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Navy Pier’s popular Neighborhood Artisan Market is back for the 2021 summer season, featuring a series of pop-up markets across seven weekends throughout the summer. Presented by PNC Bank and supported by ComEd, this unique market series is designed to connect Navy Pier guests with Chicago’s diverse and historic neighborhoods by showcasing the work of local artisans and entrepreneurs who make up the city’s rich cultural tapestry and esteemed business community.
Held on scheduled weekends throughout the summer from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. along the South Dock, each open-air market highlights a different community and its members, providing an opportunity for small, local businesses to gain exposure to the Pier’s large pool of visitors.
“As a key economic driver, Navy Pier is committed, now more than ever, to helping Chicago recover from the COVID-19 pandemic by lifting up our local business community and providing them with a much-needed boost,” said Navy Pier President and CEO Marilynn Gardner. “In addition to serving as home to more than 70 on-site businesses, the Pier is proud to serve as a platform for hundreds of Chicago artists and entrepreneurs to share their work and talents with our guests. We are grateful to PNC Bank and ComEd for joining us in this mission and putting their support behind local businesses at this critical time.”
Participating neighborhoods this year include Englewood, Humboldt Park, Little Village, Pilsen, Ravenswood, Rogers Park, South Shore, Woodlawn and more. As part of the market series, vendors from these communities—many of which are small, minority- and/or women-owned businesses—will set up shops along the lakefront featuring their unique work, products and services to create an authentic market experience. Guests will have the opportunity to browse and shop for one-of-a-kind gifts, souvenirs and more.
“This artisan market at Navy Pier is a fantastic way to showcase our diverse neighborhoods and creates an opportunity for small business owners and entrepreneurs to build their business in a post-pandemic environment,” said Scott Swanson, PNC regional president of Illinois. “It’s exciting that we can all come together to support the reopening of Chicago.”
“Small- and family-owned businesses are the backbone of our communities. When they struggle, our neighborhoods struggle,” said Melissa Washington, ComEd’s senior vice president of governmental and external affairs. “By supporting events like the Neighborhood Artisan Market, ComEd continues to do its part to help diverse businesses thrive so that they remain a vital component of the local community.”
The second market of the season is set to kick off on Friday, June 25 and will feature artisans and business owners from the Englewood and Ravenswood communities. Participating vendors include Alexandra Jamroz Designs, Chicago Photography Classes, Chicago School of Shoemaking & Leather Arts, Cindy’s Stitches & Sterling, Claybird Pottery Studio, Edith Robertson Silver & Gold, Nature’s Bling, Nomadic Ant and Nvious Creations. The full Neighborhood Artisan Market series schedule is outlined below.
| DATES | NEIGHBORHOOD(S) |
| May 29–31 | Various neighborhoods |
| June 25–27 | Englewood; Ravenswood |
| July 9–11 | South Shore |
| July 23–25 | Woodlawn |
| August 6–8 | Little Village; Rogers Park |
| August 13–15 | Humboldt Park; Pilsen |
| September 3–5 | Various neighborhoods |
Schedule and other pertinent details are subject to change. In the event of inclement weather, the Neighborhood Artisan Markets will relocate to the Food Experience in the Fifth Third Bank Family Pavilion. For updates related to participating neighborhoods and vendors, visit the Navy Pier website.
While at Navy Pier, guests are encouraged to check out other Pier-wide experiences, including Navy Pier Pride on Saturday, June 26, the iconic Centennial Wheel and other Pier Park attractions. The Pier also boasts more than 70 local businesses in dining, retail, boats and more. Guests can now extend their visit with an overnight stay at the Sable hotel. Navy Pier is operating in accordance with the State of Illinois’ “Restore Illinois” plan and City of Chicago’s “Protecting Chicago” outline that is currently in Phase 5, as well as well as Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. Click here to view Navy Pier’s current COVID-19 operations and updates. For more information, visit www.navypier.org.
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About Navy Pier
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 2022, Navy Pier continues to evolve into an accessible, year-round centerpiece for Chicago’s diverse arts and cultural treasures.