One of the best spots in Chicago for enjoying summertime music is getting even hotter this year with the addition of more concerts on Navy Pier’s iconic East End. This expanded focus on high-profile concerts will round out the Pier’s already popular summer-long lineup of free outdoor music.
East End Concerts
Spectacular views and a historic location come together to serve as the perfect host for live music at the East End of Navy Pier. Drawing inspiration from the Pier’s status as a cultural hub in Chicago and beyond, these ticketed, 18+ events feature performances from globally celebrated artists, as well as hometown favorites.
- Open-Air Series – DJ Mochakk kicked off the East End’s 2025 Open-Air series earlier this month with a completely sold-out show. Two more Open-Air shows are planned this summer: Camelphat on June 20, and Gorgon City on July 18.
- Steve Aoki: Cake on the Lake – GRAMMYâ nominated DJ and producer Steve Aoki is bringing his unique blend of EDM and house music to Navy Pier’s East End Plaza on June 21. The event will also feature artists NOTD, 4B, Ookay, and Dani Deahl. Tickets can be purchased here.
- The Chainsmokers – The GRAMMYâ Award-winning, RIAA Diamond-certified EDM-pop rock band and DJ duo will take the center stage in the Aon Grand Ballroom on Aug. 16.
Free Summertime Music Series
Back by popular demand, free live music at Navy Pier returns for another summer. Three distinct outdoor music series showcase the rich diversity of Chicago against a backdrop of some of the most spectacular lake and skyline views the city has to offer.
- Live On The Lake! (through Sept. 1) – Live On The Lake! features Chicago’s best bands, along with regional and national acts for lakeside performances in Navy Pier’s Beer Garden every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The full lineup of performers can be found here.
- Skyline Sessions (through Aug. 29) – Navy Pier invites music lovers to the Ferrara Candy Wave Wall Stage every Thursday and Friday from 5 to 9 p.m. for live performances by solo artists and small ensembles. Swing by after work and stay to enjoy the wide range of genres represented in this series. More information can be found here.
- Wave Wall Wax (through Aug. 30) – Navy Pier’s free signature outdoor DJ series brings the best in house and dance music to the Ferrara Candy Wave Wall Stage every Saturday from 5:30 to 10 p.m. The complete list of DJs can be found here.
Music on the Water
Another new addition to Navy Pier’s summertime music offerings, City Cruises will present a series of special concert experiences. Guests are invited to set sail for an epic night of music, dining, and scenic views with artists including:
- Ken Block & Drew Copeland of Sister Hazel Live (June 8)
- Randy Houser Live (Sept. 4)
- Colt Ford Live (Sept. 9)
Music and Meals
Grab a table or pull up a barstool. Music pairs perfectly with everything from burgers to satisfying entrées across a variety of our lakeside restaurants. Enjoy great food all summer long.
- Get ready to turn up the heat this summer at Chef Art Smith’s Reunion! Enjoy DJs and live music every Saturday, and during Sunday Brunch all summer long. Great food, refreshing drinks, and a lively soundtrack will keep the good times rolling all season.
Live Music All Summer Long at Harry Caray’s Tavern
- Midweek Mixtape – Wednesdays, 6:30–9PM - Break up your week with a mixtape-worthy lineup of live music, featuring pop hits and ’80s throwbacks performed by a different local act each week. Sing your heart out and set the tone for your midweek mood with great vibes and drink specials—then stick around for Navy Pier’s fireworks at 9PM.
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Sunset Sessions with DJ Marcus Carter – Thursdays, 6–8PM
Spin your way into the weekend with DJ Marcus Carter dropping feel-good beats every Thursday night. Sip on refreshing specials as you soak up golden-hour grooves against the backdrop of a stunning lakefront sunset. -
Rock & Roll Rodeo – Fridays, 7–10PM
Join us on Fridays as we kick back and let the good times roll with a night full of country grit and rock ’n’ roll soul. Featuring a rotating lineup of local musicians, each week we strum up the best of country, classic rock, southern rock, and country rock, giving you a front-row seat for the perfect summer soundtrack—complete with beer specials and beautiful lakefront views.
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. 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.