Navy Pier today has free public programming for April through June, featuring a jam-packed roster of music, art, dance, cultural celebrations, and sky-illuminating fireworks. From EXPO Chicago, an international exposition of contemporary and modern art from 36 countries, to Black Music Month’s Chi-Soul Fest, and Navy Pier Pride, the lineup lives up to Navy Pier’s mission of inspiring, educating, and connecting communities across the city and globe.
Navy Pier’s free public programming highlights for spring and early summer 2023 include:
Derrick Adam’s, Funtime Unicorn (April 13 – June 25) – A public art installation by famed artist Derrick Adams, unveiled in partnership with the 10th anniversary edition of EXPO CHICAGO. The four-sculpture installation will be a continuation of Adams’ focus on play and leisure in the Black community, on display in Polk Bros Park. For more information visit www.derrickadamseditions.com.
State Of Sound: A World Of Music From Illinois (April 27 – Aug. 27) – In partnership with the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, this one-of-a-kind exhibit showcases the achievements and contributions of Illinois’ finest in music, from Muddy Waters to REO Speedwagon, Cheap Trick to Earth, Wind & Fire and Chance the Rapper.
Mexico Fest (May 5 -7) – Mercadito booths and performances celebrating the Mexican state of Jalisco, birthplace of mariachi. The event will be presented in partnership with the Mexican Consulate’s celebration of “Mexico Week 2023.”
Live on the Lake! (Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend) – Navy Pier’s free summer weekend music series, with live performances in the Navy Pier Beer Garden, showcasing an eclectic mix of musical styles from Chicago’s best bands, along with regional and national acts.
Summer Fireworks (Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend) – Chicago’s favorite sky spectacle, set to popular and special occasion soundtracks every Wednesday and Saturday night.
Skyline Sessions (Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day) – Live music every Thursday and Friday evening, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., at the Wave Wall Performance Platform against the backdrop of spectacular skyline views and Navy Pier’s Centennial Wheel.
Wave Wall Wax (Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend) – Chicago’s top DJs in house and dance music mixing it up every Saturday at 5 p.m. at the Wave Wall Performance Platform.
Wave Wall Moves (June 3 through Labor Day weekend) – Live dance performance series presented in partnership with See Chicago Dance, showcasing a diverse selection of Chicago dance companies, ensembles, and choreographers. Saturdays at 3 p.m. at the Wave Wall Performance Platform.
Pier Fitness: Rush Hour Workouts and Sunset Yoga (June 6 through Aug. 31) – Exercise classes led by professional fitness instructors focusing on Cardio at 6 p.m. and Yoga at 7:30 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday at the City Stage in Polk Bros Park.
Pier Dance (Wednesdays in June) – Featuring instruction in a new dance style every Wednesday at 6 p.m., at the Wave Wall Performance Platform. Some of Chicago’s top dance instructors demonstrate the moves, followed by free dance time for participants to show off what they’ve learned.
Chi-Soul Fest (June 10-11) – Celebrating Black Music Month with performances by Chicago Soul musicians in the Navy Pier Beer Garden, Wave Wall Performance Platform and the Polk Bros Park Performance Lawns.
Navy Pier Pride (June 24) – Music, dance, storytelling, and family activities Pier-wide, all day and night celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community.
All artists, dates, and prices are subject to change. Programming schedules are updated regularly at navypier.org.
