Navy Pier Unveils Packed Fall Lineup of Live Entertainment and Family Fun

Navy Pier Unveils packed fall lineup of live entertainment and family fun

Seasonal programming brings music, cultural celebrations and can't-miss experiences to Chicago's iconic lakefront destination

CHICAGO (September 14, 2026) - Fall fun is taking over Navy Pier. Chicago's iconic lakefront destination is welcoming the new season with live entertainment, cultural celebrations, family-friendly traditions and can't-miss experiences for Chicagoans and visitors alike.

From the return of guest-favorite Chicago Live Festival and live music along the lakefront to Slightly Spooky Saturday s and seasonal fun at Chicago Children's Museum, there are plenty of reasons to head to the People's Pier this fall. Beyond the seasonal lineup, guests can experience Navy Pier favorites including the iconic Centennial Wheel and immersive Flyover experience, along with dozens of dining, shopping and entertainment destinations throughout the Pier.

As a nonprofit organization, Navy Pier is committed to creating engaging and accessible experiences that bring people together and celebrate the diversity, creativity and spirit of Chicago. This programming is made possible in part through the generosity of valued partners, sponsors, and donors, including the Pritzker Foundation, Ferrara Candy Company, and RYTHM THC Beverages, among others, whose support helps ensure Navy Pier continues to be a place for connection and shared experiences.

Additional programming and events include:

Live Music and Entertainment:

• Chicago Live Festival (Sept. 19 and Sept. 20) - The Midwest's largest free performing arts festival, created for our community, by our community, is back and better than ever for its sixth year at Navy Pier. Headlined by Grammy-, Emmy-, and Academy Award-winning Chicago native Common, this epic, two-day celebration of Chicago's performing arts community will feature performances across five stages by more than 100 acts, including Anthony Rapp, Liquid Soul, Trinity Irish Dancers, Q Brothers, Fat Theater Project, and more. For more information, click here.
• Chicago Shakespeare Theater
  • ' Play On ' (Sept. 11 - Oct. 18) - Shakespeare's beloved Twelfth Night is transformed through the timeless jazz compositions of the iconic Duke Ellington. Set in Harlem in the 1930s, this production follows the tale of an aspiring musician as she navigates the industry, romance, and a case of mistaken identity. Click here for tickets.
  • 'The Winter's Tale' (Oct. 13 - Dec. 12) - This enchanting tale of romance, betrayal, forgiveness, and reconciliation is brought to life with the help of shipwrecks, a few bears, and magical oracles dancing across the stage. Click here for tickets.
  • 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' (Nov. 11 - Jan. 3) - Enjoy one of Shakespeare's most iconic productions that celebrates the spirit of the holiday season in this beloved story of friendships navigating love, magic, and marriage. Click here for tickets.
• Open Air Concert Series:
  • Charlotte de Witte (Oct. 16, 4 P.M.) - A powerhouse of the global electronic music scene, Belgian-born DJ, Charlotte de Witte is bringing her signature blend of acid and minimal techno beats to the East End Plaza on Friday, October 16. Tickets can be purchased here.
  • Deadmau5 (Oct. 17, 4 P.M.) - Closing out another unforgettable season of Open Air, internationally acclaimed electronic music icon Deadmau5 is heading to the East End Plaza with his signature 'mau5head' for a high-energy performance on Saturday, October 17. Tickets are available for purchase here.
• Country Cruisin' with Chris Lane (Oct. 13, 6 - 9 P.M.) - Country music star, Chris Lane will perform a stripped-down, acoustic set of his top hits live on Lake Michigan as part of an intimate dinner cruise hosted by City Cruises. From the beautiful music and stunning Chicago skyline to the chef-prepared dinner and craft cocktails, guests will have an unforgettable evening. Click here to purchase tickets.
• DOM DOLLA (Oct. 30 and Oct. 31) - Witness firsthand the electric energy that has propelled the meteoric rise of the Grammy-nominated DJ, producer, and songwriter, DOM DOLLA. Touted as one of the most exciting producers in electronic music, DOM DOLLA is bringing his contagious energy and unique sound to Festival Hall on Friday, October 30 and Saturday, October 31. Click here for tickets.

Family Friendly Activities:

• Chicago Children's Museum Events :
  • Kids Visit Free Days (Sept. 25 and Nov. 1) - Admission to the Children's Museum is free for all children on both days, with each day featuring unique programs and activities including performances by the Crossing Borders string quartet and Rabbitfoot Puppetry.
  • Indigenous Peoples' Day (Oct. 12) - Celebrate and learn more about the rich history and culture of Indigenous peoples through books and activities in the Indigenous Peoples' Day Lounge.
• Toddler Rave World Tour (Oct. 17, 12:30 P.M.) - Lenny Pearce, the innovator who has brought his high-energy performances of modern remixes of classic childhood tunes to crowds across the globe, is bringing his family-friendly rave to the Aon Grand Ballroom on Saturday, October 17. Waitlist tickets and more information are available here.
• 'Slightly Spooky Saturdays' (Oct. 17, 24, 31, Nov. 1, 12-6 P.M.) - Now including 'Slightly Spooky Movies at the Pier', which offers a double feature of a family-friendly film at 5:30 pm followed by an option for older audiences to enjoy at 8 pm, in Polk Bros Park. Bring a blanket and takeout from one of the more than 30 dining options available at the Pier, such as Garrett's Popcorn or Kilwin's Chocolate Fudge & Ice Cream, and enjoy a not-so-frightful night. This spooky-season celebration will also incorporate familiar favorites, such as live performances, interactive workshops, sweet treats, and festive delights for guests of all ages. Click here for more information.

Community Events and Curated Experiences:

• Chicago Live Community Engagement Program (Thru Sept. 18) - In partnership with Chicago Live Festival organizations, Navy Pier is hosting a variety of free performing arts classes and workshops at locations throughout the city. Programs include beginner aerial skills lessons, in-depth conversations about Chicago's global impact on performing arts, community dance classes, and much more. For the complete schedule of events, click here.
• Mexican Independence Day (Sept. 16, 5 - 9 P.M.) - Lírica Restaurant, a staple for elevated Latin cuisine at Navy Pier, invites guests to celebrate Mexican Independence with a night of food and drink specials, as well as a live mariachi band and DJ on Wednesday, September 16. Click here to reserve your table now.
• Black Creativity Night (Sept. 22) - Now entering its 40^th season, the Chicago Shakespeare Theater is celebrating the legacy and representation of Black excellence in fine art with a pre-show event featuring signature cocktails, music, conversation, and a space to gather in community. Additional information can be found here.
• Life Time Chicago Half Pre-Race Party (Sept. 25, 1 - 7 P.M.) - All athletes participating in the Life Time Chicago races are invited to Navy Pier's Festival Hall to pick up their race packets and enjoy a day of live entertainment, sponsored activations from leading athletic brands and Navy Pier's impressive lineup of food and beverage options.
• City of Confidence Fashion Experience: Hope in Motion (Sept. 27, 5 - 8 P.M.) - Polk Bros Park will serve as the stunning backdrop for an intentional evening highlighting the latest in fashion and design, as well as interactive experiences and live entertainment. As part of Chicago Wellness Week and in recognition of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, the event will culminate in a special HOPE runway. Click here to learn more.

The holiday magic of the Wintrust Winter WonderFest is returning to Navy Pier's Festival Hall for another year of fun, wonder, and awe for the entire family to enjoy from November 27 through January 3. Special Early Bird pricing for 40% off tickets is available now; click here for more details.

*Note: Programming and events are subject to change.