Navy Pier's Pumpkin Lights pop-up experience continues

Chicago, IL - With highly visual displays that feature jack-o'-lantern towers and pumpkin pop-up installations, Navy Pier has been completely decked out for for the autumn holiday. The experience continues at the iconic landmark through November 2nd and is free to visitors.

Alongside the events and installations throughout the Pier, exclusive seasonal food and libation specials are highlighted at many of the Pier's restaurants, including Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Giordano's, Harry Caray's Tavern, Tiny Tavern, Riva Crabhouse, Big Bowl, Billy Goat Tavern, Snow Dragon Shavery and Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville.

"All month long, our strong partners have created different Fall desserts or food and drink specials," Pier spokesperson Anna Schapiro told GoPride. 

The restaurants "have created "Vampire" martinis, "Harvest" sangrias and pumpkin cheesecake desserts, so you are able to walk around on the Pier and check out the pumpkins, but have a nice cocktail or dessert after," Schapiro added.

Designed by local Ivan Carlson Event Design, six installations are displayed across the 50-acre landmark, stretching from the main entrance to past the iconic Centennial Wheel. Building on inspiration from traditional Halloween images as well as unique and original designs, featured stations include the Juggernaut of Jack-O-Lanterns in Polk Bros Park, Pumpkin Picasso, Garden of Totems, Jack-O-Lantern Jamboree, Pumpkin Dancers and Arachnids, as well as Skeleton Grave Dancers scattered throughout.

This week, Navy Pier hosts the inaugural Cosplay on the Pier: Halloween Fest 2019 on Saturday, October 26 from 2 – 10 p.m. With a designated cosplay photo area, the Chicago skyline, iconic Centennial Wheel and Pier Pumpkin Lights displays, the event will offer great views and backdrops for Halloween photos and fun. All cosplayers who register before the event will also receive a variety of perks, including a free Centennial Wheel ticket, discounted parking, a chance to win a $300 Visa gift card and more. 

"This is the first time we have ever hosted this event, but we are expecting a really large turnout," says Schapiro. "It is an all-day event and we are inviting everyone to dress up as their favorite character. There will be costume contests with a grand prize of a gift card and entries to a Harry Carey's after-party."

In addition, visitors can enjoy three dates of free trick-or-treating on Saturday, October 26; Sunday, October 27; and on Halloween, Thursday, October 31. 

HalloWheel offers guests an opportunity to ride the Centennial Wheel free of charge. The first 1,031 guests to register for tickets on Navy Pier's website will enjoy complimentary access to the iconic, year-round attraction during normal operating hours on Thursday, October 31.

Pier-goers can take advantage of many other experiences in dining, retail, boats and other activities and attractions. Navy Pier welcomes nearly 9 million guests each year and showcases more than 50 acres of parks, restaurants, attractions, retail shops, sightseeing and dining cruise boats, and exposition facilities. For more information, visit www.navypier.org.