Summer isn’t completely canceled.
With updated safety measures and practices, Navy Pier reopened last month to the public after having been closed off since March. With most of its facilities available to the public, the pier will now give Chicago a little more to be happy about with their Summer Programming, that will feature live outdoor concerts and movie screenings.
On June 10, Navy Pier reopened most of its facilities to the public, including its North and South Dock, People’s Energy Welcome Pavilion, Navy Pier East End Plaza, select boat tours, as well as many outdoor restaurants, kiosks, and retailers.
Since then, the pier has been gradually reopening more of its businesses and facilities to the public, as well as working in events. Just last weekend, Navy Pier hosted a Pride celebration that featured live music performances, public art, and more.
Now, the pier is hoping to keep the performances alive with its annual Summer Programming. Everyone already knows that most of the city’s biggest and most anticipated festivals, parades, and celebrations of the summer have been canceled. But not this one!
“For the fourth consecutive year, Navy Pier invites Chicagoans and guests back to the treasured lakefront for a robust lineup of summer events,” said Michelle T. Boone, Navy Pier Chief Program and Civic Engagement Officer.
“Now more than ever, our city and our guests are deserving of a safe and comfortable destination to experience festive, free public programs in a beloved and scenic setting. We are honored to be a nonprofit civic space where all can connect, find joy and experience art, music and culture together once again.”
Navy Pier’s weekly summer DJ sets have already kicked off with latin, soul, hip-hop, dance, and funk DJ sets at the Wave Wall Wax every Saturday from 5 – 7 pm.
From July 6 to August 24, the pier will feature an eight-week outdoor movies series. The theme this year is “Suitcase Cinema” and will project films about traveling to far-off locations, real and exotic. The film series list includes Kong: Skull Island, Moulin Rouge, The Lion King, and more.
On Friday, July 10, the Navy Pier will host Fresh Fest, a free music and dance showcase of the city’s talented performing artists at the Wave Wall Platform and the Lake Stage in Polk Bros Park. July 10 is also the day when Water Colors, their free live jazz series, begins; the series will run through August 21 in Polk Bros Park and showcase the Windy City’s best local jazz artists, including Greg Ward and the Chicago Jazz Orchestra.
Families can catch the Wiggle Worms every Friday from 10 – 11 am at the Lake Stage from July 10 to August 21.
Toward the end of July, the pier will houst the LatNxt Music Festival on the weekend of July, 24 and 25 to celebrate local Latinx bands of the community.
The summer season will conclude with soul, as the Chi-Soul Fest will return to Navy Pier from September 18 to September 19.
Due to the circumstances, the pier will require guests on the Polk Bros Lawn to adhere to social distancing circles. Additionally, guests must wear a mask and are strongly encouraged to frequently wash/sanitize their hands.
See here for more details on the Summer Programming lineup, and follow Navy Pier for updates.
See more: 12 Fantastic Ways To Celebrate 4th Of July In Chicago This Year
[Featured image: @navypierchicago]