Navy Pier USHERS IN AUTUMN WITH AN ECCENTRIC MIX OF SEASONAL CELEBRATIONS
CHICAGO – As the seasons shift, so does Navy Pier, bringing a fresh lineup of fall programming to the lakefront. The diverse mix of brand-new events, along with the return of some fan-favorites, welcomes guests to the “People’s Pier” to engage with some of the city’s best artists, musicians, and culinary stars alongside major family-friendly events and cultural celebrations. Offering new, unique events daily, Navy Pier’s Fall lineup has something for everybody and truly represents what makes Chicago such a unique, year-round destination.
Highlights of the 2025 Fall lineup include:
Country Cruisin’ with City Cruises Live (Sept. 4 & Sept. 28) – Randy Houser and Colt Ford will be bringing their country star power to Lake Michigan aboard City Cruises this fall for an incredible live show experience.
- Randy Houser (Sept. 4) – Randy Houser is going to be rocking the lake with his raw talent and powerhouse vocals for an intimate performance that will wow guests on Sept. 4. Tickets can be purchased here.
- Colt Ford (Sept. 28) – Showcasing his signature music style of country sounds with rap grit, Colt Ford will be rocking Lake Michigan aboard a City Cruises’ yacht on Sept. 28 with the stunning Chicago skyline as his backdrop. Tickets are available for purchase here.
Chicago Children’s Museum: Take Care with Peanuts the Exhibit (Sept. 13) – Transport into the world of Charles M. Schulz’s iconic Peanuts comic strip at “Take Care with Peanuts: The Exhibit.” Experience beloved characters as they spring to life with interactive displays and activities focused on self-care, empathy, and environmental stewardship. Guests can visit iconic Peanuts scenes like Lucy’s psychiatric booth, play the piano alongside Schroeder, go ice skating with the Peanuts gang, and more.
Chicago Live! (Sept. 20-21) – Now in its fifth year, Navy Pier proudly presents the Midwest’s largest free performing arts festival. With more than 100 artists and ensembles taking stages Pier-wide the vibrant two-day festival will feature the world premiere of five unique commissioned pieces ranging from musical compositions to breathtaking dance numbers, including works by Giordano Dance Chicago, Aerial Dance Chicago, Victor Garcia (trumpet), Momenta Dance Company, and Lake Shore Symphony Orchestra featuring Russell Vinick, Music Director. A special fireworks show will close out Saturday night at 9PM.
Chicago Shakespeare Theater (Sept. 23 – Nov. 2) – Chicago Shakespeare Theater is committed to creating vivid, entertaining theatrical experiences that invigorate and engage people of all ages and identities by illuminating the complexity, ambiguity, and wonder of our world. Throughout the fall, Chicago Shakespeare Theater will offer creative and engaging performances including:
- Rome Sweet Rome (Sept.23 – Oct. 19) – Chicago’s own Q Brothers Collective bring a satirical “add-rap-tation” of Shakespeare’s Julius Cesar to the stage at Navy Pier. Set to the electrifying beats of 90s hip hop and New Jack Swing, Rome Sweet Rome combines razor-sharp wit with revolutionary rhythm, proving that political power struggles never go out of style. Tickets can be purchased here.
- Paranormal Activity (Oct.8 – Nov. 2) – Set in the world of the Paranormal Activity film franchise, this thrilling new play will haunt audiences long after the lights go out. Mixing the familiar with the uncanny and heart with horror, this play is perfect for the Halloween season. Tickets are available here.
Carl Cox (Sept. 26) – Carl Cox brings his signature sound to Navy Pier Open Air for a rare opportunity to experience dance music on Chicago’s beautiful lakefront. Performing alongside John Digweed, Archie Hamilton, b2b Sidney Charles, and Muffy, Cox will bring his explosive energy and unmatched control of the decks to Navy Pier. Tickets for this 18+ event can be purchased here.
Dabin (Oct. 4) – Toronto-based DJ, producer, and musician Dabin will bring an electrifying show to Navy Pier’s Event Center’s East End Plaza. With support from Juelz, Chyl, and Tisoki, music fans can take in a night filled with experimental melodic dubstep with elements of acoustic and electronic music creating a signature dance-pop sound. Tickets for the performance can be purchased here.
Slow & Low Lowrider Festival (Oct. 11) – Founded in 2011 and returning to Navy Pier, the 2025 Slow & Low Festival will showcase more than 250 meticulously customizable cars, bikes, and motorcycles in the city’s largest celebration of Lowrider culture. Unlike a typical car show, the Slow & Low Festival is a cultural gathering, where families, artists, and strangers can come together to honor the people and stories behind the machines. Tickets can be purchased here.
A Night with Chicago Football Conference Champions: Brian Urlacher, Rex Grossman and Alex Brown (Oct. 17) – Hop aboard City Cruises and relive the 2006 NFL season alongside some of the Chicago Bears’ most beloved players in team history. Join Hall of Famer Brian Urlacher, quarterback Rex Grossman, and defensive star Alex Brown for a football-fueled night of stories complete with a multi-course buffet and open bar. Tickets are available for purchase here.
Slightly Spooky (Oct. 25) – Days before Halloween, Navy Pier will welcome guests for a day of free trick- or-treating and family fun. From noon to 6 p.m., families are invited to come in costume as they get sweet treats and delights all throughout the Pier. Free workshops, a costume contest for all ages, and live musical performances are sure to make this a great kick-off to Halloween week.
All artists and dates are subject to change. Programming schedules are updated regularly at navypier.org.
Beyond these special Fall events, guests are also invited to come and experience the variety of year-round attractions at Navy Pier. Whether you’re looking to be transported away for an awe-inspiring flight through snowy mountains during the all new Call of the Canadian Rockies at Flyover Chicago, you’re hoping to witness breathtaking views of the skyline from the iconic 200-foot Centennial Ferris Wheel, or you want a relaxing day of family fun at the nine-hole Pier Park Mini Golf Course, Navy Pier has an experience for everyone along with world-renowned dining and shopping offerings.
About Navy Pier
Located on Lake Michigan, Navy Pier is the most visited destination in the Midwest, stretching more than six city blocks and welcoming nearly 9 million annual guests. Originally opened in 1916 as a shipping and recreation facility, this Chicago landmark showcases over 50 acres of parks, restaurants, attractions, retail shops, sightseeing and dining cruise boats, exposition facilities, and more. The Pier celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2016 with the unveiling of the Centennial Wheel, Polk Bros Park, and Peoples Energy Welcome Pavilion. Today, Navy Pier continues to usher in its second century with ongoing redevelopment efforts including the 223-room Sable hotel, the all-transient Navy Pier Marina, and thrilling new attractions such as Flyover Chicago. The Pier is proud to present free programming designed to inspire and engage communities across the city and globe, including the #1 Fireworks display in the nation. For more information, visit NavyPier.org.