Free Events & Public Programs

The 16th annual Bitter Jester Music Festival rounds up its “Best Of” bands for a 6-hour culminating concert at the Navy Pier Beer Garden on...

Barry Butler’s 22 image exhibit is a celebration of many of the views of the Lake Michigan, the Chicago River and Buckingham Fountain. Whether you...

Free public program, presented by ComEd! The tradition of Carnivale is celebrated throughout the world in a wide variety of ways. Join us in the...

he Chicago Yacht Club is hosting its annual Parade of Boats send-off party on Saturday, July 23rd from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Navy...

This sensational sculpture — "Reach" by Chris Daze Ellis can be found in Pier Park near the carousel. On loan from ART WITH ME, make...

Chicago Human Rhythm Project presents its annual tap showcase of professional dancers. Presented as part of the Chicago Human Rhythm Project, America’s oldest and most...

Chicago’s favorite sky spectacle show Wednesday and Saturday nights from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Find a spot anywhere on the pier to...

Join us at Navy Pier for all your small business shopping and holiday needs! The Holidays are coming alive all-around Navy Pier! Visit our Winter...

Whether you are looking for a cool t-shirt, a toy or souvenir your family has not seen before or a one-of-a-kind collectible for your home,...

The Northwestern Medicine Experience Tour stops by the Promenade in Polk Bros Park on September 3. Northwestern Medicine is looking forward to connecting with families...

Optik is an interactive installation that reflects on our ability to play with our surroundings while giving the opportunity for brand new point of views...

Join us Saturday, January 21 for the exciting Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival at Navy Pier!  The Free Neighborhood Tour with Little Uprisings: My Night in...

Inspired by solar and planetary movements, SOLSTICE is a monumental interactive installation that invites the audience to take control of the environment around them. Throughout...

Pier Dance returns this summer with FREE dance lessons every Wednesday in June from 6PM-7:30PM. Leave it all on the dance floor with this fun...

Navy Pier's Chi-Soul Fest is back for its annual Pier-wide celebration of Chicago’s soul music legends and traditions! Join us on Saturday, June 10, and...

Explore the great achievements and contributions of Illinois’ finest in music in The State of Sound: A World of Music from Illinois exhibition at Navy...

Break a sweat with free cardio workouts led by professional fitness instructors at the City Stage in Polk Bros Park. Rush Hour Workouts are for...

Unwind with the serenity of the city scene and lakefront as your backdrop for free yoga on the lawn. Relieve your stress once you hit...

As the excitement builds around the June 9th release of Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, Navy Pier welcomes life-size statues of Optimus Prime, Primal, and...

See Chicago Dance celebrates the 11th annual Chicago Dance Month with a kick-off celebration Saturday, June 3 featuring FREE performances by MADD RHYTHMS, Ajumma Rising,...

On Friday, June 2nd from 4-6pm, witness a world of artistic growth and discovery with Growing Room, a performance art installation in the form of...

Join us at the Lake Stage in Polk Bros Park for a free concert by the Navy Band Great Lakes, Wind Ensemble at 6:30pm on...

Join us for a preview of race week excitement on Tuesday, June 27, from 5PM-9:30PM. This race week Fanfest Kick-Off event is free and open to...

Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks: A Hero Within Directed and choreographed by Tor Campbell Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks will offer free pop-up performances in...

Southside, Northside or Pierside? Meet in the middle at Navy Pier! Join us on Thursday, July 13 from 12PM to 2PM in Polk Bros Park....

Join the talented teens from After School Matters for performances highlighting peace in our great city on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, from 3PM-4:30PM. This event...

American Crew, The #1 Premium Men’s Hair Brand in the World*, is bringing its iconic American Crew Styling Truck to Navy Pier during the Chicago...

Celebrating 201 years of Brazil's independence, join us for Brazil 201 Festival on Sunday, September 10, from 2PM-8PM. Experience this Brazilian festival with live music,...

Design Museum of Chicago's new annual outdoor program — Field Day — creates an approachable and surprising celebration of Chicago’s outdoor spaces through a design...

Sequence Ch!cago is a free dynamic performance series celebrating local artists, musicians and cultural organizations showcasing their talents. Join us on Saturdays this fall from...

Join us for Housegiving on Wednesday, November 22 from 6:30PM to 1:30AM for the ultimate pre-Thanksgiving party. From newcomers to legends, the best of house...

