Chicago’s summer festival season may be winding down, but there’s still another stand-out event on the city’s cultural calendar — Chicago Live! at Navy Pier.
The Midwest’s largest free performing arts showcase, this multi-disciplinary festival is set to take over lakefront Navy Pier on Saturday, Sept. 21 and Sunday, Sept. 22.
Back for its fourth year, this year’s festival will be the biggest edition yet with more than 100 local groups performing in back-to-back performances across five stages — all surrounded by the stunning skyline views you can only find at the iconic Navy Pier.
The packed line-up includes Chicago-grown dance troupes, orchestras, theatre companies, DJs, the festival is a microcosm of the city’s rich and diverse artistic spirit. Performances will unfold Pier-wide, spanning five stages, ensuring back-to-back entertainment that captivates and enchants.
This year’s fest also puts a special emphasis on house music, in honor of the Chicago-born genre’s 40th anniversary. Catch sets from iconic names like DJ Lady D, Shawn Christopher, DJ Ca$h Era, Andrea Love, DJ Derrick Carter, and more.
Check out this year’s headliners and start planning your visit to Chicago Live!
Chicago Live! 2024 lineup
This year, Navy Pier has snagged an epic headliner – Jeff Tweedy, a Chicagoan and prolific contemporary musician. Known for his work with the legendary Chicago-based band Wilco, Tweedy will deliver a solo acoustic set that promises to be a highlight of the weekend. Catch him at the Lake Stage at Polk Bros Park on Saturday, Sept. 21 in the evening.
And the can’t-miss acts don’t stop there. The full Chicago Live! lineup represents the depth and diversity of Chicago’s performing arts community, with 111 groups that span genres and encompass emerging talents and established stars. The 2024 schedule includes 64 new artists and organizations making their Chicago Live! debut.
Don’t miss your chance to enjoy free performances from beloved local groups and individuals like Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, Black Ensemble Theater, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Joffrey Ballet, The Second City, Teatro ZinZanni, Red Clay Dance Company, DJ Lady D, Chicago Philharmonic, and more.
Check out all the groups and artists performing at Chicago Live! this year:
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Check back soon for the full 2024 schedule for Chicago Live! In the meantime, start planning your visit to Navy Pier.
Free community engagement events
Leading up to the main event, performing arts organizations across the city and suburbs will be offering a unique array of experiences ranging from preview performances and open rehearsals to jam sessions and artist meet-and-greets. Check out a few highlights and explore the full schedule of free community events:
- Chicago Samba – Brazilian Percussion Workshop – Thursday, Sept. 5
- Meher Dance Company – Bollywood Dance Workshop – Thursday, Sept. 5
- D’lectable Music – Disco Demolition: In Conversation with DJ Lady D – Friday, Sept. 6
- Red Clay Dance Company – Open Level House Class – Saturday, Sept. 14
- Shubukai – Japanese Classical Dance Recital – Sunday, Sept. 15
- Aerial Dance Chicago – Aerial Silks Workshop – Sunday, Sept. 15
- Tellin’ Tales Theatre – Improv Accessibility Jam – Tuesday, Sept. 17
- Music of the Baroque – Handel’s Water Music on the Chicago River – Wednesday, Sept. 18
- Red Clay Dance Company – Open Rehearsal – Thursday, Sept. 19
