Independence Day Fireworks

Navy Pier’s Independence Day Fireworks will be held on Saturday, July 4 at 10 p.m. Guests are strongly encouraged to arrive well in advance of the fireworks to ensure access to the Pier, scout a viewing location, and avoid traffic delays. Please allow ample time for parking, security screening, and entry. Navy Pier is home to over 70 restaurants, attractions, and retail partners. By arriving early, guests can experience all the wonder and fun found at Navy Pier.

Due to the large number of attendees expected, significant traffic congestion is anticipated on roadways surrounding Navy Pier throughout the day and evening. Guests should plan for extended travel times and be aware that road closures, traffic restrictions and public safety measures may affect traditional routes to and from the Pier.

Guests are strongly encouraged to utilize public transportation or rideshare services when traveling to and from Navy Pier. CTA bus routes #29, #65, #66, and #124 provide direct service to Navy Pier from Metra stations, CTA rail lines, and other key transit hubs throughout the city. To identify the most convenient transit options and plan your route, visit here.

The designated pick-up and drop-off locations for Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare services will be moved west of Lake Shore Drive. Guests are encouraged to reference the updated locations and information in the rideshare apps when booking.

Bicycles will not be permitted on Navy Pier, including the North and South Docks. If you plan to bike to the Pier, please lock your bicycle at the designated bike racks outside Navy Pier.

Parking is available in Navy Pier’s two enclosed on-site parking garages, the West Garage and East Garage, which accommodate up to 1,500 vehicles combined. Valet parking is only available for Sable hotel guests. A flat parking rate of $47 will apply on Friday, July 3, and $53 on Saturday, July 4.

There are several offsite parking options within walking distance to the Pier.

• Grand Plaza Park is located at 540 N. State St. Enter from Grand or Ohio Streets.
• Ogden Plaza Self Park is located at 300 E. North Water St. From Illinois St., turn right on New Street or McClurg and turn right on E. North Water. To get to Navy Pier from Ogden Plaza Self Park, walk four blocks east on Illinois to Navy Pier.
• Millennium Park Garage is located at 5 S. Columbus Dr. Enter from Columbus Drive, north of Monroe St. or south of Randolph St., or lower Randolph St.
• Cityfront Place Parking Garage is located at 400 N. McClurg Ct. Enter this location at 401 N New St. To get to Navy Pier from Cityfront Place Parking Garage, walk one block north and then four blocks east on Illinois to Navy Pier.

If Navy Pier reaches capacity and closes to general admission, guests with confirmed reservations or tickets for on-site restaurants, attractions, boat tours, cruises or the Navy Pier Marina may still access the Pier. Guests should proceed to the People’s Energy Welcome Pavilion, where staff will verify their reservation or ticket and issue a wristband for entry. Guests are encouraged to connect with Navy Pier attractions and partners in advance of the Independence Day celebration to confirm arrival procedures and any event-specific instructions.

For the comfort and safety of all guests, Navy Pier will have a youth escort policy in place for July 3 – July 5.

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. Navy Pier guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at all times.

The parent or legal guardian is responsible for the safety and conduct of minor guests in their party.

Navy Pier is working closely with the City of Chicago, the Chicago Police Department and other public safety partners to help ensure a safe, welcoming, and enjoyable Independence Day celebration for all guests. Enhanced security measures will be in place throughout Navy Pier, including multiple security checkpoints staffed by Navy Pier’s Safety and Security team in partnership with private event security, the Chicago Police Department, the Chicago Fire Department, the Illinois State Police and the Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications.

All bags are subject to search, and guests are strongly encouraged to bring clear bags to help expedite entry.

The following items will not be permitted inside Navy Pier:

• Bicycles
• Aerial vehicles
• Hover boards
• Skateboards
• Rollerblades
• Segways
• Motorized vehicles (unless used for a disability)
• Outside alcohol
• Fireworks
• Coolers
• Weapons of any kind