Natalia Chi
Navy Pier has announced a lineup of upcoming free programming from April through June, with numerous celebrations and festivals planned at the iconic destination in the coming months.
From live music and cultural celebrations to fireworks and art from around the world, there are many events planned for both tourists and locals as the weather warms in Chicago.
Below is a complete list of free programs scheduled at Navy Pier from April through early summer.
- Funtime Unicorn by Derrick Adams (April 13-June 25): This public art exhibition, held in the spring and early summer, showcases play and leisure in the Black community in exhibits at Polk Brothers Park.
- State of Sound: A World of Music From Illinois (April 27 – August 27): This exhibit, in partnership with the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, explores popular Illinois music, from Muddy Waters to Cheap Trick to Earth. Introduce the history of contributions to wind and fire.
- Mexico Fest (May 5-7): Mercadito booths and performances celebrate Jalisco, Mexico, the birthplace of mariachi.
- Live on the Lake (Memorial Day Weekend – Labor Day Weekend): Navy Pier’s free summer weekend music series. Regional and national acts will perform at the Navy Pier Beer Garden.
- Summer Fireworks (Memorial Day Weekend – Labor Day Weekend): Every Wednesday and Saturday night between the two holidays, residents can enjoy fireworks to a popular soundtrack.
- Skyline Sessions (Memorial Day Weekend – Labor Day): Live music every Thursday and Friday from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM against the backdrop of the iconic Ferris Wheel on Navy Pier.
- Wave Wall Wax (Memorial Day Weekend – Labor Day Weekend): Every Saturday at 5pm, Chicago’s top DJs perform on the Wave Wall Performance Platform.
- Wave Wall Moves (June 3 – Labor Day Weekend): Series of live dance performances by Chicago choreographers and ensembles every Saturday at 3pm
- Peer Fitness Rush Hour Workouts and Sunset Yoga (June 6-August 31): Every Tuesday and Thursday at City Stage at Polk Brothers Park, cardio at 6pm and yoga at 7:30pm Exercise classes with a focused professional fitness instructor.
- Peer Dance (Wednesday in June): Every Wednesday from 18:00 New dance style instruction
- Chi-Soul Fest (June 10-11): Chicago soul musicians perform across the piers in celebration of Black Music Month.
- Navy Peer Pride (June 24): Music, dance, storytelling and family-friendly activities celebrating the LGBTQ+ community.
Find out more about upcoming events and Navy Pier here here.
