Hilton Fireworks kick off Navy Pier’s Independence Day Weekend

CHICAGO, Ill. -- Navy Pier has announced the events schedule for their Fourth of July weekend celebration.

The festivities commence with Hilton Fireworks on Saturday, July 2 at 9:30 p.m.

Visitors will receive “diffraction glasses” to add an exciting layer of visual interest to the fireworks display, which are just one of the many free programs that aim to promote unity throughout the city.

“Hilton is thrilled to be presenting the spectacular fireworks display planned for Fourth of July weekend,” said Vice President of Americas Marketing at Hilton Aligi Gardenghi.  “Hilton strongly believes in bringing people together, and we’re elated to partner with the People’s Pier and welcome everyone to enjoy the light and warmth of hospitality with this festive celebration.”

Also taking place on Saturday will be the Live on the Lake! music series at the Navy Pier Beer Garden, featuring Chicago singer-songwriter and American Idol finalist Manny Torres, Creedence Clearwater Revival tribute band Creedence Revived, and adult-alternative rock group Pino Farina Band.

Wave Wall Moves, a free outdoor dance performance series led by classical Japanese style dance group Shubuki, starts at 3 p.m., with Chicago DJ Mo Mami mixing house, dance, and popular music for Wave Wall Wax at 5 p.m.

Aside from music, guests can also explore the Art & Agency: Exploring the African American Quilting Tradition exhibition at Festival Hall A, Terrace Level 1 during normal Pier operating hours.

“Navy Pier is known as the People’s Pier for a reason,” said Navy Pier President and CEO Marilynn Gardner.  "We hope that all of our neighbors come out to enjoy the free programs planned for the holiday weekend and throughout the year.”

Ticketed events for the weekend include the Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s musical comedy “It Came from Outer Space”, an 18-hole miniature golf course based on characters and scenes from Pixar’s classic films called Pixar Putt, cruise ships docked at Navy Pier, and Pier Park, which offers the 200-foot tall Centennial Wheel.

On Independence Day, Live on the Lake! returns with performances from Grammy-nominated blues artist John Primer and Dave Matthews tribute band Trippin’ Billies.

Navy Pier has announced that there will not be fireworks on Monday, July 4.