ChicagoAfter Five
On the water

Boat Parties in Chicago

Yacht cruises, sunset sails, and floating parties on Lake Michigan. Chicago hits different from the water.

32 events
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Cruising The Waves Yacht Party
Sat, Aug 1
6:00 PM

Cruising The Waves Yacht Party

Navy PierNavy Pier

You're floating down the Chicago River and out onto Lake Michigan while a top-shelf open bar keeps the good times flowing—and then Navy Pier's fireworks explode across the skyline right in front of you. This inaugural yacht experience pairs live DJs, dinner, and unobstructed water views with the kind of vantage point landlubbers will never have.

$16521+
PAWS Chicago Beach Party at Offshore
Thu, Jul 16
6:00 PM

PAWS Chicago Beach Party at Offshore

Offshore RooftopStreeterville

You'll sip craft cocktails while the Chicago skyline melts into Lake Michigan from the world's largest rooftop deck—all while actually funding rescue operations for the city's homeless pets. Offshore's Streeterville perch delivers that rare combination of unobstructed water views and live entertainment that makes you feel like you're summering in the Hamptons, except your cover charge ($220, 21+) goes straight to PAWS.

$22021+
Black Yacht Weekend: Juneteenth Kickoff Party
Fri, Jun 19
6:00 PM

Black Yacht Weekend: Juneteenth Kickoff Party

SPACEEvanston

Launch Juneteenth weekend at Vertiport Chicago's massive hangar venue with a headline performance by ODeal, blending culture, music, and community in one of the city's most unique event spaces.

$50–$15021+
Son Little
Sun, Jun 14
8:00 PM

Son Little

Garcia's ChicagoLincoln Square

With special opening act Tonina. All sales are final, no refunds/exchanges permitted, but tickets may be transferred through your TM Account. Garcia's is fully ADA compliant featuring wheelchair lifts and ramps between the various levels of the venue, assisted listening devices upon request, and allows official service animals. Premium Table seating is located closest to the stage offering the most intimate music experience for guests and includes table service. Reserved Table seating is located on our main floor, behind the Premium section, and also includes table service. Both Premium and Reserved table seating is cabaret style which means you may be sitting with other fans. Private Booths are available and depending on the booth seats 1 to 4, 5, or 6 guests. General Admission/Standing Room is located around the sides of the room on an elevated level for quality viewing and easy bar access. 21 & Over Show. Must be 21+ with a valid ID to purchase alcohol. At Garcia's Chicago.

21+
Noise Complaints Presents The Late Night R&B Experience Tour
Sat, Jun 13
8:00 PM

Noise Complaints Presents The Late Night R&B Experience Tour

House of Blues ChicagoRiver North

Noise Complaints Presents: The Late Night R&B Experience Tour Doors open at 8PM. Performance begins at 830PM. This show is for AGES 21 AND OLDER. Valid Photo ID is required for age restricted shows. Forms of valid ID are current and non-expired Driver's License, State ID, or Passport. House of Blues Chicago is a standing room only venue, all tickets are General Admission unless otherwise stated. *All support acts are subject to change without notice.* Upgrade Your Experience: https://www.sevenrooms.com/events/hobchicago/hobwebsite Performance begins at 830PM. This show is for AGES 21 AND OLDER. Valid Photo ID is required for age restricted shows. The Music Hall is General Admission Standing Room Only. We are built for dancing and rocking out! That means there is no seat to go along with your ticket despite those pesky little numbers that may be printed on it. For those of you looking to upgrade your experience, we do have some VIP Seating options including chairs, tables, and opera box

21+
Saved by the 90s at House of Blues
Friday
9:00 PM

Saved by the 90s at House of Blues

House of Blues ChicagoRiver North

Dust off your Jordans and scrunchies — Saved by the 90s brings the ultimate throwback party to House of Blues with all the hits from TLC, Biggie, Nirv

Jennifer Hartswick and Nick Cassarino Duo
Thursday
8:00 PM

Jennifer Hartswick and Nick Cassarino Duo

Garcia's ChicagoLincoln Square

Jennifer Hartswick and Nick Cassarino bring their duo show to Garcia's Chicago on June 5.

