Navy Pier has unveiled an exhilarating summer lineup, set to deliver a dynamic season filled with music, art, dance, sports, cultural celebrations, and vibrant neighborhood-inspired experiences. Visitors will revel in Navy Pier’s iconic summer offerings, allowing both locals and tourists the opportunity to embrace everything the city has to offer. With something happening every day, Navy Pier’s summer programming captures the vibrant, inclusive, and unforgettable spirit of Chicago.
Summer 2025 highlights include:
Live On The Lake! (May 23 - Sept. 1) – Navy Pier’s free weekend music series features Chicago’s best bands, along with regional and national acts, performing live in Navy Pier’s outdoor Beer Garden every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, plus Memorial Day and Labor Day Mondays. Music lovers are invited to take in the Pier’s magnificent lakeside views, while enjoying a wide range of genres, from soul and blues, to reggae, rock, country, Latin, and funk.
Wave Wall Wax (May 24 - Aug. 30) – Wave Wall Wax brings the city’s top DJs to the Ferrara Candy Wave Wall Stage every Saturday, spinning the best in house and dance music — all summer long. Soak up the energy of Chicago summer with this free music series, set against the stunning lakefront backdrop.
Skyline Sessions (May 29 - Aug. 29) – Navy Pier guests can enjoy a variety of live music genres and styles every Thursday and Friday evening (5 - 9 p.m.) at the Ferrara Candy Wave Wall Stage. Among featured solo and ensemble artists are Partywatcher, Lydia Cash, Fuego de Cumbia, MER’s Music Showcase, Jamiah Rogers, and Meg & The Wheelers.
Trivia on the Lake! (May 22 – Aug. 28) – A new addition to Live on the Lake!, Navy Pier invites guests to put your knowledge to the test with a summer long trivia competition. In partnership with Whaddyaknow? Free Pub Trivia, Navy Pier will host free trivia every Thursday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Navy Pier Beer Garden. Keep coming back each week to rack up points in the hopes of winning a summer long grand prize.
Chicago Shakespeare Theater (May 24 – Aug. 18) – The largest year-round theater dedicated to the works of Shakespeare, Chicago Shakespeare Theater is committed to creating vivid, entertaining theatrical experiences that invigorate and engage people of all ages and identities by illuminating the complexity, ambiguity, and wonder of our world. This summer, Chicago Shakespear Theater will offer four incredibly creative and engaging performances including:
- 42 Balloons (May 24 – June 29): Making its North American premier, 42 Balloons is a soaringly original musical from the award-winning producers of SIX. In a lawn chair attached to 42 weather balloons, Larry Walters—supported by his girlfriend and a community of unlikely heroes—ascended 16,000 feet into the blue sky above LA, and from the moment he landed, their lives would never be the same.
- Circus Abyssinia: Ethiopian Dreams (July 10 – Aug. 3): For a limited engagement, Circus Abyssinia comes to Navy Pier, offering heart-stopping acrobatics, stunning feats of juggling, high-flying hilarity, and death-defying tricks—all set to the irresistible beats of Ethiopian music
- Billie Jean (July 18 – Aug. 10): For its world premiere, the electrifying new play about Billie Jean follows her path to becoming a sports icon, from her record-breaking victories to her relentless fight for equal pay and equal rights, Billie Jean explores the cost of public battles and private struggles—bringing us closer than ever before to a woman whose battle for identity and equality inspired and continues to inspire generations.
- A Midsummer Night’s Dream (July 19 – Aug. 17): Join Puck and his feisty fairy band for a Saturday at the Athens summer music festival in this 75-minute production of Shakespeare’s dreamiest romantic comedy.
Summer Fireworks (May 24 - Aug. 30) –Navy Pier hosts Chicago’s favorite, free summer sky spectacle every Wednesday at 9 p.m. and Saturday at 10 p.m. from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
- To guarantee the best seat in the house, SABLE’s premium package provides floor-to-ceiling views from its stunning guest rooms. The Fireworks package includes complimentary champagne and celebratory truffles.
Pier Fitness: Rush Hour Workouts and Sunset Yoga (June 3 - Aug. 26) – Free exercise classes led by professional fitness instructors focusing on a Cardio-centric fusion of Zumba and Jazzercise at 6 p.m. and Yoga at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays at the City Stage in Polk Bros Park, supported by Northwestern Medicine.
