At long last, Chicago summer has arrived! There are a few things we Chicagoans can count on each summer – your favorite street festival will feature your favorite cover band, the outfits walking around downtown during Lollapalooza will provide as much entertainment as the show, and the fireworks will light the sky every Wednesday and Saturday evening.
Way back in 1995 Navy Pier started a free fireworks show, an event that quickly grew to include choreographed lights and music and has become one of the most anticipated summer staples in Chicago. Voted the Best Fireworks in the Nation in 2023 by USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Travel Awards, the free bi-weekly fireworks show is one of the most exciting and popular times to rent a boat and experience the show from the water.
Whether you’re enjoying the river with a group of friends, hosting a special event, or planning a romantic date night, a fireworks show can elevate your cruise from incredible to amazingly unforgettable. We’ve compiled a checklist and tried-and-true tips in order to make the very most of your Chicago Fireworks Cruise.
✅Book the right time
Navy Pier Fireworks take place twice a week – every Wednesday at 9PM and Saturday at 10PM, from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The 2024 dates and times are listed below, we recommend starting your rental an hour before the start of the show so that you can enjoy the fading sunset and city lights prior to the fireworks.
2024 Navy Pier Fireworks Schedule
Saturdays at 10pm
(recommend 9pm rental)
May 25
June 1 | June 8 | June 22 | June 29
July 6 | July 13 | July 20 | July 27
August 3 | August 17 | August 24 | August 31
Wednesdays at 9pm
(recommend 8pm rental)
May 29
June 5 | June 12 | June 19 | June 26
July 3 | July 10 | July 17 | July 24 | July 31
August 7 | August 14 | August 21 | August 28
✅Book the right boat
When it comes to boats, we’ve got lots of options that will comfortably seat groups up to 12 people. All of our boats are private, self-driven (don’t worry, we’ll teach you – it’s easy!) and you can really make the experience your own with food, drinks and music. Determine how many people will be on your boat and choose the one that best suits your group.
Retro Boats
Up to 4 passengers
Our adorable Retro Boats are ideal date night boats and smaller groups, offering open air and a more intimate experience. These vintage boats have been restored and retrofitted with electric motors and modern bells and whistles.
18’ Duffy Boats
Up to 8 passengers
Fully enclosed and protected, these little picnic boats offer comfortable seating and plenty of table space for an impressive platter. Removable window clear flaps open to let in air and city views on all sides, this is a great, comfortable option for families or groups with kids.
Pontoon Boats
Up to 10 passengers
Enjoy unobstructed views from one of our pontoon boats. With lots of comfortable seating and table space, and that classic pontoon-build, you won’t miss a single firework.
22’ Duffy Boats
Up to 12 passengers
Our larger Duffy Boats are a great option for larger groups, or groups who want the option to go inside or outside. In addition to the plush seats and picnic-style seating, this model features an open stern so that you can pop outside for the big show.
Is your group more than 12 people? Consider renting a Cycleboat with our sister company, Chicago Cycleboats.
✅Book the right location
We operate out of a few locations on the Chicago River. For Fireworks Cruises make sure that you reserve a boat at one of our docks on the main branch of the Chicago River so that you can get to the locks to see the show. Those include our Marina City, Riverwalk or Water Plaza locations.
✅Time it right
As mentioned above, we recommend allowing enough time at the front end of your rental to make sure you get to see the entire show. Once your group receives our quick safety briefing and orientation, you’ll head out on the river to start your cruise.
Explore a bit, soaking in the beauty of the city before turning east and making your way toward the Locks – the place where the Chicago River meets Lake Michigan. Look for the Navy Pier ferris wheel, you can’t miss it! Plan to arrive at the Locks about 10-15 minutes prior to the show and hang out in this little basin – do not attempt to go through the locks. This is also one of the best spots to get a nighttime skyline view and photo of the city!
After you enjoy the show, head back west toward our docks. Depending on how long you have remaining in your rental, you may have a few extra minutes to putz around before returning your boat.
✅Stock your boat
All of our boats are BYOB, so make sure to stock your boat with plenty of snacks and drinks for your cruise! We provide a small cooler for use on each boat, and have ice available for purchase at our Marina City and Water Plaza locations. Most of our boats are equipped with tables, making it easy to have a snack or even a meal when you’re enjoying your cruise. Beer and wine are welcome on our boats and can be consumed by everyone except the driver and those under 21 – obviously!
✅Prepare to fall (even more) in love with Chicago
You know those moments where you have to pinch yourself because you just love this town so much and you can’t believe you get to live here? This is gonna be one of those experiences. The bursts of color reflected off the water, the iconic spectacle that IS the Chicago skyline, that cool breeze coming off the lake and the feeling of being surrounded by friends, family and loved ones – get ready for your heart to skip a beat.
