Navy Pier in Chicago, Illinois presents a summertime of fun, with live entertainment, amusement park rides, beer garden and restaurants. Navy Pier features more than 50 acres of parks, promenades, gardens, restaurants, shops and attractions.
The Cirque Shanghai has returned for another summer of entertainment with the Chinese acrobats performing amazing acrobatic acts. The Chinese acrobatic art is over 2000 years old. The art was first called “Bai Xi”, which means “100 amazing acts” The art developed out of the annual village harvest celebrations and has been passed down through the generations. Bai Xi today combines entertainment, feats of physical strength, dance, costumes and music. Honoring the Chinese tradition, the new production features aerial acrobatics, plate spinning, contortion, balancing acts, hoop diving and more.
Cirque Sanghai will perform at the Pepsi Skyline Stage at Navy Pier through September 3, 2007. There are matinee and evening performances Wednesday through Sunday. Ticket prices range from $14.50 to $29.50. Tickets can be purchased at the box office at Navy Pier, the Arie Crown Theater or through Ticketmaster.
The amusement park is a playground for families and romantic dates. The famous ferris wheel rides high up in the sky, with views of the Chicago City skyline and the Lake Michigan lake front.
IMAX Theatre. Spider-man 3, based on the Marvel Comics Series is featured at the IMAX Theater on Navy Pier. The digitally remastered image and sound offer an unparalleled experience. Dinosaurs 3D has just been released with fascinating imaged of large format 3D Dinosaurs. On July 13 Harry Potter and The Order of the Phoenix will appear on Imax 3D
The Chicago Shakespeare Theater will perform two great family shows this summers. From July 5 to August 12, “How Can You Run With a Shell on Your Back, Aesop’s Fables set to music. From July 5 to August 12 the 75 minute production “Short Shakespeare! The Taming of the Shrew will introduce audiences to Shakespeare for audiences of all ages. Chicago Shakespeare theater productions are sponsored by LaSalle Bank. 312-595-5600.
Fireworks light up the sky against the backdrop of the Chicago city skyline every Wednesday and Saturday night. Every Wednesday night up until August 29, fireworks take place at 9:30 pm. The Wednesday night fireworks are powered by Jack FM. During the fireworks display music plays from the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s for a lively, festival atmosphere. On Saturday nights the fireworks will light up the sky started at 10:15 pm. The last fireworks show of the season will take place on September 1. The Saturday night fireworks display is powered by B96. On Saturday nights the fireworks are accompanied by Chicago’s hottest hip-hop.
Eat at Navy Pier’s fine restaurants, including Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. & Market, Billy Goat Tavern & Grill, Charlie’s Ale House and The Dock Street Cafe, Riva, Joe’s Be-Bop Cafe & Jazz Emporium and Capi’s Italian Kitchen. The food court in the Family Pavilion offers snacks and ice cream.
The City of Chicago Trolley system is free and offers transportation to Navy Pier, as well as to many other Chicago attractions. The free trolley is a great way to get around in downtown Chicago and avoid the expense of parking a car. During the summer months, The City of Chicago’s free trolley travels to the most popular destinations, including Metra Union Station, Metra Ogilvy Station, Macy’s, Navy Pier, Millennium Park, The Magnificent Mile, Art Institute, Buckingham Fountain, Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, Field Museum, Grant Park and the Lincoln Park Zoo.