A Blues Christmas is a unique collaboration between Alligator Records and Navy Pier to celebrate the holiday season AND the Blues at this Free one-night-only...

Presented by FACETS Chicago International Children’s Film Festival in partnership with Chicago Children’s Museum and Navy Pier Every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday October 11 -...

Navy Pier is excited to present a reimagined Light Up The Lake, the largest indoor and outdoor holiday experience in Chicago! Join us for a winter celebration that promises...

Santa Sets Sail for the North Pole Saturday, December 23 activities from Noon-9PM Powered by festive cheer, Santa will embark on his 4,622 nautical mile...

Perspective Presents ARTSMART series Black Women in Clay February 3, 2024 | FREE Festival Hall Room 301 | 1PM-3PM Diasposal Rhythms is proud to present...

Perspective Presents ARTSMART series Capturing the Culture in Stained Glass featuring artist Theadore Feaster February 17, 2024 | FREE Festival Hall Room 301 | 1PM-3PM...

Valentine's Day Fireworks Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Navy Pier with a special themed edition of our award-winning fireworks show! Join us on Friday, February 14...

Women’s History Month Workshops: Creative Canvas Painting w/ Marissa Kendrick Hosted by Women's Live Artist Studio March 2, 2024 | 1PM-4PM Fifth Third Bank Family...

Women’s History Month Workshops: Mixed Media in March Workshop With Martha Hosted by Women's Live Artist Studio March 9, 2024 | 1PM-4PM Fifth Third Bank...

Women’s History Month Workshops: Wallet Painting Workshop With La LA Warren Hosted by Women's Live Artist Studio March 16, 2024 | 1PM-4PM Fifth Third Bank...

Women’s History Month Workshops: Pretty Paper Flowers Workshop with Jenn Turner Hosted by Women's Live Artist Studio March 23, 2024 | 1PM-4PM Fifth Third Bank...

Six Nations “Super Saturday” Rugby Championship Watch Party Saturday, March 16, 2024 Navy Pier Beer Garden | FREE Join us in the Navy Pier Beer...

Bitter Jester Music Festival "Best of" Showcase Monday, September 2 Enjoy free live music in the Navy Pier Beer Garden! Lineup Soon to be announced!...

New Year’s Eve Fireworks December 31, 2024 | FREE Celebrate the arrival of the New Year with Chicago's renowned award-winning fireworks! Join us at midnight...

Chicago Dance Month Kickoff Celebration Saturday, May 31 Enjoy this line-up of amazing artists as the Chicago dance community returns to the stage this summer!...

Swing into Summer Get ready for an unforgettable summer! With the warm weather approaching, it’s the perfect time to enjoy some of the most popular...

Chi-Town Skygazers South Dock | FREE Join the Chi-Town Skygazers, an enthusiastic group of astronomers, for a celestial experience under the open sky. Equipped with...

Navy pier Pride Join us for Navy Pier’s annual Pride celebration in Chicago, a free, full-day event honoring LGBTQIA+ pride, diversity, and inclusion. Enjoy live...

Earth Day Workshops Saturday, April 20 | 12PM-5:30PM Culture Corner | Free Let's Seed into Spring! | 12PM-1:30PM Hosted by Mecca and Bweza Let's learn...

Chicago: Home of House Exhibit May 1 - December 15 Open Daily | Free Located near Kilwin’s (between door 5 and 6) In partnership with...

Summer Block Party Navy Pier's free Summer Block Party returns, bringing the ultimate Chicago summer celebration to the lakefront. Enjoy a full day of live...

Bastille Day The Committee of French Speaking Societies invites everyone to celebrate Bastille Day on July 13 at Polk Bros Park. This free, family-friendly event...

Noche Caribeña The Puerto Rican Arts Alliance is proud to present Noche Caribeña, returning to the Lake Stage at Polk Bros Park with some of...

Chicago Live! September 20 & September 21 Presented by The Pritzker Foundation with generous support from Peoples Gas The Largest Free Performing Arts Festival in...

Blessing of the Fleet Wednesday, May 22 | 11AM Located Near Captain's Helm Statue  Navy Pier will once again join forces to mark “Maritime Day”...

Jettway Summer Tour Concert Friday, June 14 1PM-5PM | Free Join us for a free concert at our beautiful Lake Stage in Polk Bros Park...

