Immersive Flying Journeys, International Artists, and Chicago House Music Set to Take Center Stage at Navy Pier This Spring
CHICAGO – Navy Pier today announced highlights of its spring 2024 programming, featuring a jam-packed roster of music, art, dance, cultural celebrations, sky-illuminating fireworks, and first-of-their-kind experiences. From the highly anticipated opening of the Pier’s newest, year-round attraction, Flyover Chicago, to EXPO Chicago, an international exposition of contemporary and modern art from more than 150 of the world’s top galleries, and a 40th anniversary tribute to House music’s Chicago roots, the lineup lives up to Navy Pier’s mission of inspiring, educating, and connecting communities across the city and globe.
“Through essential philanthropic support of Navy Pier’s nonprofit mission, we are proud to deliver on our legacy as The People’s Pier, providing programming that’s accessible to, and reflective of, all communities,” said Navy Pier President and CEO Marilynn Gardner. “We strive to be a gateway to our city’s richest cultural treasures, as well as a vibrant gathering place for authentic, Chicago-centric experiences.”
This spring, Navy Pier will launch its first-ever membership program. The new Navy Pier Passport offers discounts on parking, free fast pass tickets for the iconic Centennial Wheel, and other exclusive discounts and perks at a range of annual donation levels. All proceeds will go toward supporting Navy Pier’s free public arts, culture, and engagement programming and maintaining the architectural beauty of the Pier.
Spring 2024’s not-to-be-missed happenings at Navy Pier include:
Flyover Chicago (opens March 1) – Navy Pier’s newest, year-round attraction uses leading-edge drone technology and impressive aerial photography to showcase Chicago from perspectives never seen before. The immersive, three-act experience culminates in an exhilarating flying journey that takes audiences from 13,000 feet above the skyline, diving down skyscrapers and skimming sidewalks, floating through fireworks, airshows, and the city’s most iconic landmarks, to connect with the people, stories, architecture, and culture that make Chicago truly spectacular. For additional information, visit www.ExperienceFlyover.com/Chicago.
Women’s Makers Market & Artist Workshops (Saturdays in March) – In commemoration of Women’s History Month, Navy Pier will showcase the work of talented women artists and makers from across Chicago’s neighborhoods. Guests can peruse an eclectic assortment of hand-crafted creations, one-of-a-kind jewelry, apparel, spices, artwork, literature, accessories, soaps, and other unique wares for sale. There’ll also be opportunities to engage with and create alongside professional artists from Women’s Live Artist Studio during free Saturday afternoon workshops. Weekly themes include painting on canvas, mixed media, wallet painting, and paper flower making.
Global Connections: Holi Celebration (March 23) – Navy Pier’s Aon Grand Ballroom will host Chicago’s preeminent Holi celebration as the final event in its 2024 Global Connections Series, presented by ComEd. There’ll be free live music, dance, and educational programming commemorating the Hindu “Festival of Colors.” Guests will also be invited to take part in the spirited tradition of colored powder throwing and enjoy DJs in Navy Pier’s outdoor Beer Garden. Powder will be available for purchase on-site.
11th Annual EXPO CHICAGO (April 11-14) – In its first year since being acquired by Frieze, EXPO CHICAGO 2024 will showcase works from 170 leading contemporary and modern art galleries in Navy Pier’s Festival Hall. The prestigious event will also serve as the backdrop for a diverse and inventive program of art talks, on-site installations, and public art initiatives, including the unveiling of a series of outdoor sculptures by internationally acclaimed artist Eddie Martinez. The Martinez sculptures will be on display to Pier visitors from April 8 through Aug. 25.
World Premiere of Judgment Day at Chicago Shakespeare Theater (April 23 – May 26) – Tony and Emmy Award winner Jason Alexander will make his Chicago stage debut in a hilariously irreverent world premiere comedy staged by Tony-nominated Broadway director Moritz von Stuelpnagel (Present Laughter, Hand to God). Alexander plays Sammy Campo, a deeply corrupt, morally bankrupt lawyer who’s threatened with eternal damnation by a terrifying angel after a near-death experience.
Chicago: Home of House Exhibit (opens May 1) – Commemorating the 40th anniversary of House music, this one-of-a-kind exhibit will pay homage to the energy, music, and dance of Black and Latino youth on Chicago’s south and west sides that laid the critical foundation for Chicago House music. Presented in partnership with the Design Museum of Chicago and The Vintage House Show Collective, the exhibit will explore the history of the artists, clubs, and labels that built the style of House pioneers and practitioners.
Mexico Fest (May 3 -5) – Presented in partnership with the Mexican Consulate, this free event will feature mercadito booths and performances celebrating the states of Chihuahua, Nayarit, and Queretaro.
Lakefront Loop 5K (May 5) – Presented by Navy Pier’s Associate Board to support the Pier’s cultural programming, the Lakefront Loop 5K is the only 5K contained entirely on Navy Pier. 2024 marks the first year this popular run will be a timed event.
Summer Fireworks (Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend) – Chicago’s favorite sky spectacle was named best in the country by readers of USA Today in 2023. Set to popular and special occasion soundtracks, Navy Pier’s free fireworks will light up the lakefront every Wednesday and Saturday night throughout the summer.
All artists and dates are subject to change. Programming schedules are updated regularly at navypier.org.
Navy Pier Press Kit: Click here to access Navy Pier’s press kit, including b-roll, photos, media parking map and logo.
ABOUT NAVY PIER
Located on Lake Michigan, Navy Pier is the top nonprofit tourism destination in the Midwest, stretching more than six city blocks and typically welcoming nearly 8 million annual guests. Originally opened in 1916 as a shipping and recreation facility, this Chicago landmark showcases more than 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 iconic Centennial Wheel, Polk Bros Park, Fifth Third Bank Family Pavilion and Peoples Energy Welcome Pavilion. In 2021, Navy Pier continued to usher in its second century with ongoing Pier-wide redevelopment efforts—including Sable, a 223-room Hilton hotel, new restaurants and partnerships, and thrilling additions to Pier Park. The Pier is proud to provide free, year-round arts and cultural programming designed to inspire, educate, and connect communities across the city and globe. Click here to donate to Navy Pier, a mission-driven 501(c)(3) organization. For more information, visit NavyPier.org.
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