LARGEST SUMMER OF PIER-PRODUCED PROGRAMMING

navy pier announces its largest summer of pier-produced programming

Record-setting lineup of performances, partnerships, and public experiences defines Summer 2026

CHICAGO - Navy Pier will deliver its most expansive and dynamic summer season to date in 2026, marking the largest slate of free Pier-produced programming in its history. With major new activations, reenergized public spaces, and deepened partnerships across Chicago's cultural community, this summer underscores Navy Pier's commitment to creating engaging experiences and showcasing the very best of Chicago.

This year's Pier-produced programming spans an extended summer calendar, curated in alignment with major nationwide milestones including the centennial of Route 66 and Navy Pier's designation of its symbolic starting point, the momentous 10^th anniversary of the Navy Pier's iconic Centennial Wheel, and celebrating America 250 with the largest public firework display in Navy Pier's history on July 4, 2026..

"It is our mission to bring the Pier to life as a vibrant resource for our community," said Marilynn Gardner, President and CEO of Navy Pier. "This summer reflects that commitment in a very tangible way, with more opportunities than ever for guests to gather, experience authentic Chicago culture, and enjoy the lakefront."

A SUMMER OF EXPANDED PROGRAMMING

Navy Pier's 2026 season features a wide-ranging mix of performances, festivals, and ongoing activations across the Pier, reflecting both the scale and diversity of this year's offerings.

Polk Bros Park will be the setting for an expanded lineup of live performances and community experiences throughout the summer, including the all-new Lake Stage Summer Concert Series, featuring a lineup of live music against the backdrop of Lake Michigan and the Centennial Wheel. Cultural collaborators include the Jazz Institute of Chicago, the Navy Band Great Lakes, Old Town School of Folk Music, Puerto Rican Arts Alliance's Noche Caribeña, See Chicago Dance and WBEZ.

Polk Bros Park is also host to the return of Movies at the Pier, held on Monday nights, with audience favorites including Cars, Wicked, Zootopia 2, and Superman, andPier FitnessRush Hour Cardio and Sunset Yoga classes, presented by Northwestern Medicine on Tuesday evenings.

Live concerts return to Navy Pier's East End Plaza for the season, bringing nationally recognized artists and high-energy performances to one of Chicago's most iconic lakefront settings. This summer's lineup features Chris Lake: Navy Pier Open Air and ZHU - ON THE MOVE, transforming the Pier into an unforgettable nighttime destination with skyline and lakefront views that create a one-of-a-kind concert experience.

NEW ACTIVATIONS AND EXPERIENCES

The Lake Stage Concert Series is complemented by Summer Sundays, a brand new concept where guests can expect relaxing afternoons with musical performances, interactive workshops, games and other activities for all ages, and the return of Summer Block Parties, where attendees can experience a classic Chicago Block Party with arts and crafts, video games, movement workshops, and family-friendly activities.

Adding to the mix is Summer Skate at the Pierin the former Crystal Gardens, open daily beginning June 18. Designed as a high-energy, music-forward destination, the roller rink transforms the space into an immersive experience featuring daytime skating, themed skate nights with live DJs, and arcade-style elements that create a lively, social atmosphere and adds a new dimension to the Pier's summer experience. Tickets for skate sessions will go on sale at a later date.

The Pier will also debut the RYTHM Stagein the Navy Pier Beer Garden, in partnership with THC beverage brands RYTHM and Señorita.Live on the Lake returns to the Beer Garden, bringing live music and skyline views to the waterfront every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

EXPANDED EXPERIENCES AND PARTNERSHIPS

Navy Pier's signature summer fireworks, ranked the #1 display in the nation, return every Wednesday and Saturday from Memorial Day through Labor Day. For the first time in more than a decade, Navy Pier will be host to a Saturday evening celebration of the Fourth of Julywith an iconic fireworks display. The Fourth of July display features an extended and expanded Independence Day Fireworks spectacle as part of the nationwide America 250 commemoration.

Additional live music and DJ-driven experiences activate the Ferrara Candy Wave Wall Stage, including Wave Wall Wax on Saturday evenings, where Chicago's top DJs deliver high-energy house and dance sets. In June, guests can learn new dance moves on Wednesdays at Pier Danceand be inspired by premier dance performances every Saturday with Wave Wall Moves to celebrate Chicago Dance month. Skyline Sessions return Thursdays and Fridays throughout the summer, showcasing Chicago's best live music acts large and small performing across genres and appeals.

These experiences are anchored by major Pier-wide festivals including Pride, LatiNxt Festival, and the youth-focused Fresh Fest!, with Chicago Live!, the Midwest's largest free performing arts festival, presented by the Pritzker Foundation, extending the Pier's cultural offerings beyond Labor Day.

Navy Pier's epic summer of programming, designed to inspire discovery, wonder and fun includes a majority of free events made possible through the generosity of partners including Polk Bros Foundation, Wintrust, Peoples Gas, Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling, Northwestern Medicine, Ferrara Candy Company and many more. It is through these vital partnerships that Navy Pier is able to advance its vision to serve as a global model of urban waterfront excellence that showcases Chicago's unique character and sets the standards for public spaces that foster connection, creativity, and civic pride.

Guests can explore the full schedule and plan their visit at navypier.org.

Image assets for Navy Pier's Summer programming can be found here.

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