Categories: Navy Pier

Navy Pier: Nightlife & Music

Author: Danny McCullough

Navy Pier has more happening on a given night than you could shake a proverbial stick at. While you can't bar hop up and down the pier, you wouldn't need to, as you have your choice of entertainment, whether it be the live music that's hosted there throughout the summer, the spectacle of a nationally recognized comedian or show, or the culture of a Shakespearean drama, you're covered from all angles by the Pier. 

Beer Me Strength

The Beer Garden seems to be at the epicenter of the happenings, providing not only, you guessed it, beer, but also cocktails, margaritas, and other festive drinks, as well as music to keep you occupied while you lounge. The Bud Light Stage is nearby, and after picking up an eponymous brew, you can head over to see some of Chicago's best musical performers from a variety of genres like Hip-Hop Tribute or Alternative Rock. The party almost never stops during the summer, as the Beer Garden is open Wednesday - Sunday, starting at mid-day and going to midnight almost every night. The best part of all the celebration? There's no cover, and watching the music is free; the only thing that costs money are the drinks (sorry, you're not quite in heaven yet, fellas). Be sure to at least stop by for the fireworks on Wednesday and Saturday nights, also.

Sit Back, Relax, and Enjoy the Show...

If you're more in the mood to be wowed, the Pepsi Skyline Summer Stage brings in hot acts from around the world to impress audiences. These ticketed affairs occur earlier in the night, so a little more forethought is required, but it's worth the effort, as past performances include Cirque du Soleil high-fliers, comedians, and nationally-recognized musicians. If you want a little more class in your nightly outing, try the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre--but don't think classy equates to stuffy. This theater is also hip enough to do rap-adaptations and modern revisions of the Bard's famous canon. Even if you want to be a little less literary, Navy Pier has you taken care of, as its IMAX stage shows the most popular movies and documentaries in their proprietary "feel like you're there" format.

Get Your Munch On

If none of those options tickles your fancy, you can always pretend you're in the middle of the city and go to some local pubs. The Pier hosts Billy Goat Tavern, where you can grab an infamous "Cheezborger," or snag a cheap brew until midnight; if you get hungry a little earlier, you can head over to Charlie's Ale House and try one of over 15 beers on tap, or sip from a selection of more than 40 bottled beers. Also worth a mention is Joe's Be-Bop Cafe, which has live jazz music seven nights a week, as well as their own beer, "Be-Bop Ale," and barbecue smothered in their branded sauce.

Two if by Sea

Of course, if you're moving with a big group or that special someone and want something you can enjoy privately, head over to our boat cruise guide page and consider chartering your own boat for an amazing nighttime view of the coastline. You can make it a romantic getaway, a booze-cruise, or somewhere in-between.

Not only does Navy Pier has an immense amount of activities to do during the day, but it's also the ultimate night-time hub. Sit back, soak up the fragrant beach air, and watch the fireworks from the Midwest's most popular destination.

 

Check out places of interest near Navy Pier: Nightlife & Music:

Aria Restaurant
200 N. Columbus Dr., Chicago, IL 60601

A top Chicago restaurant serving contemporary American cuisine at The Fairmont Chicago hotel, Aria has proven that it's here to stay. Currently under the leadership of chef de cuisine Leon Gunn, the kitchen here serves a menu that's bursting with cultural influences from around the world.

Fado Irish Pub
100 W. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60610

The mother of all Irish pubs in Chicago, Fado treats Guinness as a religion and has the feel of last-century Ireland--except when the European football games are on.

Rainforest Cafe
605 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60610

Kids love this restaurant. The menu contains a mish-mash of fusion fare, but the real attraction to this scene is the tropical fauna and animals feigning life through mechanistic motions.

Riva
700 E. Grand Avenue , Chicago, IL 60611

For a chic atmosphere and fine dining, Navy Pier guests should visit RIVA. Visitors can dine on specialty steak, seafood and pasta while viewing Chicago's epic skyline. If casual dining is desired, guests can choose RIVA Café below the main restaurant for great food without the candlelight.
Contact: (312) 644- RIVA

Weber Grill Restaurant
539 N. State St., Chicago, IL 60610

For a relax atmosphere filled with the smells of a great barbeque, eat at Weber’s Grill. The open kitchen shows the chefs cooking your order over an open flame on actual Weber grills.

Fado Irish Pub
100 W. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60610

The mother of all Irish pubs in Chicago, Fado treats Guinness as a religion and has the feel of last-century Ireland--except when the European football games are on.

