Navy Pier is Proud to Celebrate Pride This Weekend

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CHICAGO— Navy Pier is honored to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community starting at 12 p.m. on Saturday, June 25. Guests can experience storytelling, live music, dance, educational programs and performances from local LGBTQIA+ artists while overlooking Lake Michigan.

The program kicks off with a performance by the award-winning Lakeside Pride Marching Band. This ensemble embodies the vision of the original Chicago Gay Pride Band formed in 1979. The group is formed of members and friends of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer + community. The marching band performs a variety of pop songs and standards.

Then, the Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus (CGMC) will captivate the crowds with more than 150 singing members. Under the visionary guidance and inspired direction of Artistic Director, Jimmy Morehead, CGMC delivers a distinctive brand of entertainment that keeps our audience coming back again and again. Since 1983 the inclusive, community-based performing arts organization creates colorful performances that blend traditional choral music, jazz, pop and musical theater.

Guests can get active watch a vogue demo with music by Midwest based DJ Aguila at 2 p.m. at the Wave Wall Platform. The highly stylized house dance gained mainstream popularity by Madonna in 1990 but originated from the black LGBTQIA+ culture in Harlem Renaissance from the 1920s – 1930s. The Joe Hall Dancers – an international renowned Black jazz dance company- will perform on Wave Wall Moves at 3 p.m. The Chicago based company is focused on being a space for activist and a champion of diversity amount dance studios.  Actress, Singer, Producer Megan “Big Red” Murphy – known for her fiery red hair and sultry voice – will sing on the Wave Wall Platform at 4 p.m. The Chicago native vocalist often performs in the world of theatre and cabaret.

Navy Pier’s signature Fireworks display begins at 10 p.m. It will be accompanied by dramatic and popular music, and unique soundtracks for special occasions. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to find a great viewing spot along the Pier. The complete schedule for Navy Pier Pride is below:

Wave Wall Platform Performances

• 12 p.m.: Lakeside Pride Marching Band – South Dock Procession (Welcome Pavilion start – Compass Rose – Wave Wall end)
• 1 p.m.: Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus – Wave Wall Stairs
• 2 p.m.: Aguila (DJ)/Vogue Demo – Wave Wall Platform
• 2:30 p.m.: Vogue Demo – Wave Wall Platform
• 3 p.m.: Wave Wall Moves (Joel Hall Dancers) – Wave Wall Platform
• 3:30 p.m.: Aguila (DJ)/Vogue Demo – Wave Wall Platform
• 4 p.m.: Megan “Big Red” Murphy
• 5 p.m.: Wave Wall Wax – DJ All the Way Kay – Wave Wall Platform

Navy Pier Beer Garden Performances

• 2 p.m.: YESTERDAYNEVERHAPPENED (DJ)
• 4 p.m.: Don Crescendo (DJ)
• 6 p.m.: Mother Nature
• 7 p.m.: Sandra Suave (DJ)
• 9 p.m.: Sienna Liggins
• 10 p.m.: Fireworks
• 10:10 p.m.: Rae Khalil

Resource Tables/Tents on-site 12-4 p.m. (South Dock)

• PFLAG
• Taskforce Prevention & Community Services
• Ørsted

Other arts, cultural and engagement programs that weekend include free dance performances at Wave Wall Moves, local musicians performing at Wave Wall Wax, and our ongoing summer fireworks series.

Navy Pier’s free summer programming is a part of the nonprofit’s ongoing commitment to offer guests one-of-a kind arts and cultural programming. These events are designed to inspire, educate, and connect communities across the city and globe.

Photos: Navy Pier Pride

Note: All artists and dates are subject to change.