Navy Pier Inc.
03/18/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/18/2026 22:09
Celebrate Spring Break on the Lake: Navy Pier Showcases Spectacular Programming and Experiences
CHICAGO - Navy Pier is transforming into the ultimate Spring Break destination for Chicagoans this March. The Pier will be hosting a full week of fun starting on Monday, March 23 with Spring Break at the Pier. Families can experience programs from local organizations and Navy Pier partners such as The Butterfly House, Victoria Djembe Academy, Somos Arte Chicago, Chicago Stars FC, Old Town School of Music, and more.
Programming highlights include:
Family Fun at the Family Pavilion
Workshops will be hosted by a variety of local groups providing interactive activities focusing on fine art, music, dance, mental health, and wellness. Activities include La Escuelita Bombera de Corazon's Afro-Puerto Rican Bomba Kids Dance Workshop, Joel Hall Dancers & Center's Urban Jazz Workshop, Resilient Mental Health & Wellness Solutions' Magical Moves and Soothing Sounds, and much more.
Music and More at the Culture Corner
Guests who are looking for an immersive fine arts experiences can head to the Culture Corner for programming put on by Somos Arte Chicago, Genesis Music & Arts, The Children's Gallery Chicago, and the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture. Free activities include crafting photo frames, designing your own artist trading cards, memory box, collage, and bracelet making, and creating flags of peace. The complete schedule of events can be found here.
Kindness, Creatures, and Creativity at The Landing Staircase
Throughout the week, The Salvation Army and Navy Pier tenant partner The Butterfly House will be hosting workshops that provide outlets for kindness and creativity. The Salvation Army's programming is centered around it's 'Do Good Station' that facilitates opportunities for guests to be the good in their communities. At the Butterfly House, guests can immerse themselves in the incredible world of butterflies and enjoy face painting as well.
Chicago's Birds and Stars at the Peoples Energy Welcome Pavilion and Polk Bros Park
The Chicago Bird Alliance and the Chicago Stars FC will be taking over the Peoples Energy Welcome Pavilion and Polk Bros Park for an exciting mix of bird watching and soccer skill stations. Guests are invited to join the Chicago Bird Alliance to go behind the binoculars and spot some of Chicago's flying friends during the Urban Bird Watching programming. Chicago Stars FC will be bringing their soccer skills and help guests work on their own with a soccer station in Polk Bros Park.
Art for Everyone at Local Soul
Swing by Local Soul for fine arts activities for all ages including Urban Theater Company's Amplify Your Voice Through Theatre, Old Town School of Music's Electronic Music Playground, Boi Jeanius hosting DJ 101 for Beginners, and more.
Pier Park
The iconic Centennial Wheel and other Pier Park attractions, including the Carousel, Teacups, and Mini-golf, will be open to the public Monday through Friday during the Pier's operating hours. Tickets are available for purchase here.
Image assets can be found here. Please refer to the Navy Pier website for the full schedule of events: https://navypier.org/pier-events/spring-break-at-the-pier/
NOTE: Programming dates and times are subject to change.
About Navy Pier
Located on Lake Michigan, Navy Pier is the most visited destination in the Midwest, stretching more than six city blocks and welcoming nearly 9 million annual guests. Originally opened in 1916 as a shipping and recreation facility, this Chicago landmark showcases over 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 Centennial Wheel, Polk Bros Park, and Peoples Energy Welcome Pavilion. Today, Navy Pier continues to usher in its second century with ongoing redevelopment efforts including the 223-room Sable hotel, the all-transient Navy Pier Marina, and thrilling new attractions such as Flyover Chicago. The Pier is proud to present free programming designed to inspire and engage communities across the city and globe, including the #1 Fireworks display in the nation. For more information, visit NavyPier.org.
Navy Pier Inc. published this content on March 18, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on March 19, 2026 at 04:09 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]