Navy Pier announced highlights of its spring 2025 programming, featuring an eclectic roster of cultural celebrations, art exhibitions, high-profile concerts, over-the-top parties, and recreational events. From Navy Pier’s free Global Connection Series offering guests a unique opportunity to participate in traditions from around the world, to EXPO CHICAGO, an international exposition of contemporary and modern art from more than 150 of the world’s top galleries, even the first-ever Pier-wide St. Patrick’s Day pub crawl, the lineup lives up to Navy Pier’s mission of inspiring, educating, and connecting communities across the city and globe.
“Through essential philanthropic support of Navy Pier’s nonprofit mission, we are proud to deliver on our legacy as The People’s Pier, providing authentic, Chicago-centric experiences that are accessible to, and reflective of, all communities,” said Navy Pier President and CEO Marilynn Gardner.
Spring 2025’s not-to-be-missed happenings include:
Women’s Makers Market & Artist Workshops (Saturdays in March) – In commemoration of Women’s History Month, Navy Pier will highlight the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of women-owned businesses, providing a platform for local makers to showcase their talent and connect with the community. Sponsored by Allstate and presented in partnership with Sunshine Enterprises, each weekend’s market will feature a unique assortment of hand-crafted creations, one-of-a-kind jewelry, apparel, artwork and more available for purchase. Pier guests will also have the opportunity to engage with and create alongside professional artists from Women’s Live Artist Studio during free Saturday afternoon workshops. All materials will be provided, and workshops are open to all ages.
Shamrockin’ at the Pier (March 15) – Navy Pier’s inaugural “Shamrockin’ at the Pier” is being billed as the ultimate, climate-controlled, St. Patrick’s-themed pub crawl. Six of the Pier’s most popular restaurant-bars and a docked cruise ship will roll out the green carpet for revelers with exclusive drink specials, live music, themed games, and more. 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Spring Holiday Brunch, Lunch & Dinner Cruises – St. Patrick’s Day (March 15), Easter (April 20), and Mother’s Day (May 11) – Few experiences capture the magic of springtime Chicago and create lasting holiday memories like a City Cruises’ brunch, lunch, or dinner cruise. From a festive St. Patrick’s Day lunch cruise with live DJ entertainment and fun, open-air deck games, to an elegant, chef-prepared Easter brunch with a surprise visit from the Easter Bunny, each journey offers something special. An unforgettable Mother’s Day tradition, City Cruises’ special brunch and dinner cruises celebrate Mom with gourmet dining, live DJ entertainment, top-notch service, and awe-inspiring views of the city from Lake Michigan or the Chicago River.
East End Concerts – House Calls - A St. Patrick's Day Celebration with Obskür (March 15) and Lane 8 (March 21) – As part of an ambitious plan to establish Navy Pier’s East End Plaza as a live music destination, the historic Aon Grand Ballroom will set the stage for two high-profile March concerts. Irish house duo Obskür will rev up a St. Patrick’s Day crowd on March 15, starting at Noon. On March 21 at 7 p.m., DJ and electronic music producer Lane 8 will bring his Childish tour to the Pier, electrifying fans with what critics are calling the culmination of the artist’s decade-plus creative journey.
27th Annual Worldwide Toast to Harry Caray (March 18) – In an annual tradition, fans will gather at Harry Caray’s Tavern on Navy Pier to raise a drink to the memory of the Hall of Fame baseball announcer. This year’s celebration will kick off at 5 a.m. with a watch party for the Cubs’ season opener in Tokyo. At 5 p.m., attention will turn to the White Sox, as fans and local sports celebrities come together to break the “Curse of the Black Sox Ball” – a symbolic effort to help reverse the team’s recent struggles. It will be a rare occasion that unites Cubs and White Sox fans in honoring the legendary broadcaster who brought Chicago baseball to life.
North American Premiere of ‘Sunny Afternoon’ at Chicago Shakespeare Theater (March 21 - April 27) –
Based on the music of The Kinks, “Sunday Afternoon” is a rock-and-roll tour through the souring triumphs and devastating lows of the iconic band. The story of the band’s atmospheric rise to fame is told through their own prolific catalog of hit songs, including “You Really Got Me,” “Lola,” and “All Day and All of the Night”– all performed live onstage by the actors. With an original story, music, and lyrics by The Kinks’ legendary Ray Davies, this award-winning musical is making its North American Premiere after taking London’s West End by storm.
