Chicago summer is back, and with it comes the return of some of our favorite city traditions — impromptu dance parties at street festivals, fashion-forward Lolla looks taking over downtown, and the iconic Navy Pier fireworks painting the night sky twice a week.
What started back in 1995 as a modest lakefront display has become a must-see Chicago summer event. These free shows now feature choreographed music and lighting, and in 2023, they were even named Best Fireworks in the Nation by USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Safe to say — they’re a big deal.
If you’ve never experienced Navy Pier fireworks from the water, it’s time to add it to your Chicago summer bucket list. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, planning a surprise date night, or just cruising with friends, catching the show from a boat is one of the most memorable ways to enjoy it.
Navy Pier Fireworks light up the lakefront every Wednesday at 9PM and every Saturday at 10PM from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day. For the best experience, we suggest starting your boat rental about an hour before the show. That way, you can catch golden hour views of the skyline and get a good spot before the sky lights up.
2025 Navy Pier Fireworks Schedule
Saturdays at 10PM
(Ideal rental start: 9PM)
May 24
June 7 | June 14 | June 21 | June 28
July 5 | July 12 | July 19 | July 26
August 2 | August 9 | August 16 | August 23 | August 30
Wednesdays at 9PM
(Ideal rental start: 8PM)
May 28
June 4 | June 11 | June 18 | June 25
July 2 | July 9 | July 16 | July 23 | July 30
August 6 | August 13 | August 20 | August 27
Boat rentals on fireworks nights fill up fast — especially weekend evenings — so we recommend reserving early if you have a specific date in mind. Whether you’re downtown or launching from Rockwell on the River, watching fireworks from the water offers a front-row seat to the summer magic Chicago does best.
Let the countdown to fireworks season begin! See you on the water. 😎
