Navy Pier Pride will soar onto the Pier with flying colors for the fourth consecutive year on Saturday, June 29, offering a variety of festivities to embrace diversity and celebrate the vibrant LGBTQ culture in Chicago. The day features LGBTQ programming, including music, arts and crafts, storytelling, educational resources and more
The full-day free event, from noon to 11 p.m., positions the Pier as an inclusive Pride destination for all ages, with activities ranging from build-your-own Pride bracelets to musical performances by the Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus and a colorful and vibrant fireworks display.
The Pier will be decorated with Pride flags throughout June and will display the symbolic rainbow colors in the center digital screen of the iconic Centennial Wheel. A visual celebration of diversity and inclusion includes a rainbow-adorned staircases near the Centennial Wheel and Crystal Gardens, as well as project a custom “togetherness” wall asset highlighting the Pier’s mission to welcome all.
For the day-of celebration, guests can begin with an opening activity at Chicago Children’s Museum’s Family Resource Activity Station to celebrate LGBTQ families. On the Pier’s South Dock, create a rainbow bracelet as a symbol of Pride and learn about the museum’s LGBTQ inclusion resources that are available for parents and teachers from noon to 2 p.m.
PFLAG Council of Northern Illinois will be on-site from noon to 4 p.m. to speak to their mission of building a foundation of loving families united with LGBTQ people and allies who support one another. PFLAG envisions a world where diversity is celebrated and all people are respected, valued and affirmed inclusive of their sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression, and the Northern Illinois Council is a coalition of chapters within the Chicagoland area. Navy Pier is passionate about partnering with other likeminded nonprofits in the area to promote dynamic and eclectic experiences.
From 1 to 2 p.m., the reading experience “Story Time with Drag Queens” presented in partnership with Chicago Children’s Museum, will bring classic children’s books to life in fabulous fashion.
A variety of other performers will create an energetic musical atmosphere throughout the event starting at 2 p.m. through 11 p.m. at the Miller Lite Beer Garden.
All guests are welcome to join and follow the festive music processional led by the Lakeside Pride Marching Band from the People’s Energy Welcome Pavilion down the South Dock from 2 to 2:30 p.m. and revel in the musical stylings from the Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus during a special performance at the Fifth Third Bank Family Pavilion from 3 to 4 p.m.
As the sun sets, enjoy an energetic live performance as part of Navy Pier’s ongoing Wave Wall Wax weekly DJ series featuring reigning queer Chicago female DJ All the Way Kay at the Wave Wall Platform from 4 to 6 p.m.
Coinciding that evening will be the signature Aon Summer Fireworks lighting up the Chicago sky for a 10-minute vibrant display at 10:15 p.m. as a breathtaking closing to the celebration.
The event is presented by American Airlines.
