Navy Pier Independence Day 2020 Guest Advisory

Please be aware that the content on this webpage was authored more than 6 months ago, so some information may be outdated or no longer accurate. Please visit our event calendar for information on current events.

Navy Pier is proud to annually serve as Chicago’s top Fourth of July destination. While the Pier will continue its longstanding tradition of remaining open and welcoming guests for the holiday, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s celebration will look different and require a unique set of safety guidelines and guest cooperation compared to years past. Please review the information outlined below and plan your visit accordingly.

 

ADMISSION AND OPERATING HOURS

There is no admission fee to Navy Pier. Access to the Pier is free year round during operating hours.

Navy Pier is open on Independence Day, Saturday, July 4, 2020, from 10 a.m. to midnight. Please note, Navy Pier’s signature Fourth of July fireworks are canceled this year to help curb the spread of COVID-19. In addition, Pier Park rides and attractions, including the Centennial Wheel, are also closed at this time.

 

CAPACITY CLOSURES

Due to COVID-19, Navy Pier has significantly reduced its capacity and will temporarily close access points to the Pier upon reaching capacity in an effort to limit crowds and allow guests to have a safe, comfortable and enjoyable experience while on site. While the Pier is closed, guests will not be granted access under any circumstances, including those with tickets to boats or attractions and/or dining reservations. Guests with advance purchased tickets or reservations are strongly encouraged to arrive several hours in advance of the event start time to ensure timely access.

FOURTH OF JULY PROGRAMMING

While Navy Pier’s signature Fourth of July fireworks are canceled this year due to COVID-19, several live music performances and events will be available for guest enjoyment throughout the day. See the programming schedule below.

Live on the lake! | 2 – 11 p.m. | Miller Lite Beer Garden

Wave Wall Moves | 3 – 3:15 p.m. | Wave Wall Platform

Wave Wall Wax | 5 – 7 p.m. | Wave Wall Platform

 

COVID-19 SAFETY MEASURES

As the People’s Pier, Navy Pier has and always will prioritize the health, safety and well-being of its staff, partners and guests. As part of our augmented efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19, we have employed stringent cleaning measures and safety practices to support the health and wellness of those at the Pier.

We are utilizing electrostatic anti-microbial spray treatments and sanitizing high-touch surfaces, common areas and Pier-wide attractions after each use with a disinfectant that is of the same quality found in healthcare facilities. We are implementing strict physical-distancing measures, limiting the number of guests in confined spaces at a given time, and enforcing strict guidelines for face masks and temperature screenings of Navy Pier employees.

Guests over the age of two visiting Navy Pier are required to wear face masks covering nose and mouth at all times. Those without masks may purchase one at the Pier. In addition, nearly 80 hand sanitizer dispensers have been installed throughout the Pier for guest use.

Individuals who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or are exhibiting any of the symptoms associated with the virus are advised to stay at home or visit their healthcare provider.

An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. By visiting Navy Pier, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19.

For Navy Pier’s full COVID-19 safety plan, please visit here.

 

PARKING

Navy Pier Parking Garages: On-site parking is available in Navy Pier’s East and West parking garages (located at 600 E. Grand Avenue) for a $29 flat rate. The garages can accommodate up to 1,600 vehicles. Garages tend to fill up quickly on high volume days, such as July 4, so be sure to arrive early or consider alternative parking garages (see below). To ensure the quickest exit from Navy Pier garages, it is highly recommended that guests pay for parking at the Automated Pay Stations located throughout the Pier immediately after parking and prior to walking out onto the Pier. Follow @NavyPier on Twitter for alerts related to the status of Navy Pier’s parking garage capacity throughout the day.

 

Alternate Parking Garages and Special Rates: Navy Pier has partnered with the following three off-site, walking-distance parking garages that offer discounted parking for $15 when validated at Navy Pier (Guest Services Desk).

• Grand Plaza Park (540 N. State Street)
• Ogden Plaza Self Park (300 E. North Water Street)
• Millennium Park Garage (5 S. Columbus Drive)

Please note, free trolley service to and from Navy Pier has been discontinued. Plan your travel accordingly.

 

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION / RIDESHARE

CTA: CTA buses that serve routes to and from Navy Pier will pick up and drop off passengers at the permanent CTA terminal, located at the front northwest corner of the Pier. For CTA bus route and schedule information, visit transitchicago.com.

Taxi: Taxi services are available at designated pick-up and drop-off locations throughout the Pier, including at the front southeast entrance, Entrance 1 and Entrance 2.

Ride Share (Uber / Lyft): Ride share services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available at designated pick-up and drop-off locations throughout the Pier including at the front southeast entrance, Entrance 1 and Entrance 2. Select the desired location on your mobile app upon ordering a ride share service.

Trolley: Free trolley service to and from Navy Pier has been discontinued. Plan travel accordingly.

 

CODE OF CONDUCT

For the comfort and safety of all guests, please note and adhere to the following guidelines and policies.

Youth Escort Policy: For the comfort and safety of all guests, Navy Pier is enforcing its Youth Escort Policy throughout the Fourth of July weekend, which mandates that guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at all times. Guests may be asked to present a valid driver’s license, state ID or military ID upon entering all Navy Pier’s facilities or grounds. The parent or legal guardian is responsible for the safety and conduct of minor guests in their party.

Security Checkpoints: Guests may be subject to security check upon entry and throughout the Pier.

Bag/Backpack Policy: Backpacks and other large bags of any kind are highly discouraged. All bags are subject to inspection. Please note, due to COVID-19, security personnel will not touch bags during inspection; guests will be asked to open bags themselves and follow any other verbal instructions from the inspecting officer.

Prohibited Items or Activities: Fireworks, coolers, bikes, skateboards, rollerblades and skate shoes, and weapons of any kind are strictly prohibited on the Pier. As always, no outside alcohol is permitted.

Pet/Animal Policy: Only official service animals will be permitted at Navy Pier on July 4. Dogs are typically welcomed outside on the Pier during standard business hours on all other days. However, due to anticipated high foot traffic on July 4, non-service animals will not be allowed on this day.

Closure Re-entry Policy: Re-entry to Navy Pier will not be permitted upon gate closure due to crowd capacity. If you leave Navy Pier property before the gates are closed, you are not guaranteed return access. It is highly recommended that all parties remain together.

Areas Surrounding Navy Pier: No parking, stopping or standing will be permitted along adjacent streets to Navy Pier, including, but not limited to, Streeter Drive, Grand Avenue and Illinois Street.

For More Information: For important updates throughout the Fourth of July weekend, follow Navy Pier on Twitter at @NavyPier or visit the Navy Pier website.