Navy Pier Celebrates Spring Break with New “Makers Market,” Featuring More Than Two Weeks of Daily Family-Friendly Events and Activities

CHICAGO—Navy Pier invites all to spend spring break discovering two weeks of interactive events, demonstrations, performances, family-friendly activities and artisan markets, starting at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 1 through Sunday, April 17. Admission is free to all spring break events thanks to ongoing philanthropic support of the Pier’s nonprofit mission.

“With so many new activities and events to take advantage of during the first two weeks in April, Navy Pier is the perfect spring break destination for those searching for unforgettable experiences,” said Navy Pier President and CEO Marilynn Gardner. “From one-of-a-kind artisan markets, cooking classes, arts and crafts, interactive sports and science demonstrations and more, Navy Pier is the place to be for endless amounts of fun and entertainment in the weeks ahead.”

To view the full Navy Pier event calendar including the upcoming spring break activities and events, click here.

Exciting spring break activities to discover this April include:

• A baking demonstration led by locally and internationally celebrated Chef Art Smith 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 2.
• A friendship bracelet and musical instrument workshop led by the Cotacachi Handy Crafts from 1 to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, April 5.
• An ice cream sundae-building workshops and cocktail-making demonstrations led by Tiny Tavern from 12 - 1 p.m. and 4 - 5 p.m., respectively, on both Monday, April 4 and Monday, April 11.
• A strawberry bouquet workshop led by Brown Sugar Bakery owner, Stephanie Hart from 1 to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, April 6.
• A build-your-own ice cream bar workshop led by Kilwin’s Chicago from 1 to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, April 12 and Wednesday, April 13.
• Interactive Science Fun Fairs with educational experiments for children to partake in, led by American Chemical Society, both on Tuesday, April 12 and Wednesday, April 13.

Navy Pier will also share the creativity of Chicago craftspeople through Lolita’s Bodega Artisan Market featuring nearly 60 different vendors of arts, clothing, food, scents, jewelry and more. Each Market will showcase a two-hour “Makers Workshop” featuring hands-on demonstrations by established artisans as well as live performances. Dates include Friday, April 1 through Sunday, April 3, Thursday, April 7 through Sunday, April 10 and Thursday, April 14 through Saturday, April 16. Highlights include:

• Logan Lu, Poetry on the Pier from 1 to 3 p.m. on Friday, April 1.
• Los Amigos Books, literacy workshop for teaching Spanish to children from 4 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 2.
• Chetoni Designs, jewelry-making workshop from 3 to 5 p.m. on Friday, April 8.
• Lady Sol Presents “Move Like a Goddess,” dance wellness workshop from 1 to 3 p.m. and 4 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 9.
• Meag Maldo, balloon decorations workshop from 1 to 3 p.m. on Thursday, April 14.
• Sky Lyte Inc., soy candle-making workshop from 4 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 16.

For the full Lolita’s Bodega Artisan Market schedule, click here.

Guests are also encouraged to check out other Navy Pier experiences such the iconic 200-foot Centennial Wheel, the new Drop Tower ride and other Pier Park rides, dining, retail, boat cruises and more. Guests can now extend their visit with an overnight stay at the Sable hotel, offering unparalleled views of Lake Michigan from every room. Visit Navy Pier’s website for for a full list of open and available establishments.

All events subject to change or cancellation. Currently, face masks and proof of vaccination are not required to attend Navy Pier events. Navy Pier will align with the City of Chicago’s COVID mandates as they are updated.

​​To view the full Navy Pier events calendar, click here.

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