Navy Pier Invites Chicago to Celebrate Independence Week with an Array of Family-Friendly Festivities, Live Music, and More
WHAT:
The summer is officially in full swing during Independence Week at Navy Pier, as the iconic Chicago landmark proudly presents a diverse mix of free programming from July 2nd through 6th. Highlights include NASCAR Family Fest, a 15-minute extended award-winning fireworks show, five days of live music, and more.
WHEN & WHERE:
NASCAR Chicago Family Fest – Wednesday, July 2 – 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Polk Bros Park)
For the second consecutive year, Navy Pier will host the NASCAR Family Fest. Celebrating the 2025 NASCAR Chicago Street Race, this one-of-a-kind experience will give families a chance to snap a photo with an official NASCAR pace car, race a friend on a replica layout of the course at a kids remote control car station, and even meet a NASCAR driver. Free giveaways for the whole family will be handed out throughout the event.
"When you think of summertime in Chicago, you think of Navy Pier, so we're incredibly excited to partner with them once again for this year's festivities," said Julie Giese, NASCAR Chicago Street Race President. "The NASCAR Chicago Street Race was designed to drive tourism to Chicago's most iconic destinations like Navy Pier and we’re proud to bring NASCAR fans from all over the globe to their world-class facility."
Budweiser Clydesdales Cross-Country Tour Supporting Folds of Honor – Wednesday, July 2 – 12:00 PM
The iconic Budweiser Clydesdales are coming to Navy Pier as part of its cross-country tour celebrating 15 years of partnership between Folds of Honor and Budweiser. Guests at Navy Pier will be able to take photos with the legendary Budweiser Clydesdales and learn all about Folds of Honor. Founding partner Anheuser-Busch, its brands and wholesaler partners like Lakeshore Beverage have donated over $33 million, which has funded over 6,600 scholarships for Folds of Honor recipients. Clydesdale handlers and a representative from Folds of Honor will be available for on-site interviews.
Independence Week Fireworks Celebrations– Wednesday, July 2 – 9:00 – 9:10 p.m. and Saturday, July 5 – 10:00 p.m. – 10:15 p.m.
Navy Pier kicks off its Independence Week festivities with a dazzling free fireworks show on Wednesday, July 2nd. On July 5, Navy Pier is partnering with Choose Chicago, the Chicago Sports Commission and the NASCAR Chicago Street Race to present a show-stopping, extended 15-minute Independence Celebration fireworks show.
“Choose Chicago and the Chicago Sports Commission are thrilled to once again partner with the NASCAR Chicago Street Race and Navy Pier to help deliver this year’s Family Fest on July 2nd as well as the spectacular fireworks display on July 5th,” said Kristen Reynolds, President and CEO of Choose Chicago. “The entire weekend is an opportunity unlike any other to showcase our innovative and beautiful city. We are proud to support these events at Navy Pier to give both residents and visitors alike the opportunity to experience the best of our city throughout the week.”
Live on the Lake! – Friday, July 4 through Sunday, July 6 (Navy Pier Beer Garden)
All summer long, Navy Pier’s free music series, Live on the Lake!, brings a variety of genres and styles of music together against the stunning backdrop of Lake Michigan. Bring your friends and come enjoy the beautiful views and some of the eclectic sounds of the city.
Friday, July 4 – 4:30 – 9:45 p.m.
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The PriSSiLLas (Rock)
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Fernando Jones (Blues)
Saturday, July 5 – 2:00 – 9:45 p.m.
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Sheryl Youngblood (Blues)
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FeelGood Party Band (Variety Cover)
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Radio Gaga (Queen Cover)
Sunday, July 6 – 3:00 – 8:15 p.m.
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Sinkane (Rock-Global Pop Fusion)
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Hurricane Reggae Band (Reggae)
Skyline Sessions – Thursday, July 3 – 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. (Ferrara Candy Wave Wall Stage)
Every Thursday and Friday throughout the summer, the Ferrara Candy Wave Wall Stage hosts live performances by local artists and ensembles. The Independence Week performances promise to be a highlight for all music fans.
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5:00 - 6:00 p.m. – Marcus Bailey (Pop/Rock)
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6:30 – 7:30 p.m.; 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. – The Shades (Pop)
Wave Wall Wax – Saturday, July 5 – 5:30 - 10:00 p.m. (Wave Wall Stage)
Chicago’s top DJs mix it up with house and dance music every summer Saturday night on the Ferrara Candy Wave Wall Stage.
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5:30 - 10:00 p.m. – Steve Miggedy Maestro, Mondai, Ctrlzora
Trivia on the Lake – Thursday, July 3 – 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. (Navy Pier Beer Garden)
Chicago’s best and brightest compete for bragging rights (and fantastic prizes) every Thursday during Trivia on the Lake. In partnership with Whaddayaknow? Free Pub Trivia, groups will rack up points all summer, with the team with the highest point total at the end of the summer taking home a wonderful grand prize.
July 4th Summer Bash at Offshore Rooftop – Friday, July 4 – 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
The world’s largest rooftop will play host to the city’s most vibrant July 4th celebration. For $20, guests can enjoy high-energy music, sparkling company, red, white, and blue cocktail specials, and a picture-perfect setting to enjoy the holiday at. Tickets available here.
Lakeside Activities All Weekend Long
Chicago’s only all-transient marina will be open throughout Independence Week, offering boaters a perfect place to dock and enjoy all the Pier and the city have to offer.
For those looking to relax and enjoy Lake Michigan, cruises and boat rides are available from City Cruises, Shoreline Sightseeing, and Tall Ship Windy. More information available here.
Navy Pier| 600 East Grand Avenue, Chicago