Navy Pier announces free Fall programming schedule

Navy Pier, Chicago’s iconic lakefront destination, is packing in the fall fun with a full roster of free public programs from September through November, including outdoor movies, live music, extended fireworks and more.

Navy Pier was able to add several new programs to this year’s fall programming schedule providing the Chicagoland community and guests access to free, year-round arts and cultural programs.

The fall programming season will kick off with Moonlight Movies, a weekly outdoor movie series held every Wednesday in September, starting September 8 with a “Back to School” theme. Films on the schedule include School of RockElectionWeird Science and High School Musical.

Navy Pier

Chi-Soul Fest is back on Friday, September 10 and Saturday, September 11 to present guests with two days of classic and modern soul music along the lakefront at the Navy Pier Beer Garden and Polk Bros Park Performance Lawns. The unforgettable fall music festival will celebrate one of Chicago’s deep-rooted genres and will include performances from incredible local soul staples and rising stars like The Corner Series featuring Oliv Blu and Nola Ade with house band LeftJones, Danielle Juhre, Cole DeGenova, Tamarie T. and Thee Elektra Company and more.

Navy Pier
(photo credit James Richard IV)

For the first time, Navy Pier will continue to light up the night sky after Labor Day weekend with two special Fall Fireworks shows on Saturday, September 11 and Saturday, September 18. Both shows will be held at 9:30 p.m. and will be visible from across the Pier.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater will host a free outdoor screening event of Othello: The Remix, filmed at Shakespeare’s Globe as part of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad, on Tuesday, September 14 at 6:30 p.m. at the Lake Stage in Polk Bros Park.

After making a successful debut this summer, Skyline Sessions will be back to entertain guests along the South Dock every Friday and Sunday in October. Featuring solo artists and/or small ensemble performances, this program serves as a soothing way to kick off or end a fall weekend, while enjoying unparalleled views of Chicago’s iconic skyline.


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Pier Pumpkin Lights makes its return this October as Navy Pier once again transforms into an experiential fall spectacle with more than a thousand pumpkins stacked in elaborate and photo-worthy displays. Guests are welcome to explore this popular pumpkin pop-up experience, while enjoying Pier-wide deals and other Halloween festivities throughout the month.

The fall lineup will conclude with Sequence Ch!cago, presented by the Paul M. Angell Family Foundation. This annual fall music and arts series celebrates the city’s vibrant arts and cultural scene over nine Saturdays in October and November. Festivities include performances from Chicago’s most talented musicians, handcrafted works by local artisans and more in the Fifth Third Bank Family Pavilion.

Navy Pier will also host Halloween Family Fun Days on Saturdays in October (starting October 9 through October 30). Weekend activities will include costume contests, scavenger hunts, Halloween-themed movie viewings, trivia contests and more. The grand finale of Navy Pier’s Halloween extravaganza will be held on Saturday, October 30 and will feature on-site trick-or-treating, family and dog-friendly costume contests plus arts and crafts stations for kids of all ages to enjoy.

See below for a full listing of Navy Pier’s 2021 fall programs:

PROGRAMDATE(S)TIME(S)LOCATION(S)
Moonlight Movies9/8 – 9/29 (Wednesdays)6:30 p.m.Polk Bros Park – Lake Stage
Chi-Soul Fest9/10 – 9/115:30 p.m Friday/12pm
Saturday
Pier wide
Fall Fireworks9/11 & 9/18 (Saturdays)10:15 p.m.Pier wide
Chicago Shakespeare Theater hosts outdoor
screening of Othello: The Remix
9/146:30 p.m.Polk Bros Park – Lake Stage
Skyline Sessions10/1 – 10/29 (Fridays & Sundays)4pm Friday/2pm
Sundays
Wave Wall Platform
Pier Pumpkin Lights10/1 – 10/31All DayPier wide
Sequence Ch!cagoPresented by Paul M. Angell Family Foundation10/2 – 11/27 (Saturdays)3pmFifth Third Bank Family Pavilion
Halloween Family Fun Days10/9-10/30All DayPier wide

All events are subject to change.

Navy Pier fall programming is part of the organization’s nonprofit mission an ongoing commitment to offer guests free, year-round arts and cultural programming, designed to inspire, educate and connect communities across the city and globe. As a nonprofit cultural institution, Navy Pier relies heavily on philanthropic contributions from philanthropic, individual, foundation and corporate donors, who support Navy Pier in celebrating and showcasing the vitality of Chicago year-round. Thank you to all donors and partners who aid in Navy Pier’s nonprofit mission of creating a world-class public space that is truly the “People’s Pier.”

While at Navy Pier, guests are encouraged to check out other Pier-wide experiences, including the iconic Centennial Wheel, the new Drop Tower and other Pier Park rides and attractions. The Pier also features more than 70 local businesses in dining, retail, boat cruises and more.

Visit the Navy Pier website for a full list of open and available establishments.


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