Wave Wall Moves (June 7 – June 28) – Presented in partnership with See Chicago Dance, this live outdoor performance series showcases a diverse selection of Chicago dance companies, ensembles, and choreographers. Guests can enjoy two free performances every Saturday afternoon (4 - 5 p.m.) on the Ferrara Candy Wave Wall Stage. Featured groups include Devika Dhir/Dilshad Khan Kathak, Niko8, Clinard Dance’s Flamenco Project, Yielded Vessels, Queer Dance Freakout, among others.
City Cruises Live (June 8 – Aug. 24) - Explore Chicago from a unique vantage point—the water! Enjoy a special occasion brunch, lunch, or dinner cruise with fresh chef-prepared plated or buffet meals, live DJ entertainment, dancing, rooftop games, and amazing Chicago skyline views. In addition to perennially popular Father’s Day celebrations, and season-long Wednesday and Saturday night fireworks cruises, City Cruises’ new special events series offers unique on-water experiences for just about everyone, from music lovers to sports enthusiasts:
- June 8: An Intimate Evening with Ken Block & Drew Copeland of Sister Hazel
- June 13: Loud & Legendary: A Night with John Daly
- July 5: A Night with Captain Sandy and Hannah Ferrier from Below Deck Mediterranean
- July 20: A Night with Chicago Football Conference Champions: Brian Urlacher, Rex Grossman & Alex Brown
- Multiple: 2005 Chicago White Sox World Champions Cruise with A.J. Pierzynski & Teammates
Navy Pier Open Air (June 20 – July 18) – A musical experience like nothing else in Chicago, Open Air brings elevated sounds all season long to one of the city’s most iconic location, the east end of Navy Pier. Current announced performances include Camelphat on June 20, Gorgon City Enter the Realm on July 18 and The Chainsmokers on August 18. Tickets are 18+ and start at $55.
Summer Block Party (June 25) – Celebrating a classic Chicago tradition, this summertime event will feature live bands, DJs, and a Beer Garden stage. There’ll also be free family-friendly activities including arts and crafts, video games, physical movement activities, interactive spray paint murals, and friendly games of corn hole and hop-scotch, all along the South Dock. Starting at 12 p.m., both parties will conclude with fireworks at 9 p.m.
Navy Pier Pride (June 28) – This free, full-day event celebrates diversity, inclusivity, and support for the LGBTQIA+ community. Pier-wide festivities will include live music, dance, and storytelling, educational programs, on-site resources from community partners, and more.
Fresh Fest (July 11) – Fresh faces, fresh voices, and fresh ideas will take over the Pier during this performance showcase celebrating young musicians, dancers, and artists. Performances will take place on Thursday starting at 11 a.m.
Bastille Day (July 13) – The Committee of French Speaking Societies invites the French community and all friends of France to celebrate the French national holiday of Bastille Day in Navy Pier’s Polk Bros Park. This free, family-friendly event honors French culture and community with an evening of live music, engaging entertainment, and shared connection. Pack a picnic, bring your loved ones, and enjoy a memorable evening by the lake.
LatiNxt (Aug. 9 – Aug. 10) – This free, two-day festival will feature a variety of cutting-edge music from the Latin American diaspora with a focus on new musical trends. Curated in partnership with Future Rootz, performances will take place across three Pier stages, complemented by an array of artisan vendors.
The Chainsmokers (Aug. 16) – The GRAMMYâ Award-winning, RIAA Diamond-certified EDM-pop rock band and DJ duo will take the stage at the Aon Grand Ballroom on Aug. 16 at 7 p.m. This unique concert experience combines The Chainsmokers’ unique sound and breathtaking lakeside views. Tickets for this 18+ event start at $88 and can be purchased here.
New this year, Navy Pier is proud to partner with Ferrara Candy Company on this summer’s main programming backdrop and location, proudly named the Ferrara Candy Wave Wall Stage. The stage is located on the Pier’s vibrant South Dock, adjacent to the Pier’s Centennial Wheel, and will host a variety of events including Wave Wall Wax, Skyline Sessions, LatiNxt and more.
Guests should check out Navy Pier’s many permanent, year-round attractions, including Flyover Chicago, an immersive, 4-D flying experience that uses awe-inspiring aerial photography and leading-edge drone technology to showcase Chicago from perspectives never seen before. Visitors can also soar to new heights on Navy Pier’s iconic 200-foot Centennial Ferris Wheel, get some exercise on the 1.5-mile Northwestern Medicine Wellness Way Fitness Trail, created in partnership with Northwestern Medicine, tee it up on the new, nine-hole Pier Park Mini Golf Course, catch a boat tour, and enjoy a range of unique dining and shopping experiences.
All artists and dates are subject to change. Programming schedules are updated regularly at navypier.org.