Kansas City , Indianapolis, St. Louis, Rockford

Some of the best fireworks shows in the nation are in the Midwest.

Here are a few displays within an easy drive if you're in Illinois. Most are centered around Independence Day, but some displays have schedules at other times of the year.

Chicago

What: Two years in a row Chicago’s Navy Pier has been voted the best place to see fireworks in the USA Today Readers' Choice Poll. You can view the sky shows, synched to music, from most areas of the lakefront immediately north and south of Navy Pier. Other prime viewing spots: hotel rooftops, Maggie Daley Park or along the Lakefront Trail.

Where: Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave.

When: Every Wednesday at 9 p.m. and every Saturday at 10 p.m. through Aug. 30.

Kansas City

What: The Stars and Stripes Picnic is Kansas City's official Independence Day event. Enjoy live music, shop and eat from local vendors and experience the largest fireworks display in the city.

When: July 4, grounds open at 3 p.m., fireworks at 9:35 p.m.

Peoria

What: Red, White and Boom is organized by Midwest Communications and its seven radio stations in conjunction with the Peoria Park District.

Where: Peoria and East Peoria riverfront

When: July 4, 9:30 a.m.

Indianapolis

What: Downtown Indy's Fourth Fest features live music (on North Street) from Living Proof and Pavel & Direct Contact, food trucks, ice cream stands, beverages and a kids' zone on St. Clair Street and American Legion Mall. The best viewing areas are on the Indiana War Memorial Grounds and the American Legion Mall. Fireworks will be synced to popular patriotic and themed music aired on local Radio One radio stations.

Where: Launch site is at 500 N. Meridian St.

Spectators watch fireworks from the American Legion Mall on Thursday, July 4, 2024, during Indianapolis' Fourth Fest in downtown Indianapolis. The festival included live music and fireworks.

When: July 4. Entertainment begins at 6 p.m. Fireworks approximately 10 p.m. (local time)

St. Louis

What: Celebrate St. Louis, the former Fair St. Louis, returns as a two-day celebration with a Salute to the Troops (July 4) and music by St. Louis' Ethan Carl, Matt Jordan and Russell Dickerson (July 3) and Steve Ewing (restaurateur and formerly of The Urge), Stir and Gavin DeGraw (July 4).

Where: Gateway Arch grounds, St. Louis

When: July 3-4. Fireworks at 9:40 p.m. both nights

Rockford

What: For the first time in 25 years, fireworks will be launched from the Jefferson Street Bridge, according to the 4th of July Civic Committee. The show will be synched to a soundtrack broadcast on 103.1 and broadcast live on WTVO-TV. That 70s Band and On the Rocks perform at the City Market Stage while Mr. Ed is at the Beattie Park Gazebo. A patriotic parade starts at 5 p.m.

Where: Jefferson Street Bridge

Thousands gather Thursday, July 4, 2024, in downtown Rockford for the city's annual Fourth of July fireworks show, put on each year by the Rockford 4th of July Civic Committee.

When: July 4. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.