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Community Rides

Community Rides

Community Rides

The Community Rides Program provides complimentary Centennial Wheel tickets to community groups, along with an optional visitation stipend for transportation costs.

Annually, the Community Rides program provides 15,000 complimentary tickets to more than 200 community organizations and schools to visit Navy Pier and ride the Centennial Wheel at no cost. Transportation stipend requests are included in the application and are awarded based on need and available funds.

Generously supported by Cboe, Community Rides exemplifies Navy Pier’s unwavering commitment to welcoming all through dynamic experiences.

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How To Apply

  • Eligible local nonprofit organizations, community-based organizations, government agencies, schools, and other community partners serving Illinois may apply online.
  • Applications for the Community Rides Program are now accepted on a rolling basis within defined seasonal cycles. Please review each cycle’s deadline and visit window below and submit your application at least eight (8) weeks before your requested visit date.
  • Looking for a ticket donation to support your organization’s fundraising efforts? (Raffle prize, auction prize, etc.) Apply for up to (4) Centennial Wheel tickets HERE.
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Applications will be reviewed and approved based on the following cycles:

Cycle
Visit Dates
Application Deadline
Award Notice
Spring/Summer 2026
May 25 – Sept 7, 2026 (Excluding July)
March 30, 2026
April 20, 2026
Fall/Winter 2026
Sept 8 – May 30, 2027 (Excluding January)
July 13, 2026
Aug 3, 2026
Spring/Summer 2027
May 31 – Sept 6, 2027 (Excluding July)
March 29, 2027
April 19, 2027
Spring/Summer 2026 Cycle

Visit Dates: May 25 – Sept 7, 2026 (Not July)
Application Deadline: March 30, 2026
Award Notice: April 20, 2026

Fall/Winter 2026 Cycle

Visit Dates: Sept 8 – May 30, 2027 (Not January)
Application Deadline: July 13, 2026
Award Notice: Aug 3, 2026

Spring/Summer 2027 Cycle

Visit Dates: May 31 – Sept 6, 2027 (Not July)
Application Deadline: March 29, 2027
Award Notice: April 19, 2027

2026 Spring Application

Community Rides Recipients

Spring 2025

Fall 2024

Spring 2024

Fall 2023

Spring 2023

Fall 2022

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