The first firework show took place on May 1 at 9 pm!
Navy Pier reopened on Friday, April 30 after its longest closure in recent history. It was more than eight months since the Navy Pier closed in autumn due to the effects caused by the second wave of Covid-19 but the beloved attraction has returned with a reminder that summer is just around the corner.
As part of the Pier’s phased reopening 10-minute fireworks shows will light up the skies every Saturday night at 9 pm through May. The first firework show took place on Saturday, May 1, and was dedicated to the city’s front-line workers. The last show will take place on Memorial Day weekend at 9 pm on Saturday, May 29.
There will also likely be a return of the Fourth of July firework display after it was canceled last year and we expect an announcement in the coming weeks.
Navy Pier is reopening! We are excited to kick off our phased reopening and start welcoming guests back safely on April 30. 🎡😍Learn more about what will be open and our safety measures at https://t.co/2HvBgfXfEz. pic.twitter.com/Y8DVJZ3YVT
— Navy Pier (@NavyPier) April 20, 2021
As part of the reopening measures the Centennial Ferris Wheel, Pepsi Wave Swinger, and Carousel rides reopened on April 30 along with Polk Bros Park, Pier Park, East End Plaza, Navy Pier parking garages, and the Peoples Energy Welcome Pavilion. The North and South Docks also reopened as well as tour boats and cruises run by Odyssey, Shoreline Sightseeing, and Seadog.
The Chicago Children’s Museum, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, and most indoor spaces and retail stores will stay closed but a selection of restaurants have opened with strict health and safety measures. The following restaurants are part of the initial reopening phase:
- Giordano’s
- Billy Goat Tavern
- Harry Caray’s Tavern
- Margaritaville
- The Offshore Rooftop and Bar
The second phase of reopening is set for Memorial Day weekend depending on how things unravel in May.
The Pier will operate in accordance with the City of Chicago health and safety guidelines requiring the wearing of masks and the practice of social distancing. More than 90 hand sanitizer dispensers have been set up around the Pier as well as signs marking the appropriate amount of distance for guidance.
Social Distancing Ambassadors will also be circulating the Pier “to cordially remind guests to practice physical distancing” and there will be a limited capacity on rides to ensure social distancing can be successfully carried out.
Navy Pier will be open from 10 am to 8 pm Sundays through Thursdays and from 10 am to 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
[Featured image from Shutterstock]