Amazing Chicago's Funhouse Maze
600 E. Grand Ave., Navy Pier, Chicago, IL 60611

Amazing Chicago's Funhouse Maze, located on Navy Pier, is  an interactive experience in every sense of the word. Squeezing, stomping and spinning until you are doubled over laughing and delightfully dizzy is the name of the game here--as is finding your way out!

 

 

Anita Dee Yacht Charters
Navy Pier, Chicago, IL 60605

Anita Dee yacht charters are available for anyone looking for a Chicago boat tour experience for a private event--or whatever reason.

Bike Chicago Rental & Tours
239 E. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60601

Bicycle rental, bicycle tours, segway tours, and in-line skate rentals make Bike Chicago a key attraction in the city. Bike Chicago has five locations scattered throughout the Chicago area, which is convenient for tourists and locals alike. 

Bobby's Bike Hike
465 N McClurg Court, Chicago, IL 60611

Guided bike tours, (bicycles provided), that are definitely family friendly. Tours are designed for riders of all ages and fitness levels. A great way to learn about Chicago’s past, as well as insight into current events around the city. Bike rentals are also available for riders looking to explore the nearby Lakefront Bike Path. 

Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Navy Pier, Chicago, IL 60605

Chicago's well-known Shakespeare Theatre located on the fabulous Navy Pier offers classic and contemporary takes on the famous Bard's works.

John Hancock Center Observatory
875 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60661

See Chicago from the top of the Hancock Building in the heart of downtown. The John Hancock Center Observatory offers Chicago views at their finest.

Lincoln Park Zoo
2200 N. Cannon Dr., Chicago, IL 60614

Lincoln Park Zoo, located in Chicago, is among the oldest zoological gardens in the country (established in 1868) and is also among the most modern. Generations of Chicago kids and visitors to the city alike take the time to stand face to face with apes and even go palm-to-palm with them through the glass. Human-to-animal interaction is mixed with the heavily scientific- and research-based initiatives here.

Millennium Park
201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60610

Millennium Park has become Chicago’s newest main stage attraction. Aligned with the city’s emphasis on architectural innovation, this 24.5-acre phenomenon integrates historical significance with contemporary style from a number of international players. It is bordered by Michigan Avenue to the west, Columbus Drive to the east, Randolph Street to the north and Monroe Street to the south.

Navy Pier
600 E. Grand Ave. , Chicago, IL 60605

Navy Pier, one of the top tourist attractions in Chicago and the country, is visited by almost nine million visitors per years. From dining to shopping, boat tours to countless entertainment options, Navy Pier in Chicago is a must-stop for a wide range of visitors--Chicago residents already know and love it!

Watch our latest video offering and take a quick, two-minute narrated tour through the highlights at Navy Pier, stern to bow.

Seadog Speedboat Rides
Navy Pier, Chicago, IL 60605

Take a thrilling cruise along the Chicago lakefront in a high-powered vessel from Seadog Speedboat Rides. Take either a 30-minute lakefront cruise or a 75-minute river architectural cruise on the 130-passenger speedboat. Lakefront cruise: every half hour.

Shoreline Sightseeing
474 N.Lake Shore Dr., Chicago, IL 60611

Chidago's largest boat touring company offers "Architecture Cruises" from Navy Pier, plus Skyline Boat Tours and Water Taxis. Special fireworks cruises are scheduled seasonally!

Weekend service April and November-daily service from 10:00 am May - October. On Chicago's waterways since 1939. Group rates; buy tickets online or by phone at no additional fee.

Comfort Inn
15 E. Ohio St., Chicago, IL 60611

Right in the middle of the bustling Mag Mile, this affordable hotel takes care of the basics and leaves you free to roam one of the busiest streets in the country.

Bike Chicago Rental & Tours
239 E. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60601

Bicycle rental, bicycle tours, segway tours, and in-line skate rentals make Bike Chicago a key attraction in the city. Bike Chicago has five locations scattered throughout the Chicago area, which is convenient for tourists and locals alike. 

Bobby's Bike Hike
465 N McClurg Court, Chicago, IL 60611

Guided bike tours, (bicycles provided), that are definitely family friendly. Tours are designed for riders of all ages and fitness levels. A great way to learn about Chicago’s past, as well as insight into current events around the city. Bike rentals are also available for riders looking to explore the nearby Lakefront Bike Path. 

Shoreline Sightseeing
474 N.Lake Shore Dr., Chicago, IL 60611

Chidago's largest boat touring company offers "Architecture Cruises" from Navy Pier, plus Skyline Boat Tours and Water Taxis. Special fireworks cruises are scheduled seasonally!

Weekend service April and November-daily service from 10:00 am May - October. On Chicago's waterways since 1939. Group rates; buy tickets online or by phone at no additional fee.