The third of four free events in Navy Pier’s 2025 Global Connection Series will celebrate Holi, the Hindu “Festival of Colors,” from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 22. The Pier’s Aon Grand Ballroom will come alive with vibrant music, dance, and family-friendly programming commemorating the arrival of spring in the traditions of the Indian diaspora.
DJs will spin tunes in Navy Pier’s outdoor Beer Garden and colored powder will be available for purchase by revelers wanting to take part in the spirited Holi ritual of powder-throwing. Having grown into the largest Holi commemoration in the country, this event is presented in partnership with the Delhi Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International.
“This memorable celebration represents the power of partnerships,” said Smita Shah of the Delhi Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International. “It honors the diverse international communities that make up Chicago, celebrates the best of their culture, and supports the desire for others to experience the American Dream, all of which makes our city stronger.”
Paying homage to the triumph of good over evil, Holi originated and is predominantly celebrated in the Indian subcontinent but has spread to other regions of Asia and within Indian communities throughout the Western world. The festival signifies the end of winter and the blossoming of love and is an invocation for a good spring harvest.
Presenting sponsors of Navy Pier’s 2025 Global Connection Series are ComEd, Sue Ling Gin Foundation Trust, and Chicago Sister Cities International. Additional support for the Holi celebration is provided by the Pratima and Niranjan Shah Family and SPAAN Tech.
The final celebration in the series will be Mexico Fest, slated for May 2 through 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.