Fireworks and Fun at Navy Pier in Chicago
Windy City Festivities: Fourth of July & Summer Nights
Navy Pier is a major entertainment center on the lake front of Lake Michigan in the City of Chicago. Spectacular fireworks shows light up the skies from Navy Pier every Wednesday and Sunday during the summer months. Pyrotechnics are featured from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Independence Day weekend will feature fireworks on July 3, July 4 and July 5.
Fireworks spectaculars are featured on the patriotic holiday of Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day.
In addition to the fireworks shows at Navy Pier, there are fireworks shows that are sponsored by the City of Chicago, which are visible from Navy Pier. The City of Chicago shows take place on July 3 and July 26.
Fireworks are on Wednesdays at 9:30 pm and Sundays at 10:15 pm throughout the summer.
Fourth of July Fireworks
Independence Day weekend is always a popular time for patriotic fireworks. Independence Day fireworks include:
- Thursday, July 3: Fireworks sponsored by City of Chicago at Grant Park Taste of Chicago Summer Festival
- Friday, July 4: Fourth of July Fireworks are at 9:30 pm at Navy Pier
- Saturday, July 5: Navy Pier Fireworks at 10:15 pm
Venetian Night, July 26
On Venetian Night , the fireworks show is sponsored by the City of Chicago. The Navy Pier fireworks will not take place. Venetian Night is a popular parade of decorated boats that cruise the shoreline along Lake Michigan to the delight of spectators.
Dinner Cruises on the Shoreline
City of Chicago Shoreline Cruises offer premium seats to the Navy Pier fireworks shows. Cruises feature dinner, cocktails and a great view of the City skyline. The cruises are especially popular on the nights that fireworks shows take place. The fireworks light the skies and are reflected in the waters of Lake Michigan for dramatic effect. Dinner Cruises depart from Navy Pier. Reservations are recommended, particularly on holidays. Dinner Cruises are offered by Spirit of Chicago, The Odyssey Cruise Line and Mystic Blue Cruises.
Navy Pier Carnival Rides
Navy Pier features entertainment on over 50 acres on the lake front playground. Navy Pier has parks, promenades, gardens, shops, restaurants and attractions. Carnival rides a a popular family playground. The most popular rides are the ferris wheel, musical carousel and wave swinger - an old fashioned swing ride. Navy Pier's ferris wheel reaches 150 feet into the sky, for terrific views of the Chicago skyline and lake front from the top of the ride. The Ferris wheel ride is seven minutes of family excitement. The Navy Pier Ferris Wheel is modeled after the very first ferris wheel, which was built of the 1893 World Columbian Exposition in Chicago. The playground also features an 18 hole miniature golf course, remote control boats and light tower ride.
Visit City of Chicago Navy Pier for Summer Fun
The City of Chicago is a terrific destination for summer days and summer nights. Spectacular fireworks shows light the skies over the famous city skyline at least twice a week during the summer months. Visit Navy Pier to view the free fireworks shows and to enjoy the carnival rides.
Public transportation is recommended: Getting Around City of Chicago
Information is subject to change. See the official Navy Pier website for additional information.
