The first free event of Navy Pier’s 2025 Global Connection Series is slated to celebrate Lunar New Year on Saturday, February 1st, from 1:00 - 5:00 pm. Ushering in the Year of the Snake, the Pier’s Aon Grand Ballroom will come alive with vibrant performances, music, art, and interactive, family-friendly activities, offering a unique opportunity for Chicagoans to experience traditions celebrated by billions of people across the world. Presenting Global Connections sponsors are ComEd and Sue Ling Gin Foundation Trust.
“We are thrilled to support this vibrant Lunar New Year celebration, a time to honor rich traditions that have been passed down through generations,” said Mark Noffke of the Sue Ling Gin Foundation Trust. “Lunar New Year is not only a moment of cultural significance for many, but also an opportunity to bring people from all walks of life together in a shared experience of joy, unity, and reflection.”
Most closely associated with Chinese Americans in the United States, many cultures throughout Asia and the Middle East celebrate the new year or “spring festival” on the first new moon of their calendar. The Year of the Snake symbolizes wisdom, transformation, and resilience.
Community partners scheduled to participate in this year’s Lunar New Year celebration at Navy Pier include the Chinese Fine Arts Society, Chicago Loves Chinatown, Korean Performing Arts Institute of Chicago, Filipino American Historical Society of Chicago, Thai Cultural and Fine Arts Institute, Helixx Crew K-Pop dancers, Soul Power Band, and CMAA (Chinese Mutual Aid Association).
Other 2025 Global Connections celebrations at the Pier will include International Carnivale (March 1), Holi (March 22), and Mexico Fest (May 2-4).
Note: All artists, events and dates are subject to change
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 9 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, Family Pavilion and Peoples Energy Welcome Pavilion. Today, Navy Pier continues to usher in its second century with ongoing Pier-wide redevelopment efforts – including Sable, a 223-room Hilton hotel, new restaurant and retail partnerships, and thrilling new attractions such as Flyover Chicago and Illuminarium. The Pier is proud to present free, year-round 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.