 Absolut cocktails. 4 p.m. No cover. The Motel Bar, 600 W. Chicago Ave. 312-822-2900.
Dark comedy
Scaring up a good time on a holiday has never been so easy. Just head to “Gorey Stories: A Musical Entertainment.” The macabre works of illustrator and author Edward Gorey come to life in a musical stage adaptation by The Blindfaith Theatre Company. Featured stories include “The Gashleycrumb Tinies,” replete with sinister couplets, and “The Gilded Bat,” the tale of a ballerina’s demise. 7:30 p.m. Through Sunday. $17.50. Theater on the Lake, 2400 N. Lake Shore Drive. 312-742-7994.
