Celebrate the diverse people and cultures that make up Chicago’s vibrant community with Global Connections Presented by ComEd, a free, annual three-part series held at Navy Pier on January 25, February 23 and March 14. Each of the three events in this series – Chinese New Year, Carnivale and Holi – will feature music, dance, art and more from a variety of cultures, promising an exciting and enriching experience for all ages and backgrounds.
On Saturday, January 25, guests are invited to ring in the “Year of the Rat” with a traditional Chinese New Year celebration in partnership with the Chinese Fine Arts Society. This lively display of cultural expression features festive décor, bold costumes, customary music, interactive arts and crafts, and more. Authentic Chinese cuisine from New Furama Restaurant will be available for purchase. The program also includes performances by the Cheng Da Drum Team, Chicago Chinese Cultural Center Lion Dance Team, martial arts performances and many other exciting acts.
On Sunday, February 23, join Navy Pier for the second part of the series: International Carnivale Celebration. The fun and festive tradition of Carnivale – celebrated in many parts of the world, including Brazil, Italy, Trinidad and Tobago, New Orleans and more – will be brought to life with vibrant art, music, food and dance from across the globe.
On Saturday, March 14, the series will conclude on a colorful note with Holi, one of Chicago’s largest celebrations of the Hindu “festival of colors.” Guests are invited to revel in the color throwing tradition in the East End Plaza, a signature part of Holi. Colored powder will be available for purchase while supplies last and must only be used in the East End Plaza. The celebration will also be complemented by live music, dance, food and more in the Aon Grand Ballroom.
Full schedule for Global Connections Presented by ComEd:
Chinese New Year | Saturday, Jan. 25 | 1 – 5 p.m. | Aon Grand Ballroom
International Carnivale | Sunday, Feb. 23 | 1 – 5 p.m. | Aon Grand Ballroom
Holi | Saturday, March 14 | 1 – 5 p.m. | Aon Grand Ballroom and East End Plaza
Please note, additional artists and entertainment are to be announced and events are subject to change. Check Navy Pier’s website for the latest information.
Global Connections Presented by ComEd is part of Navy Pier’s free, year-round arts and culture programming, designed to inspire, educate and connect communities across the city and globe. In addition to attending Global Connections Presented by ComEd, guests are encouraged to check out other Pier-wide experiences in dining, retail, attractions and more. For more information, please visit www.navypier.org.
About ComEd
Commonwealth Edison Company (ComEd) is a unit of Chicago-based Exelon Corporation (NYSE: EXC), the nation’s leading competitive energy provider, with approximately 10 million customers. ComEd provides service to approximately 4 million customers across northern Illinois, or 70 percent of the state’s population. For more information visit ComEd.com, and connect with the company on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
About Navy Pier
Located on Lake Michigan, Navy Pier is the top non-for-profit tourism destination in the Midwest, stretching more than six city blocks and welcoming nearly 9 million guests annually. 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 recently celebrated its 100th anniversary with the unveiling of the iconic Centennial Wheel, Polk Bros Park, Fifth Third Bank Family Pavilion and Peoples Energy Welcome Pavilion. In 2020, Navy Pier continues to usher in its second century with ongoing pier-wide redevelopment efforts – including a 220-room Hilton hotel with rooftop bar Offshore (now open) – in addition to 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 501(c)(3) organization, in support of free public programs. For more information, visit www.navypier.org.
Navy Pier Mission Statement
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.