chicago fireworks river cruise

• Buy Tickets
• Architecture Boat Tours
• Private Events
• Get Directions

COMING SOON ARCHITECTURAL FIREWORKS CRUISE

2 hours — river & lake* , architectural fireworks cruise.

Adults : $48    Seniors : $46    Youths : $26    Children 6 and under : Free

Enjoy your favorite drink while gazing Chicago’s magnificent architecture and finish your cruise with a fabulous light show, at Navy Pier!

Fireworks, one of the Four Great Inventions of ancient China were invented in the 12th century.

Chicago approved City-Wide Use of Fireworks on the 4th of July 1893. Mayor of Chicago Patrick Eugene Prendergast issued a proclamation approving the use of fireworks to celebrate the World’s Colombian Exposition and to celebrate the nation’s 117th Independence Day.

This fascination with fireworks, noise, and color continues today. The City of Chicago offers a fireworks show at Navy Pier on Wednesdays at 9:30pm and Saturday nights at 10:15pm.

Drinks may be purchased individually with a credit card on the boat. Complimentary Coca-Cola soft drinks, lemonade, and cookies are included. Depending on lock traffic, our fireworks cruise will sail along one of two routes, river only or river and lake.

Join us at 8pm on Wednesday nights and 8:30pm on Saturdays for our narrated Architectural Fireworks 2-hour Cruise. There’s something for everyone on this one of a kind cruise!

* Subject to change, depends on lock traffic and weather conditions

• Due to heavy Lake traffic, cruises may return to dock 30 minutes later than scheduled.

A CRUISE YOU’LL SURELY REMEMBER

Stunning light show.

OVERVIEW OF CHICAGO LINE’S

MERCHANDISE

Never forget your onboard experience on your Chicago Line cruise. Be sure to purchase one of our stylish souvenirs today!

COMPLIMENTARY

Starbucks Coffee, Twinings Tea, Coca-Cola soft drinks and lemonade are all complimentary.

BEER, WINE & COCKTAILS

Beer, wine and cocktails are available for purchase at any time.

CHICAGO LINE CRUISES

Sail with us, make your moments memorable with chicago line cruises.

PRIVATE EVENTS

For parties up to 170, we have fully-outfitted boats and onboard amenities to help you create a private event they’ll talk about for years to come.

DO YOU HAVE A GROUP OF 20 OR MORE? CONTACT US FOR SPECIAL RATES!

Group discount rates are available for parties of 20 or more aboard any of our river cruises.

GIVE THE GIFT OF CHICAGO LINE TOURS!

GIFT TICKETS

To give a special someone, friend or client the best tour in Chicago, simply ask at our ticket office or contact us.

This is my 8th time on a Chicago architectural river cruise and this was by far the most informative and biggest bang for your buck. Operagolf / LaHabra

The best guide on our whole USA trip. We took the Architecture tour where the boat meandered in between all of the incredible buildings of the city with the guide knowing EVERYTHING about each building; its style, age, height, architect, cost, purpose, owner ….. Quite brilliant! DrCumbrian / TripAdvisor

I've done several of the architecture cruises since my family moved to Chicago, and this is the best one yet! Allie K / TripAdvisor

If you only have time for one sight-seeing event while in Chicago, do this. We really have no great interest in architecture, but this tour came highly recommended and we did not regret it. Allice I / Oklahoma

My wife and I very much enjoyed the Chicago Line Cruise jazz cruise... My spouse said this was one of the favorite things she has done in Chicago since moving here in the past year, and I agree. I am a jazz snob, and ... I was very pleased with the music offered by the Geordie Kelly group. He's a fine jazz guitarist, and his band was great. Augie R / Yelp

Privacy Preference Center

Privacy preferences.

• Fireworks Tour

Best seats in the city

See the summer spectacle.

The Chicago skyline at night is an incredible sight, and it’s even better with an up-close view of the Navy Pier fireworks! 

On Wednesday and Saturday evenings, you can take our Skyline Lake Tour and end your visit with a front-row view of the Navy Pier fireworks. On our boat, you’ll have the best seats in the city for the fantastic fireworks display.

Casting off

Our Skyline Lake Tours only depart from our Navy Pier dock at 600 E. Grand Ave . From Navy Pier, you’ll head out on a majestic boat tour of Lake Michigan where you’ll be able to see Chicago’s renowned skyscrapers and landmarks light up.