NASCAR CHICAGO FAMILY FEST AT NAVY PIER July 2 & July 3 | 2-9PM The NASCAR Chicago Street Race and Navy Pier have partnered to...

Chicago Shakespeare presents Shakes in the City: Twelfth Night July 20 & July 21, 2024 | Free City Stage Polk Bros Park Director Tyrone Phillips...

Chicago Navy Week at Navy Pier August 9-11, 2024 11AM-8PM | FREE Chicago Navy Week at Navy Pier is an opportunity to learn more about...

Chicago K-Pop Dance Collective August 28 & September 25 6PM-8PM | Polk Bros Park | Free Catch the Chicago K-Pop Dance Collective performing dynamic moves...

Slightly Spooky Saturday Saturday, October 26, 2024 12PM-6PM | Free Celebrate the spooky season with trick-or-treating throughout the Pier while wearing your favorite costumes. Enjoy...

The Navy Pier Lakefront Games September 7th & 8th 12PM-8PM | Free Join us at Navy Pier for a day of exciting competition! Challenge friends...

World Music Festival Chicago Global Peace Party Sunday, September 29 | 2PM-8PM Navy Pier Beer Garden | Free | All Ages  The 2024 World Music...

Light Up The Lake November 29 – January 5 Experience the winter season’s magic as Light Up The Lake returns to Navy Pier! Stroll through...

Light Up The Lake November 29 – January 5 Experience the winter season’s magic as Light Up The Lake returns to Navy Pier! Stroll through...

Holiday Drone Shows December 6 & 13 | 9PM Join us for two exciting new holiday-themed drone shows this winter season! Plus, check out the...

Chicago’s Christmas Tree Ship Tree Dedication Ceremony December 7 | 10AM Join us in celebrating the 25th anniversary voyage of Chicago’s Christmas Ship! The US...

Chicago’s Christmas Tree Ship Tour December 6 | 1:30-3:30PM December 7 | 1:30-4PM Explore the US Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw on Friday, December 6 and...

Coca-Cola Holiday Caravan December 14 | 12PM-7:30PM The Coca-Cola Caravan is rolling back to Navy Pier. Bring your family and friends to see the Coca-Cola...

The Ozinga Merry Mixer December 21 | 3PM-8PM The Merry Mixer is back at Navy Pier on Saturday, December 21! Ozinga’s iconic red-and-white striped mixer...

Lunar New Year Join us for the free Global Connections Lunar New Year celebration! The Aon Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier will be transformed into...

International Carnivale Join us for the free Global Connections International Carnivale celebration at Navy Pier! A global tradition, celebrated in many unique ways, will come...

Holi Join us for the free Global Connections celebration of Holi at Navy Pier! This event will feature live music, dance, and interactive programming in...

Mexico Fest Join us for the free Global Connections celebration of Mexico Fest, May 2nd-4th, at Navy Pier! Experience an authentic cultural celebration featuring amazing...

Love at the Pier It's a Pier-wide celebration of love! Take a stroll through the Tunnel of Love, capture timeless memories with your little valentines, elevate your love...

Spring Break at Navy Pier Celebrate Spring Break at Navy Pier from March 24-28 with interactive workshops, creative activities, and family fun! Enjoy dance, music,...

Summer Fireworks Wednesdays (9PM) & Saturdays (10PM) | FREE Navy Pier’s dazzling, free award-winning fireworks show is back for summer 2025! Enjoy the spectacular display...

Live on the Lake! 2025 FRIDAY, MAY 23 – SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 1 Enjoy free live music every weekend in the Navy Pier Beer Garden! Live...

Bring your friends and test your knowledge with a summer long trivia competition in the Navy Pier Beer Garden! In partnership with Whaddayaknow? Free Pub...

Fresh fest! Join us for the return of Fresh Fest, Navy Pier’s free annual showcase celebrating young performers! Experience the creativity and energy of emerging...

LatiNxt August 9 & 10  Celebrate the vibrant essence of Latin culture at LatiNxt, Navy Pier’s free annual festival of contemporary Latin music and arts...

Wave Wall Moves Every Saturday | June 7-28 | 4PM & 4:30PM Join the crowd every Saturday afternoon with TWO FREE performances at the Ferrara...

Saturday, May 24 | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM Navy Pier Aon Grand Ballroom | Memorial Day Weekend Cap off the month with a spectacular...