Originally Posted by
mktozd
July 3rd is a lot of fun, especially if you can walk back to your nice hotel. My wife and I live across from millenium park and walk across the street to enjoy the fireworks and then go back upstairs to our comfy place. This way we avoid waiting for hours of crowds.
I've found that most people are in a big hurry to get out, and loop/river north bars aren't too packed. Have a drink or two and wait for the crowds to die down.