Chicago’s Navy Pier hosting first-ever block party with 90s theme

CHICAGO — Navy Pier is throwing its first-ever block party on Wednesday, and its award-winning fireworks display will be the nightcap.

The free, throwback-90s-themed event will feature live music, dance, performances, arts and crafts, and video games. Performances will occur at the Navy Pier Beer Garden and Wave Wall stages.

“We thought that it would be really cool to make an intentional event that really celebrates Chicago, which is a block party. That is very Chicago,” said Marisa Diaz-Arce, director of Brand Activations, Tenant Partnerships & Engagement at Navy Pier.

All-day activities include interactive 90s music trivia, a 90s-themed video game party, personalized bobbleheads from Illinois-based insurance company State Farm, and free soft drink samples from Sprite.

Family-friendly activities include arts and crafts, video games, interactive spray paint murals, corn hole, and hopscotch games.

Bounce Houses will also be available at nearby Polk Bros Park.

Local designer Kelly Moseley told WGN News she is excited about the event.

“We have an amazing city, with amazing people and amazing things to do,” Moseley said.

Scheduled activities include:

Navy Pier Beer Garden

• 5-9 p.m. – Live 90’s music with performances by The 479, The Remedy, and JoLin Rosario

Wave Wall Stage

• 5:30-9 p.m. – DJ sets hosted by RIEL, featuring Seasonal Frequency – KEEFE B2B Amin Chavez, Papa G, and iLLEST
• 6-9 p.m. – ’90s-themed hip-hop dance performances and workshops hosted by Movement Revolution

Outside, along Navy Pier’s South Dock

• 3-7 p.m. – 90’s board games and photo booth presented by Confidence Apparel
• 4-6 p.m. – Chicago Fire Department dive tank and fast boats water display
• 5-9 p.m. – Kpop dance session and lessons by Chicago Kpop Dance Collective
• 5:30-9 p.m. – CircEsteem circus skills workshop with juggling, balancing, and hula-hooping
• 6-9 p.m. – Live 90’s music beat-making and freestyle sessions hosted by Ispro
• 9-9:10 p.m. – Fireworks

The event begins at 3 p.m. and will conclude after Wednesday’s fireworks show. Spokespeople with Navy Pier say they plan on hosting a similar block party on July 31.

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