21+
Sunday Jazz Brunch at Parrot Cage
Mon, Jun 1
11:00 AM

Sunday Jazz Brunch at Parrot Cage

Parrot Cage Restaurant

Elegant brunch with live jazz inside the historic South Shore Cultural Center. Lake Michigan views.

Navy Pier Fireworks — Saturday Night
Today
Every Saturday
10:00 PM

Navy Pier Fireworks — Saturday Night

Navy PierNavy Pier

Saturday night fireworks over Lake Michigan — the bigger, longer show. Navy Pier's weekend display starts at 10 PM and puts on a spectacular lakefront

Navy Pier Summer Fireworks
Sat, May 30
10:00 PM

Navy Pier Summer Fireworks

Navy PierNavy Pier

Navy Pier's signature Saturday night fireworks light up the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan. The free 10-minute show is choreographed to music and launched over the lake starting at 10 PM. One of Chicago's most iconic summer traditions, visible from the pier and surrounding lakefront. Arrive early for the best viewing spots.

The Knocks x Dragonette x Aquaria at House of Blues
Sat, May 30
8:00 PM
Starting soon

The Knocks x Dragonette x Aquaria at House of Blues

House of Blues ChicagoRiver North

Three powerhouses collide as The Knocks, Dragonette, and RuPaul's Drag Race winner Aquaria bring the REVELATION tour to House of Blues Chicago. Get re

The Knocks x Dragonette x Aquaria REVELATION
Sat, May 30
7:30 PM
Starting soon

The Knocks x Dragonette x Aquaria REVELATION

House of Blues ChicagoRiver North

The Knocks, Dragonette, and Aquaria team up for REVELATION on May 30.

21+
House Music is Home at Navy Pier
Sat, May 30
4:45 PM

House Music is Home at Navy Pier

Navy PierNavy Pier

Chicago's house music scene takes over Navy Pier for the summer's most ambitious lakefront takeover—think multiple stages pumping four-on-the-floor beats with Lake Michigan as your backdrop, because nothing hits like dancing with that breeze rolling off the water. You'll navigate a sprawling pier carnival atmosphere packed with enough stages and sound systems to keep you discovering new sounds all night, all completely free if you RSVP ahead.

21+
Sun Tea
Fri, May 29
8:00 PM

Sun Tea

Greenhouse Theater CenterLincoln Park

At Greenhouse Theater Center.

WGCI Tone Kapone Day with special guest Jacquees
Fri, May 29
8:00 PM

WGCI Tone Kapone Day with special guest Jacquees

House of Blues ChicagoRiver North

Jacquees joins WGCI Tone Kapone Day at the House of Blues Chicago—standing room only, all-night energy.

21+
Dumpstaphunk
Fri, May 29
8:00 PM

Dumpstaphunk

Garcia's ChicagoLincoln Square

Dumpstaphunk brings the New Orleans funk to Garcia's Chicago on May 28.

21+
WGCI Tone Kapone Day at House of Blues
Fri, May 29
7:00 PM

WGCI Tone Kapone Day at House of Blues

House of Blues ChicagoRiver North

WGCI's own Tone Kapone takes over the House of Blues Music Hall with special guest Jacquees for a massive night of R&B and hip-hop. This is Chicago ra

Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise Aboard First Lady
Thu, May 28
7:00 PM

Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise Aboard First Lady

Michigan AvenueMichigan Avenue

Recommended for ages 12 and up. All patrons require a ticket regardless of age. Tour Tips: - Tour departures frequently sell-out. Reserve your tickets in advance to avoid day-of delays. - Skip lines at the box office by choosing "eTickets" as your delivery method. - Make sure your entire party arrives 20 to 30 minutes early at the dock, located at the southeast corner of the Michigan Avenue Bridge at Wacker Drive. - All seats are general admission. The number on your ticket does not represent a seat number. - All seats are sold for outdoor decks. Don't worry, you won't have to sit inside. - Don't forget your camera to capture the beauty of the architecture! At Chicago Architecture Center - First Lady.

