Navy Pier’s fall lineup brings Halloween chills and holiday thrills

Located at 600 E. Grand Ave., Navy Pier remains open year-round, with free general admission and individual tickets required for many attractions and special events.

Halloween fun for the whole family

Slightly Spooky October brings Halloween-themed activities to the Pier on select dates from Oct. 17 through Oct. 31. Families can look forward to seasonal entertainment and creative activities, including mask-making at the Chicago Children’s Museum on Halloween, Oct. 31.

The museum also offers a full day of hands-on exploration for younger visitors, making it a natural stop for families looking to combine Halloween festivities with interactive play.

Movie lovers can settle in for Slightly Spooky Movies at the Pier, a series of free indoor screenings at the Crystal Gardens on Oct. 17, 24 and 31, as well as Nov. 1. The lineup features family-friendly films and spooky selections, offering a welcome alternative to the usual outdoor Halloween activities when the lakefront weather turns chilly.

For those who prefer their Halloween celebrations with a little more nightlife, Halloween on the Pier at Offshore Rooftop is scheduled for Oct. 30 and 31. The rooftop venue plans to host parties featuring DJs, dancing and cocktails, with lake and skyline views providing the backdrop.

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Celebrating Día de los Muertos

On Nov. 1, Navy Pier will mark Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, with a free public celebration honoring the Mexican tradition of remembering loved ones who have died. The event is part of the Pier’s broader seasonal programming, which brings arts, cultural traditions and community activities to the lakefront.

The celebration provides an opportunity for visitors to experience a meaningful cultural tradition while enjoying one of Chicago’s best-known public gathering places.

Live music keeps the energy going

Fall also brings a strong music lineup to Navy Pier’s event venues. Navy Pier Open Air’s October schedule includes electronic music performances by Charlotte de Witte on Oct. 16, deadmau5 on Oct. 17 and Black Coffee on Oct. 18.

For Halloween weekend, Australian DJ and producer Dom Dolla is scheduled for two performances, Oct. 30 and 31, at Festival Hall.

The range of programming underscores the Pier’s appeal beyond sightseeing, giving music fans another reason to make the lakefront a destination after dark.

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A head start on the holidays

Just as Halloween winds down, Navy Pier will begin looking toward the holiday season with the return of Wintrust Winter WonderFest, opening Nov. 27 and running through Jan. 3, 2027.

The indoor winter attraction is set to feature festive decorations, rides, ice skating and seasonal activities for all ages. Its return offers families a holiday outing without having to depend on Chicago’s unpredictable winter weather.

Make a day of it

Even without a special event on the calendar, Navy Pier offers plenty to fill an autumn afternoon. Visitors can take in panoramic views of Lake Michigan and the skyline from the Centennial Wheel, explore indoor attractions, browse shops or stop for a meal.

Dining options range from Chicago favorites and casual bites to full-service restaurants, including Chef Art Smith’s Reunion and Offshore Rooftop. The Centennial Wheel operates year-round, although attraction hours can vary with weather and other conditions.

Navy Pier’s general operating hours from Sept. 8 through Dec. 31 are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Individual restaurants, attractions and events may keep different hours.

With much of its programming accessible without a general admission charge, Navy Pier makes it easy to plan anything from a quick lakefront stroll to a full day of family activities, dining and entertainment.

For event details, schedules and ticket information, visit Navy Pier’s official events calendar.