Global Connections: Holi Celebration (March 22) – Navy Pier’s Aon Grand Ballroom will host Chicago’s preeminent Holi celebration as part of its 2025 Global Connections Series. There’ll be free live music, dance, and educational programming commemorating the Hindu “Festival of Colors.” Guests will also be invited to take part in the spirited tradition of colored powder throwing and enjoy DJs in Navy Pier’s outdoor Beer Garden. Powder will be available for purchase on-site. 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
‘Playful by Nature’ at Chicago Children’s Museum (March 24 - April 6) – Chicago Children’s Museum is bringing back its popular Spring Break Weeks of Play with a celebration of the wonders of the natural world. Young guests are invited to experience live animal encounters with Lucca’s BioHub and Dave DiNaso’s Traveling Word of Reptiles. Youngsters can engage their senses with Insect Asylum's Touch Lab and participate in art-making inspired by living things that flutter and fly. The museum will be open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during this time.
Easter Bounce Brunch & Day Party (April 20) – Offshore Rooftop, the world’s largest rooftop restaurant-bar, is throwing the ultimate, 21-plus Easter party. Set against spectacular, unencumbered views of the city from multi-seasonal terraces, the event promises a hopping good time complete with high-energy tunes spun by a live DJ, for-purchase drinks and bites, photobooth, and more. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sightseeing Boat Tours (launching April 15) – One of the best ways to see Chicago, Shoreline Sightseeing’s tour boats offer amazing views of the city from the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. Shoreline’s curated Architecture River Tours and Skyline Lake Tours resume their in-season schedule in mid-April, but will also be cruising on a limited schedule in March and early April, as weather permits. One of Chicago’s favorite St. Patrick’s Day traditions, Shoreline will run tours throughout the day on Saturday, March 15, when the city dies the river green.
12th Annual EXPO CHICAGO (April 25-27) – The 2025 edition of EXPO CHICAGO Contemporary Art Fair will showcase works from more than 150 leading contemporary and modern art galleries in Navy Pier’s Festival Hall. The prestigious event will also serve as the backdrop for a diverse and inventive program of art talks, on-site installations, and public art initiatives. EXPO CHICAGO draws upon the city’s robust history as a vibrant international cultural destination, while highlighting the region’s contemporary arts community.
Global Connections: Mexico Fest (May 2-4) – The final free event in Navy Pier’s 2025 Global Connection Series, this authentic cultural celebration will feature live music, dance, and art experiences in the historic Aon Grand Ballroom.
Lakefront Loop 5K (May 4) – Presented by Navy Pier’s Associate Board to support the Pier’s non-profit mission of welcoming all and providing dynamic arts and cultural experiences, the Lakefront Loop 5K is the only 5K contained entirely on Navy Pier. Starting at 8 a.m. with a Kids’ Dash and Single Loop Sprint, the main, timed 5K kicks off at 8:40 a.m.
Swing into Summer (May 17) – From pickleball to wiffle ball, baseball, softball, and golf, this free, second-annual event will transform the Pier’s South Dock into a hub of swinging-sports fun for all ages. Sports trainers and coaches will be stationed all along the outside dock to offer free instruction.
Amazing Chicago’s New Light Maze (now open) – Amazing Chicago Funhouse Maze recently opened a new, state-of-the-art light maze with more than 20 custom-made, glow-in-the-dark panels celebrating all that is great about the City of Chicago. There are representations of all the city’s most well-known attractions, along with insider touches that locals will appreciate. Guests can immerse themselves in the soothing lights and Chicago-themed music of this exceedingly Instagram-able space.
Giving Her Her Flowers: A Fine Art Portrait Exhibition (ongoing) – Curated by Dana Todd Pope, co-founder of Women’s Live Artist Studio, “Giving Her Her Flowers” is a celebration of the contributions of Black women in Art. Too often overlooked, the 14 local artists whose portraits are featured in the exhibit were selected for their significant strides in creating opportunities for women artists to thrive. The portraits are a way to secure their legacy, teach younger generations about their contributions, and thank them for opening doors for contemporary artists.
All events, artists and dates are subject to change. Programming schedules are updated regularly at navypier.org.
ABOUT NAVY PIER
Located on Lake Michigan, Navy Pier is the top nonprofit tourism destination in the Midwest, stretching more than six city blocks and typically welcoming nearly 9 million annual guests. Originally opened in 1916 as a shipping and recreation facility, this Chicago landmark showcases more than 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 iconic Centennial Wheel, Polk Bros Park, Family Pavilion and Peoples Energy Welcome Pavilion. Today, Navy Pier continues to usher in its second century with ongoing Pier-wide redevelopment efforts – including Sable, a 223-room Hilton hotel, new restaurant and retail partnerships, and thrilling new attractions such as Flyover Chicago. The Pier is proud to present free, year-round cultural programming designed to inspire, educate, and connect communities across the city and globe. Click here to donate to Navy Pier, a mission-driven 501(c)(3) organization. For more information, visit NavyPier.org.