Navy Pier to begin phased reopening at end of April

Navy Pier announced Tuesday that a phased reopening of the popular lakefront destination, which has been shut down since Labor Day, is set to begin Friday, April 30, with public access returning to some outdoor attractions and spaces and partial operations resuming with a focus on health and public safety.

The following areas will be open and publicly accessible during the first phase: Polk Bros Park, Peoples Energy Welcome Pavilion, Navy Pier parking garages, North and South Docks, East End Plaza, Pier Park and select attractions, the new Sable hotel, tour boats and cruises and select restaurants at limited capacity. Hours of operation for these areas will be 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; hours at individual establishments may vary.

“Following Navy Pier’s longest closure in recent history, we are anxious to reopen our spaces and safely welcome guests back to the Pier,” Navy Pier President and CEO Marilynn Gardner said in an organization news release. “We recognize the critical role Navy Pier, as a key economic driver and cultural anchor for the city and state, plays in leading our community out of the devastation from the pandemic. With mass vaccination rollouts now underway, we are eager to help guests safely reconnect to Chicago and its most treasured experiences, and remain committed to helping revive the city and region.”   

Navy Pier will celebrate its reopening with a special 10-minute fireworks show at 9 p.m. Saturdays from May 1 through Memorial Day weekend. The initial show will honor healthcare professionals and frontline workers.   

Among the businesses that will open in the initial phase are Giordano's, Billy Goat Tavern, Harry Caray's Tavern, Odyssey, Margaritaville, Offshore Rooftop and Bar, Seadog and Shoreline Sightseeing. For more information and a full list of open restaurants and attractions, visit the Navy Pier website.