Celebrate the 4th of July at Navy Pier!
Pier officials recommend guests come early to enjoy Independence Day festivities; gates expected to close in the afternoon due to large crowds
Jun 30, 2015, 02:07 ET
CHICAGO, June 30, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Bursting with red, white and blue, the Aon Summer Fireworks 4th of July show will begin promptly at 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 4. As the city's only lakefront fireworks show, Navy Pier will be at the center of the Chicago area's Independence Day celebration with a fireworks display longer than its regularly scheduled weekly shows, and synchronized to a patriotic soundtrack.
Navy Pier will open to the public at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 4 for guests to enjoy several holiday celebrations in advance of the fireworks show. The second annual Freedom Fest on Navy Pier's rooftop begins at 6:30 p.m. on July 4th. This festive celebration will feature a delicious BBQ, a full bar with your favorite drinks and music from a live DJ. This is an all-ages event, so bring the entire family along for the cookout! Plus, come experience Lake Michigan like never before, and enjoy our specialty 4th of July boat cruises aboard the Spirit of Chicago, Mystic Blue or the Odyssey.
Large crowds are expected on July 4th. For the safety and comfort of all our guests, it is anticipated that at some time during the day Navy Pier will reach capacity and the gates will close. Plan your visit to Navy Pier accordingly.
Guests with tickets to a boat cruise, performance or reservations at a restaurant are encouraged to arrive several hours in advance of the start time and to allow extra travel time to Navy Pier.
Navy Pier's on-site parking garages are also expected to fill on July 4th. Visitors are encouraged to take public transportation or to park at one of Navy Pier's three partner parking garages that are offering a discounted rate of $15:
- Grand Plaza Self Park (540 N. State)
- Ogden Plaza Self Park (300 E. North Water St.)
- Millennium Lakeside Garage (5 S. Columbus)
Please visit navypier.com for detailed information regarding off-site parking options and the free Navy Pier Trolley.
Navy Pier strives to provide the safest and most fun experience to all of our guests so the following rules will be enforced this busy 4th of July weekend at Navy Pier:
- All bags are subject to inspection and large bags and backpacks are strongly discouraged. Multiple inspection points will be located throughout the Pier.
- As always, coolers, bikes, skateboards, rollerblades and skate shoes are not allowed on Navy Pier.
- Outside alcohol is prohibited.
- No pets or animals are permitted with the exception of service animals.
- Upon closure, re-entry is not permitted. If you leave Navy Pier property and the Pier closes, you are not guaranteed access back onto Navy Pier. It is recommended that all parties remain together.
- No parking, stopping or standing along adjacent streets to Navy Pier including Streeter Drive, Grand Avenue and Illinois Street.
For more 4th of July at Navy Pier information please visit www.navypier.com or follow us on Twitter (@NavyPier) for instant updates.
About Navy Pier:
Located on Lake Michigan, Navy Pier is the top attended leisure destination in the Midwest, stretching more than 6 city blocks and welcoming more than 8 million guests annually. Originally opened in 1916 as a shipping and recreation facility, this Chicago landmark showcases more than 50 acres of parks, restaurants, attractions, retail shops, sightseeing and dining cruise boats, exposition facilities and more. Navy Pier, Inc., a 501 (c)(3) not for profit organization, maintains and oversees Navy Pier and its redevelopment into a bolder, greener and more contemporary urban space. For more information, visit our website at www.navypier.com
SOURCE Navy Pier