Our Skyline Lake Tour takes you on a loop around Lake Michigan, heading both north and south on the lake, you’ll see many of Chicago’s famous landmarks and the classic skyline vista. 

Adults: $40.95

Children (3-12): $24.15

Children 2 and under: Free

Tour highlights:

• Front-row views of the Navy Pier fireworks display (Wednesday and Saturday evenings only)
• View iconic landmarks including the Willis Tower, 875 N. Michigan Ave (the former John Hancock Center), Aqua Tower, and The St. Regis Chicago (Vista Tower)
• Enjoy the illuminated Chicago skyline at night from Lake Michigan

Now in its 83rd season, Shoreline Sightseeing operates Chicago's largest and most diverse fleet of cruise boats and water taxis with 11 major tour vessels and 7 water taxis.

(312) 222-9328 ext. 1 [email protected]

• Architecture River Tour
• Skyline Tour
• Water Taxis
• Accessibility Information

Chicago River Boat Architecture Tours

Chicago River Tours | Fireworks Tours | Jazz/Cocktail Tours

Lake Michigan Navy Pier Fireworks Cruises (w/ Architecture Tour)

Enjoy your favorite drink while gazing Chicago’s magnificent architecture and finish your cruise with fabulous light show, at Navy Pier.

Fireworks, one of the Four Great Inventions of ancient China were invented in the 12th century.

Chicago approved City-Wide Use of Fireworks on the 4th of July 1893,. Mayor of Chicago Patrick Eugene Prendergast issued a proclamation approving the use of fireworks to celebrate the World’s Colombian Exposition and to celebrate the nation’s 117th Independence Day.

This fascination with fireworks, noise, and color continues today. The City of Chicago offers a fireworks show at Navy Pier on Saturday nights at 10:15 p.m. The Fireworks Cruise sails on both the Chicago River and Lake Michigan each Saturday at 8:30 pm.

The optional bar package, offered on the 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. (8:30 p.m. on Saturdays), can be purchased at the ticket counter on the day of the cruise. Drinks may be purchased individually with a credit card on the boat. Complimentary Coca-Cola soft drinks, lemonade, and cookies are included. Depending on lock traffic, our fireworks cruise will sail along one of two routes, river only or river and lake.

New this 2020 Season , join us from 8pm to 10pm on Wednesday nights for our Architectural, Cocktail and Fireworks Cruise. There’s something for everyone on this one of a kind cruise!

Tour Information

• Seniors $46
• Kids under 6 go free!
• 8 pm on Wednesdays
• 8:30 pm on Saturdays
• 2 hour duration

Be sure to bring your camera – you’re not going to want to miss these shots.

BOOK YOUR TOUR NOW

By Phone: (708) 488-6343

Tour departure location.

465 N McClurg Ct, Chicago, IL 60611

Share this:

• Accessibility

THANKS FOR A GREAT 2023 CRUISING SEASON

2024 tickets on sale now!

Experience Chicago's skyline like no other as we cruise the Chicago River & Lake Michigan. And check out our specialty cruises, including Chicago's only Canine Cruise & our 3D Fireworks Cruise!

Cruising May 24 - October 14. Tickets on sale now!

Conveniently located along the Chicago Riverwalk. Steps from Millennium Park, The Magnificent Mile and all that downtown Chicago has to offer.

Group Rates Available

Call us for group reservations at 312-332-1368 or contact us at [email protected] (group rates available Sunday - Friday). Ask about our school field trip days.

Get Social with Us!

Follow @mercurycruises on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook to see latest cruise information, special promotions and fun city happenings.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Reservations are not necessary for daytime tours, though you are welcome to purchase tickets in advance online . We also encourage advance purchase online or dockside if you desire to cruise a particular date and time and want to guarantee your seats aboard.

We do advise that you buy CHICAGO BY NIGHT! and 3D Fireworks Cruise tickets in advance – online or at the box office – as these tickets are extremely popular.

Online we accept Visa and MasterCard. At our dockside ticket office, we accept cash, Visa and MasterCard.

Beverages – including water, soda, canned cocktails, beer, and wine – are available for purchase on board. Please note, no outside alcoholic beverages are allowed.

Snacks - including small items such as chips, cookies, and nuts - are also available for purchase.

Please note that all ticket sales are final.

All of our Urban Adventure Cruise, Chicago By Night! and 3D Fireworks tours pass through the Chicago River Lock System. Our guide/narrator gives a full explanation of the operation of the lock. You’ll feel the boat rise as you enter Lake Michigan and lower as you return to the River.

