Navy Pier has announced its summer 2024 schedule of events, opening with a summerlong exhibit devoted to house music, plus a Summer Block Party, multiple sporting events, a return of the LatiNxt Music Fest and the fireworks.
Chicago: Home of House Exhibit (May 1 to Oct. 31): Commemorating the 40th anniversary of house music, an exhibit devoted to the artists from Chicago’s South and West Sides who helped create the style. Presented in partnership with the Design Museum of Chicago and Vintage House Show Collective.
Mexico Fest (May 3-5): Music and dance performances by Mariachi Estrellas de Chicago, Ballet Folklorico Sones Mexicano, Pachanga DJs, Caballo Dorado and others. Plus workshops and more than 30 vendors. Presented in partnership with Consulado General de México en Chicago and the governments of Chihuahua, Nayarit and Queretaro.
Lakefront Loop 5K (May 5): A 5K run on the Pier itself, and for the first time this year a timed event.
Swing Into Summer (May 18): The Pier will become a sports hub with pickleball, wiffle ball, baseball, softball and golf. Coaches and trainers will be on hand to offer instruction, while mini-golf competitions will take place at the new Pier Park Mini Golf Course.
Live on the Lake (May 25 to Sept. 2): Navy Pier’s free weekend music series in the outdoor Beer Garden from 2 p.m. to closing every Saturday and Sunday, plus Memorial Day and Labor Day Mondays.
Summer fireworks (May 25 to Aug. 31): Every Wednesday at 9 p.m. and Saturday at 10 p.m., from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
Wave Wall Moves (May 25 to Aug. 31): Live outdoor performance series with Chicago dance companies including Chicago Ballet Arts, Uptown Rockers, Ruth Paige School of Dance, Chicago Korean Dance Company and Perpetual Motion. Presented in partnership with See Chicago Dance on Saturday afternoons at 4 p.m. on the Wave Wall Stage.
Wave Wall Wax (May 25 to Aug. 31): Chicago DJs spin house and dance music every Saturday from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Including by Steve “Miggedy” Maestro, TRQPiTECA, DJ Iggy, Mo Mami and Joe Smooth.
Skyline Sessions (May 30 to Aug. 30): Live music by Larry Anthony, Lydia Cash, James Gedda, MER’s Music Showcase, Daniel Chavez Organ Quartet, and Meg & The Wheelers and others, every Thursday and Friday from 5 p.m. on the Wave Wall Stage.
Rush Hour Workouts and Sunset Yoga (June 4 to Aug. 27): Free Tuesdays exercise classes with a fusion of Zumba and Jazzercise at 6 p.m. and yoga at 7:30 p.m. in Polk Bros Park.
Pier Dance (June 5-26): Free dance lessons every Wednesday at 6 p.m. in Polk Bros Park.
Chi-Soul Fest (June 15-16): Two-day music festival celebrating Black History Month with artists including Jamiah Rogers, Bumpus, Manny Torres, Ariel Posen and Chibrations.
Summer Block Party (June 26 and July 31): New for 2024 with live bands, DJs and a Beer Garden stage with 90’s music. Plus family-friendly activities from corn hole to video games. Starting at 3 p.m., concluding with fireworks at 9 p.m.
Navy Pier Pride (June 29): Celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community with live music, dance, storytelling and more, including by the Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus, Lakeside Pride Marching Band and Party Noir.
Water Flicks (July 1 to Aug. 26): Movies at 6:30 p.m. every Monday in Polk Bros Park. A science theme including “Back to the Future,” “Honey I Shrunk the Kids,” “Interstellar,” “Big Hero 6,” “Weird Science” and “Oppenheimer.”
Fresh Fest (July 11-12): Young musicians, dancers and artists from noon to 5 p.m. on Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Friday.
Bastille Day (July 13): Celebrate the French national holiday in Polk Bros Park, with live music and tasty French treats.
Noche Caribeña (Aug. 17): Puerto Rican Arts Alliance will present a free evening concert spanning the genres of Puerto Rican and Afro-Caribbean folk at the Lake Stage in Polk Bros Park.
LatiNxt (Aug. 24-25): Two-day festival with music from the Latin American diaspora, across three Pier stages. Headliners include AnanTijoux and Pahua. Plus vendors.
All events are free unless otherwise noted; more information at navypier.org
