Chicago Live!
Chicago’s summer festival season may be winding down, but there’s still another stand-out event on the city’s cultural calendar — Chicago Live! at Navy Pier.
The Midwest’s largest free performing arts showcase, this multi-disciplinary festival is set to take over lakefront Navy Pier on Saturday, Sept. 21 and Sunday, Sept. 22.
Back for its fourth year, this year’s festival will be the biggest edition yet with more than 100 local groups performing in back-to-back performances across five stages — all surrounded by the stunning skyline views you can only find at the iconic Navy Pier.
The packed line-up includes Chicago-grown dance troupes, orchestras, theatre companies, DJs, the festival is a microcosm of the city’s rich and diverse artistic spirit. Performances will unfold Pier-wide, spanning five stages, ensuring back-to-back entertainment that captivates and enchants.
This year’s fest also puts a special emphasis on house music, in honor of the Chicago-born genre’s 40th anniversary. Catch sets from iconic names like DJ Lady D, Shawn Christopher, DJ Ca$h Era, Andrea Love, DJ Derrick Carter, and more.
This year, Navy Pier has snagged an epic headliner – Jeff Tweedy, a Chicagoan and prolific contemporary musician. Known for his work with the legendary Chicago-based band Wilco, Tweedy will deliver a solo acoustic set that promises to be a highlight of the weekend. Catch him at the Lake Stage at Polk Bros Park on Saturday, Sept. 21 in the evening.
And the can’t-miss acts don’t stop there. The full Chicago Live! lineup represents the depth and diversity of Chicago’s performing arts community, with 111 groups that span genres and encompass emerging talents and established stars. The 2024 schedule includes 64 new artists and organizations making their Chicago Live! debut.
Don’t miss your chance to enjoy free performances from beloved local groups and individuals like Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, Black Ensemble Theater, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Joffrey Ballet, The Second City, Teatro ZinZanni, Red Clay Dance Company, DJ Lady D, Chicago Philharmonic, and more.