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Chicago’s iconic lakefront destination is the perfect place for a date night to a day out with friends.
Start checking items off your summer bucket list all in one place. With free summer events, tons of restaurants, exciting boat tours, and Instagrammable views, a day at Navy Pier is just what summer ordered.
Movies and Chill
1. Water Flicks
If you love movies in the park, this is the event for you. Enjoy relaxing on our lawn that accommodates large and small group sizes. Catch any of our outdoor movie series to make summer complete.
Photo by: Instagram user @verachka_ww
Beats, Brews and Views
2. Live on the Lake!
Live music lovers should mark their calendars for Live on the Lake! This free concert series features local favorites, national touring acts and exciting new artists through Labor Day. Enjoying a beer and live music with the backdrop of the beautiful Chicago skyline makes for a great date night or night out with friends!
Romance on the Water
3. Dinner Cruises
Odyssey’s Lake Michigan Dinner Cruises are a must for anyone looking for classier time with friends or a romantic date night out. This 2-3 hour cruise serves up a delicious, seasonally inspired three-course plated dinner with unmatched views of the skyline.
Discover the City's Beauty
4. Architecture Cruise
For architecture lovers and history buffs, Shoreline Sightseeing has the boat tour for you! Choose from one of their engaging and informational tours to take in the sights and history of this great city without having to walk miles to do it.
Splash through the Lake
5. Seadog Cruises
Seadog Cruises has something for everyone, but their Thrill Rides have to be the most talked about. This high-speed, action-filled lakefront speedboat tour is paired with informative and amusing descriptions of the world famous Chicago skyline so you can learn while adventuring!
Shop & Support Local
6. Neighborhood Artisan Market
Navy Pier’s Neighborhood Artisan Market is an amazing opportunity to shop local artists and find new favorites and one-of-a-kind collectables for your home. This market has artists from all over Chicago and gives you an opportunity to learn about our various neighborhoods without leaving the Pier.
Tasty bites for everyone
7. Food Options
There are restaurant options for just about anything you have a craving for. Stop by Chicago classics like Harry Caray’s and Billy Goat Tavern to name just a few!
Sip n' Stroll
8. Take Your Drink To-Go
Grab a drink and take a walk! Yes, you can walk down the Pier with your favorite drink in hand. There are bars all along the way so you can start with a beer from Harry Caray’s, grab a refill at Margaritaville, and fill up your cup again when you take a break at the Navy Pier Beer Garden. The views from Offshore Rooftop are something you won’t want to miss so make sure to make your way to the end of the Pier to enjoy it!
Do it for the 'Gram
Step up your Instagram game! You’ve probably seen people sharing the Wave Wall Staircase and Crystal Gardens, but did you know that you can get amazing city shots from Offshore Rooftop & Bar, the North Dock promenade, and 7th floor West Parking Garage too? Plus, Xurro, Rainbow Cone, Snow Dragon Shavery and many more restaurants have food options that will look so good on your feed!
Photo by: Instagram user @girlin3a
It’s sad to say, but summer won’t last forever. The good news is that you can still make the most of it with day trips, evenings, and weekends at Navy Pier!