Sam Yo
Wed, May 27
6:30 PM

Sam Yo

House of Blues ChicagoRiver North

Sam Yo hits House of Blues Chicago on May 27.

Afro Fusion All White Yacht Cruise
Sun, Aug 23
12:00 PM

Afro Fusion All White Yacht Cruise

You're stepping onto the Anita Dee II dressed head-to-toe in white, ready to float across Lake Michigan while three levels of DJs spin everything from Amapiano to Afrobeats to dancehall—think less stuffy boat party, more floating festival with the Chicago skyline as your backdrop. The open-air top deck is where the energy peaks, but you'll find seamless vibes throughout, with international talent keeping the rhythm locked in until the sun dips.

$50–$42921+
Afro Fusion Yacht Cruise (July)
Sun, Jul 19
12:00 PM

Afro Fusion Yacht Cruise (July)

The midsummer edition of the Afro Fusion Yacht Cruise series brings the heat to Lake Michigan aboard the Anita Dee II with Afrobeats, Amapiano, soca, and dancehall DJs rocking three levels and the open-air deck.

$50–$42921+
Black Yacht Weekend: Beach Fest Juneteenth Celebration
Sat, Jun 20
3:00 PM

Black Yacht Weekend: Beach Fest Juneteenth Celebration

Celebrate Juneteenth at Whispers on Oak Street Beach with a full-day beach festival featuring DJs, drinks, and lakefront vibes as part of Black Yacht Weekend's expanded programming.

$40–$12021+
Pride Fest Chicago 2026
Sat, Jun 20
11:00 AM

Pride Fest Chicago 2026

Northalsted's annual Pride celebration brings two days of live music, drag performances, DJs, food vendors, and pure Chicago joy. The energy is unmatc

All White Affair Yacht Party
Sun, Jun 14
1:00 PM

All White Affair Yacht Party

All-white dress code yacht party on Lake Michigan. June 14, 1-4:30 PM.

21+
Nate Bargatze: Big Dumb Eyes World Tour
Sat, Jun 13
7:00 PM

Nate Bargatze: Big Dumb Eyes World Tour

Doors open one hour before the event. Main floor is not wheelchair accessible. At Allstate Arena.

Grateful Dub
Tue, Jun 9
8:00 PM

Grateful Dub

Grateful Dub brings reggae-infused Grateful Dead covers to Chicago on June 9.

21+
Justin Willman
Sun, Jun 7
3:00 PM

Justin Willman

Justin Willman -- the Magic For Humans guy -- performs at Vic Theatre on June 6.

Drag Me To Brunch!
Sun, Jun 7
10:00 AM

Drag Me To Brunch!

Drag Me To Brunch hits Silver Creek Event Center at Four Winds on June 6.

Crime Unfiltered
Friday
7:30 PM

Crime Unfiltered

You won’t believe what’s happening at Vic Theatre on June 7—free entry, unforgettable energy.

Brooklyn Charmers
Wednesday
8:00 PM

Brooklyn Charmers

Brooklyn Charmers bring the Steely Dan tribute experience to Chicago on June 4.

21+
90s Forever Yacht Party
Today
6:45 PM

90s Forever Yacht Party

Relive the golden era of 90s music aboard the Anita Dee as DJs spin hip-hop, R&B, and dance classics while you cruise the Chicago waterfront at sunset with three levels of nostalgia and a rooftop deck.

$80–$42921+
Afro Fusion Yacht Cruise
Sun, May 24
12:00 PM

Afro Fusion Yacht Cruise

Set sail on Lake Michigan aboard the newly renovated Anita Dee II for an unforgettable afternoon of Afrobeats, Amapiano, dancehall, and hip-hop with international DJs across three levels and an open-air top deck.

$50–$42921+

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