Yes. Our cruises depart rain or shine. We have open and covered seating on board.

Yes, of course! There are "Heads" located on board as well as one lined with newspapers for your dog(s) during the Canine Cruises.

The safety of our guests and crew is our number one priority. After more than 80 years providing memorable cruises of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan for millions of guests, we are proud to say we have a perfect safety record.

All of our vessels are regulated, licensed and inspected by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) every year, and have undergone stability testing to ensure our guests are safe on their waterway experience. Our captains and deckhands go through an extensive training and drilling program that goes above and beyond the standards set by the USCG. Because we are committed to continuing education, we provide extra training every day to our crew.

If you have any questions about our safety training protocols or other concerns, please contact our Company Security Office Captain Tom Hacker at [email protected].

No. Luggage is not allowed aboard the Mercury vessels. Please leave your luggage at your hotel or check your bags in at a hotel near the dock (be sure to confirm in advance the ability for the hotel to accommodate you). Also, please be aware that all bags (purses, backpacks, etc.) are checked before boarding.

Yes, strollers may be brought aboard and will be folded and stored in the indoor salon for the duration of the cruise. They are not allowed on the deck. Please note, children must be removed from strollers before boarding.

In accordance with ADA guidelines, we welcome service dogs onboard. The service animal must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered while in public places unless these devices interfere with the service animal's work or the person's disability prevents use of these devices. Emotional support animals, pets and other animals not covered by the ADA are not permitted. All dogs are welcome on  Mercury's Canine Cruise ! Please visit the ADA's FAQ on service animals for further details. 

We love groups and would be happy to offer you a group discount if you would wish to reserve in advance! Please call 312-332-1368 or [email protected] for more information! 

Please note that we do not offer group discounts for our 3D Fireworks Cruise, but are happy to make a group reservation for full price! 

Boarding begins 15 minutes prior to scheduled departure time. Choose any seat - all offer a great view!

Children under 5 are always welcome free of charge, but do still require a ticket. Folded strollers may be brought on board. Children’s rates available for kids 5-15 years old.

At this time the Riverwalk does not offer any elevators. For those who need ADA ramps, you may access the Riverwalk via the ADA ramp at State Street and Wacker Drive within the Vietnam Memorial Park. Then just follow the Riverwalk to the East under the Michigan Avenue Bridge. Our Ticket Office is marked with a blue awning. Our stairway offers handrails, and shade from the sun. For guests needing special vehicle drop-off assistance, click here for Mobility Assistance directions.

For safety reasons, motorized scooters and electric wheelchairs cannot be accommodated aboard the ship. Guests who can transfer may use the company's manual wheelchair, based upon availability. Please note guests using manual wheelchairs must be accompanied by individuals who are capable of assisting/lifting the wheelchair over the boat’s threshold. Under Federal law and due to special marine safety construction guidelines, USCG-regulated small vessels are not subject to land-based architectural configuration requirements. Although we do our best to accommodate passengers with limited mobility consistent with our vessel capabilities, staffing and the docking space which is publicly owned and controlled, we can do a better job with advance notice .

LAZ Parking Garage at 111 E. Wacker Drive. This garage is across the street from our street-level dock entrance. Make a self-parking reservation online .

Discount rates available for Mercury customers with validation: $14 for 1-3 hours or $15 for 3-4 hours of parking. After 4 hours, standard rates apply. IMPORTANT: You must have your parking ticket stamped at our ticket window or on your boat in order to receive the discounted rate. Stamped tickets must be further validated at the parking garage office before departing the garage. Note: LAZ Parking Services at 111 E. Wacker is not owned or affiliated with Chicago’s First Lady Cruises. The parking information posted here is merely for the convenience of our guests and is not to be construed as a recommendation or endorsement.

We are located on Michigan Avenue just 3 blocks north of Millennium Park. Visit TheMagnificentMile.com or MillenniumPark.org for activities, events and special offers.

Fireworks Cruise!

Getting there.

Chicago Lakefront Cruises

900 South Wells Street, Chicago, 60607

Select date and session

No booking fees

Similar Experiences

Trickery chicago magic show, chicago lakefront fireworks cruise, storyville food and drink tickets, mad hatter’s (gin &) tea party - waitlist, the unfair advantage, challengers, drunk shakespeare chicago, dragonkeeper, newport peek-easy burlesque show.

