Navy Pier Hosts the Nation’s Largest Free Holi Celebration

Navy pier hosts the nations largest free holi celeBRATION

CHICAGO— As a signature event of the 2026 Global Connections Series, presented by ComEd and the Sue Ling Gin Foundation Trust, Navy Pier will be hosting the nation’s largest free Holi celebration on Saturday, March 7, generously supported by the Pratima and Niranjan Shah Family, SPAAN Tech, the Delhi Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International, and Patel Brothers. Programming for the “Festival of Colors,” which includes vibrant performances and family-friendly activities, will be held in the Aon Grand Ballroom and Navy Pier Beer Garden from 12 p.m. until 5 p.m.

Celebrating the triumph of good over evil and the arrival of spring as depicted in Hindu scripture, the Holi festival signifies the end of winter and the blossoming of love. The cornerstone activity of Holi, the throwing of colored powders and water, removes social barriers and unites participants in the joy of celebrating the arrival of spring and love. Though Holi originated in India, this exuberant spring celebration has reached global audiences, with Navy Pier’s Holi observance a favorite among Chicagoans and tourists alike.

“Navy Pier’s Holi celebration is a vibrant tribute to the diverse communities and rich cultural traditions that shape the spirit of our great city,” said Smita Shah, member of Navy Pier’s Board of Directors, ComEd’s Board of Directors and Chair of the Delhi Sister Cities Committee. “For those who have never experienced Holi at Navy Pier, this is an invitation to take part in one of the city’s most colorful and uplifting celebrations, where culture and community come to life.”

For those looking to participate in the color throw, which will be occurring throughout the day from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., color powder will be available on-site for purchase (while supplies last). For the safety of guests and to protect the Pier, outside powder will not be permitted and only event-approved powder purchased on-site may be used during the celebration.

Holi celebrations at the Navy Pier Beer Garden will run from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. courtesy of DJ Krush & DJ Jeet with Shaadi Entertainment, as well as special guest pop up performances by Butter Chicken Band, Meher Dance, and Vivek Agrawal.

The Aon Grand Ballroom will host a wide variety of artists, dancers, and speakers, from 12 p.m. through 5 p.m., who will showcase the cultural significance of Holi. Feature performers will include DJ Archie, Bollywood Groove, a presentation on the history of Holi from Parul Bhandari, Mandala Arts, Ishti Collective, and more. See below for the complete programming schedule.

Aon Grand Ballroom Programming Schedule:

• 12:00 p.m. – 12:10 p.m. –DJ Archie
• 12:10 p.m. -12:30 p.m. –Bollywood Groove
• 12:30 p.m. – 12:40 p.m. –Parul Bhandari (Holi History Presentation)
• 12:40 p.m. -1:00 p.m. –Chitrahar Cultural Academy
• 1:00 p.m. -1:45 p.m. –Funkadesi
• 1:45 p.m. -2:00 p.m. – Speaking Program
• 2:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. –Natya Dance Theater
• 2:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. –Vivek Agrawal
• 2:30 p.m. – 2:50 p.m. –Mandala Arts
• 2:50 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. – DJ Archie
• 3:00 p.m. – 3:10 p.m. –Rhythm Roots Dance
• 3:10 p.m. – 3:20 p.m. – DJ Archie
• 3:20 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. –Ishti Collective
• 3:30 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. –Meher Dance
• 3:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Changeover – DJ Archie
• 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. –Do the Needful

The final celebration in the 2026 Global Connection Series will be Mexico Fest on May 3.

Note: All artists, events and dates are subject to change

Hi-res photos from Navy Pier’s 2025 Holi celebration are available HERE.