Now in its 6th year, this is the Midwest's (and maybe beyond!) largest free performing arts festival. For 2 days (12PM-9PM on Saturday, Sept 19 & 12PM-6PM on Sunday, Sept 20) Navy Pier presents over 100 of Chicago's best and brightest performing arts groups, companies and artists from musical theatre, opera, dance, jazz, hip hop, tap, symphonies, and lots more on 5 stages with back-to-back performances and it's all FREE. In the weeks leading up to Chicago Live!, free classes and community engagement activities are also offered. This is a tremendous opportunity to see and experience Chicago's most well known artists and companies and emerging companies and artists as well. Check www.navypier.org for details as they are released!
Ages: ALL AGES/FAMILY FRIENDLY
News About Chicago Live! at Navy Pier
LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, DEAD OUTLAW, and More Set For Porchlight Music Theatre's 2026-27 Season
April 21, 2026 Porchlight Music Theatre announced its 32nd season, including LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, the Chicago premiere of DEAD OUTLAW, and the world premiere of SHAKE IT AWAY: THE ANN MILLER STORY at the Biograph Theater.
Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre Reveals 2025–2026 Season Featuring Inaugural Latinx/e Contemporary Movement Festival
July 30, 2025 Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre (CRDT) has announced its 2025–2026 season, a dynamic slate of programming that reflects the company’s mission to explore identity through movement and music.
About Face Theatre to Present OM MISSION, Limited Engagement for Pride Month
April 16, 2025 About Face Theatre will present OM Mission, a special, limited engagement event for Pride Month, to be held at The Den Theater for two weekends only. Learn more!
Navy Pier to Present Return of CHICAGO LIVE! in September
August 03, 2024 Navy Pier has announced the return of its free performing arts festival 'Chicago Live!,' slated for Saturday, Sept. 21, and Sunday, Sept. 22. This year's event will be the largest to-date, welcoming more than 100 Chicago-grown performing groups in back-to-back performances across five Pier stages.
Navy Pier Expands Inclusivity Through Sign Language Interpreters And Audio Description Debut At Chicago Live!
September 15, 2022 Navy Pier, Chicago's iconic cultural destination, will have American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters and audio description during Chicago Live! from noon to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 24 and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 25.
Navy Pier Releases Full Chicago Live! Schedule
September 09, 2022 Navy Pier has announced its full lineup for the upcoming Chicago Live! event. Chicago Live! Is the Pier's annual two-day live performance festival highlighting Chicago's vibrant performing arts scene, held through the generous support from the Pritzker Foundation.
Deeply Rooted Performs At Navy Pier, September 25
September 08, 2022 In September, Deeply Rooted Dance Theater performs free at Navy Pier and launches its fall roster of Dance Education programs.
Registration Now Open For Porchlight Music Theatre's Fall Youth Classes
August 03, 2022 Award-winning Porchlight Music Theatre’s Education Department has announced the return of its Youth Classes this fall, September 24 - December 18.
Chicago's Navy Pier Will Host Second Annual Chicago Live!
August 01, 2022 Navy Pier, Chicago's iconic cultural destination, announced today that it will bring back Chicago Live! as an annual two-day performance festival, with generous support from the Pritzker Foundation.
Porchlight Music Theatre Presents The Cast of NEW FACES SING BROADWAY
July 23, 2022 Porchlight Music Theatre is proud to announce the cast of New Faces for the final performances of the sixth season of the popular New Faces Sing Broadway series and the conclusion of its 27th season with New Faces Sing Broadway 1971.
Porchlight Music Theatre Announces The Final Performance in Its 27th Season - New Faces Sing Broadway 1971.
July 09, 2022 Porchlight Music Theatre is proud to announce the final performances of the sixth season of the popular New Faces Sing Broadway series and the conclusion of its 27th season with New Faces Sing Broadway 1971.
Porchlight Music Theatre Announces Dates for Free Summer 2022 Concert Series BROADWAY IN YOUR BACKYARD
May 27, 2022 Porchlight Music Theatre has announced the return of its free concert series Broadway in Your Backyard, July 19 - September 6, as part of Chicago Park District’s Night Out in the Parks series.
Cast Announced for Porchlight Music Theatre's PASSING STRANGE
April 20, 2022 Porchlight Music Theatre will conclude the eighth season of its “lost” musicals series with Porchlight Revisits Passing Strange, book and lyrics by Stew, music by Heidi Rodewald and Stew, direction by Donterrio, music directed by Justin Akira Kono and choreography by Terri K Woodall, May 18 and 19.
Porchlight Announces Cast of CHICAGO SINGS STEPHEN SONDHEIM, May 23
April 14, 2022 Porchlight Music Theatre has announced the current roster of music theatre and cabaret talent performing in this year’s annual Chicago Sings fundraising concert, Chicago Sings Stephen Sondheim, Monday, May 23, at the Museum of Contemporary Art.About the Theatre
🌙 Make a Night of It
Loading nearby places…
Navy Pier Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
Where is Navy Pier located?
Navy Pier is at 600 East Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL.
What shows have played recently at Navy Pier?
KAINA & Ben LaMar Gay: A Concert at the Lake Stage (06/01/22-06/01/22)
What shows are coming up next at Navy Pier?
Chicago Live at Navy Pier (09/19/26-09/19/26)
|
Catch as Catch Can Steppenwolf Theatre Company (6/04-7/12) |
|
EWP presents Robbie Fulks & Griffin William Sherry Showcase Raue Center For The Arts (8/07-8/07) |
|
Hedwig and the Angry Inch Catalyst Ranch (7/09-7/26) |
|
Always Olivia Raue Center For The Arts (8/15-8/15) |
|
Hairbanger's Ball FREE concert Fox Pointe (7/08-7/08) |
|
Greater Tuna The Little Theatre On The Square (7/02-7/12) |
|
James and the Giant Peach North Shore Center for the Performing Arts - North Theatre (4/22-5/14) PHOTOS |
|
yo ho. Babes With Blades Theatre Company (7/19-8/29) |
|
Hairnation 2026- An Outdoor 80s Tribute Festival BaseCamp Pub (7/26-7/26) |
|
The Outsiders Cadillac Palace (8/11-8/11) |