Sorry, JavaScript must be enabled to use this web app

Thank you for visiting our site! We noticed you are using a browser we no longer support. To have the best overall experience and avoid issues navigating the site, please click one of the supported browsers to the right to download the latest version for free:

Vote Navy Pier Best Place to See Fireworks!

Navy Pier Seeks to Defend Title as ‘ Best Place to Watch Fireworks ’ in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Travel Awards! Cast your vote once per day now-May 13th.

Search Site

Back to Menu

Fireworks At Navy Pier

Photo credit: Barry Butler Photography

Navy Pier Seeks to Defend Title as ‘Best Place to Watch Fireworks’ in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Travel Awards! Cast your vote once per day now-May 13th.

Chicago's Free Fireworks Fun!

Join us for Chicago’s favorite free dazzling fireworks display Wednesday and Saturday nights from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.

Get cozy on the Pier and enjoy the spectacular winter display, then ring in the New Year with Chicago’s favorite sky spectacle show.

• May 25th @ 10:00 pm
• Google Calendar
• Outlook 365
• Outlook Live
• May 29th @ 9:00 pm
• June 1st @ 10:00 pm
• June 5th @ 9:00 pm
• June 8th @ 10:00 pm
• June 12th @ 9:00 pm
• June 15th @ 10:00 pm
• June 19th @ 9:00 pm
• June 22nd @ 10:00 pm
• June 26th @ 9:00 pm
• June 29th @ 10:00 pm
• July 3rd @ 9:00 pm
• July 6th @ 10:00 pm
• July 10th @ 9:00 pm
• July 13th @ 10:00 pm
• July 17th @ 9:00 pm
• July 20th @ 10:00 pm
• July 24th @ 9:00 pm
• July 27th @ 10:00 pm
• July 31st @ 9:00 pm
• August 3rd @ 10:00 pm
• August 7th @ 9:00 pm
• August 10th @ 10:00 pm
• August 14th @ 9:00 pm
• August 17th @ 10:00 pm
• August 21st @ 9:00 pm
• August 24th @ 10:00 pm
• August 28th @ 9:00 pm
• August 31st @ 10:00 pm
• December 31st @ 11:59 pm

Other Times

Firework Events

Summer Fireworks

Summer Fireworks Wednesdays (9PM) & Saturdays (10PM) | FREE Enjoy Chicago's beloved sky spectacle show every Wednesday night at 9pm and Saturday night at 10pm,...

New Year’s Eve Fireworks

New Year’s Eve Fireworks December 31, 2024 | 11:59PM | FREE Celebrate the arrival of the New Year with Chicago's renowned award-winning fireworks! Join us...

Private Events

• Accessibility
• Terms Of Use
• Privacy Policy

Help us win Best Boat Tour in USA Today's Best of 2024 poll! Vote every day here !

Architecture Tour

TripAdvisor users rank the Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady as the city's #1 boat tour.

There’s one sure recipe to make your business or social event even more memorable – just add water and Chicago’s First Lady!

Recalling the handsome elegance of 20th century luxury yachts, our vessels are sure to make an impression. Choose from seven perfectly sized ships for your private event.

Your wedding is the start of your lifelong journey together, so begin that journey in a truly memorable way - a wedding cruise down the Chicago River.

Evening River Cruise

Experience our renowned daytime CAC River Cruise in the glow of the setting sun. Take in the city’s magnificent architecture bathed in golden light as it begins its transition from day to night.

“The very best city tour I have been on in my life! We were in America for a month and this was our best morning.” - JurassicBill TripAdvisor, Dorset UK

- Latest Articles -

A Memorable Mother's Day in Chicago

Vote Today To Make Chicago’s #1 Boat Tour The #1 Boat Tour In The U.S.

Show your Chicago Pride by voting the Chicago Architecture Center Boat Tour aboard Chicago’s First Lady,…

Top Occasions to Celebrate on the Chicago River

The Chicago River, with its winding beauty amidst the city’s architectural wonders, offers a unique backdrop…

See Our Full Blog

"What an amazing experience, this tour brings all the beautiful architecture and history to life.” - Rachel M Yelp, Arizona, USA

• Search Experiences
• Manage Booking
• Phone # SMS #
• My Offers 5

City Experiences Seadog Lakefront Fireworks Cruise in Chicago | City Cruises™

Be the first to get offers and news, shopping cart, find your experience.