Explore things to do at Navy Pier
From recreation to relaxation & entertainment to education, Navy Pier offers activities & experiences for all.
Looking to book an event at Navy Pier? View the event FAQs listed below for some of the most commonly asked questions.
Contact Navy Pier Sales & Service at 1-312-595-5300 or navypierevents@navypier.org. There are several ways to tell us about your event to start the booking process. Fill out our Request for Proposal or email us your specifications. File size limit for email is 10MB.
Aon Grand Ballroom
1,400 for a seated event and 3,200 reception style.
East End Plaza
2,000 for a seated event and 5,000 reception style featuring all outdoor space.
Lakeview Terrace
450 for a seated event and 1,000 reception style.
Festival Hall
Varies depending on room configurations, and rented staging and AV equipment.
Meeting Rooms
Varies depending on room configurations. See specification sheets for each venue.
The initial deposits are due 15 business days from the issuance of the contract, and are 30% of the food and beverage minimum and 50% of the rental fee. Final payment of the rental fee is due 30 days prior to Move-In Date/Event Date and the guaranteed food and beverage in full is due seven (7) business days prior to the Event Date. Deposits are non-refundable.
This would depend on the contracted date and availability. Consult your Sales Manager with any questions.
Navy Pier is a union facility that requires union labor for certain aspects of your event, including, but not limited to, electric, some décor aspects, audio and projection, and set/strike of certain items. Navy Pier also adheres to all City of Chicago fire codes when it comes to events. Please consult with your Event Manager for specifics as related to your event.
This depends on the contracted date and availability. Consult with your Sales or Event Manager. See below for additional information on Event FAQs.
Yes, a coat check can be arranged through Chicago Signature Services. See below for additional information on Event FAQs.
The East End Plaza is an outdoor option for events. The East End Plaza is not heated or air conditioned. Heat and/or air conditioning are services that can be brought in by an outside service provider with whom you would contract with directly.
Navy Pier’s exclusive caterer is Chicago Signature Services for all spaces within Navy Pier’s East End. Certain exceptions to this rule can be made for religious or ethnic reasons.
Dining tables, chairs, house linen, china, glassware and silver are included for no additional cost when the food and beverage minimum has been met for the space.
Service charge is currently 23.5%, sales tax is 11.5%.
Yes. Food tastings will take place within four months prior to the event. For contracted events only, there is no additional charge for a tasting that includes up to four guests. See below for additional Event FAQs.
Yes. Chicago Signature Services provides all bar and beverage service for events within Navy Pier’s private event space.
All entertainment, including DJ and bands, are required by the City of Chicago to stop by 11 p.m. for all outdoor spaces (East End Plaza). There are no restrictions for indoor spaces.
Navy Pier has two garages (East and West) that can accommodate up to 1,500 vehicles. Posted garage rates apply. A valet option is also available. Please inquire with your Event Manager for more details.
Navy Pier requires that all of our events have a security detail. Arrangements are made through your Event Manager. The number of guards required is determined by the guest count. See below for additional information on Event FAQs.
Chicago Signature Services provides all of our food and beverage for our events as an exclusive vendor at this time. Although clients are permitted to bring in their own vendors, we are a union facility and some services might incur additional charges for Union support. Consult your Sales or Event Manager for clarification and a vendor list.
Your Event Manager will provide up to twelve (12) complimentary signs for your group. These signs are created by Navy Pier in our Sign Shop. You have the option to provide logos and content for the signs. Consult your Event Manager on deadlines to provide this information.
More Than You Imagine
Navy Pier is the People’s Pier, Chicago’s lakefront treasure, welcoming all and offering dynamic and eclectic experiences through partnerships and programs that inspire discovery and wonder.
Since its reopening in 1995, more than 180 million guests have come to enjoy the Pier's 50 acres of unparalleled attractions and experiences. In 2020, Navy Pier continues to evolve into an accessible, year-round centerpiece for Chicago’s diverse arts and cultural treasures.