The second free event of Navy Pier’s 2025 Global Connection Series will celebrate International Carnivale on Saturday, March 1, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Pier’s Aon Grand Ballroom. Drawing on the unique traditions of cultures across the globe – from Brazil to Columbia, Greece, Puerto Rico, and North America – the Pier event will capture the colorful revelry of Carnivale with live music, dance performances, elaborate costumes, and interactive art-making activities for guests of all ages.
Also known as Mardi Gras or Shrovetide, Carnivale is celebrated during the days leading up to Lent on the Christian calendar. It is marked by a heightened sense of social unity and indulgence, in contrast to the more solemn days of personal reflection to come.
Emceed by Logan Lu, Navy Pier’s International Carnivale festivities will include performances by Chicago Samba, Four Star Brass Band, Orpheus Hellenic Folklore Society, and Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center, among others.
Joining in this year’s celebration, Lirica restaurant, located on the ground floor of the Sable Hotel Navy Pier, will offer a limited-time, chef-curated menu of delicacies inspired by the Latin flavors of Brazil Carnival. The prix fixe Carnival menu will be available during dinner hours from February 28 through March 8. There’ll also be live music and flamenco from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Fridays, February 28 and March 7.
Presenting sponsors of Navy Pier’s 2025 Global Connection Series are ComEd, Sue Ling Gin Foundation Trust, and Chicago Sister Cities International. Remaining series celebrations will include Holi (March 22) and Mexico Fest (May 2-4).
Note: All artists, events and dates are subject to change
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.