RIVERWALK SEASON CELEBRATION WEEK OF EVENTS
MAY 13
MONDAY
KICK-OFF CELEBRATION WITH ART ON THE MART AND YEAR OF CHICAGO THEATRE:
The Confluence (Franklin and Lake)
7–8pm
Year of Chicago Theatre Performances
As part of the 2019 Year of Chicago Theatre, designated by the City of Chicago and the League of Chicago Theatres, theatre performances will take place in the western part of the Chicago Riverwalk known as the Confluence.
LUMA8’s Arts in the Dark on the Riverwalk Lantern Procession
Procession begins at Wabash Avenue heading west to the Confluence (Franklin and Lake)
7:45pm
LUMA8 presents an Arts in the Dark Lantern Procession honoring Broadway In Chicago. Spectacular lanterns created by artist Heather Killian will illuminate iconic elements of famed productions Hamilton, Kinky Boots, Mary Poppins, Aida, The Lion King, Wicked, Phantom of the Opera and Aladdin. This inaugural procession is sponsored by Millennium Park Garages and will be the first of several presented this season as part of the Second Tuesdays at the Chicago Riverwalk program.
Art on theMART Jetty and Confluence (Wells- Lake)
8:15pm
Starting Monday, May 13 and running through September 30, 2019Art on theMART will expand to nightly showings of the largest permanent digital art projection in the world. The 2-hour projection program rotates seasonally, currently featuring a commission in alignment with the 2019 Year of Chicago Theatre by renowned media designer John Boesche. Several new “Acts” of his multi-part projection piece 7 soliloquies will debut on May 13. Boesche’s work is presented alongside a new commission by Istanbul-based video mapping group Ouchhh Studios for the spring program. Ouchhh Studios uses data gathered from musical compositions by famed Chicago-based jazz musicians to create a real-time audio and visual experience.
The projections begin approximately 15 minutes after sunset and are visible to the public from Wacker Dr. and along Chicago Riverwalk. For the special May 13 presentation, speakers will be placed in the Jetty and Confluence areas.
Fireworks Display from theMART (across from Wells to Franklin)
8:30pm
Vendors at the Confluence (Franklin to Lake)
12-8:30pm
City Winery at the Confluence: beer, wine and a signature cocktail.
O’Brien’s Riverwalk Café at the Confluence: giant pretzels and bottled water.
Shop Small Chicago at the Confluence: A direct-to-consumer pop-up selling event organized by Shop Small Chicago showcasing the Chicago Riverwalk Marketplace and Concessions program. Shop Small Chicago will coordinate with independent vendors.
Chiya Chai Café at the Confluence: activate the confluence with a similar set up as one of our farmers market booths, offering two of our most popular chais, ginger cardamom and masala chai, two kinds of our savory pies (Masala Chicken and Kale and Potato) & Samosa and Chutney (savory pastries filled with spiced peas and potatoes).
DOWNTOWN DOCKS operating the dockage on the Riverwalk between Franklin and Lake Street for the Riverwalk opening on May 13th. Docks will be open from 4pm-10pm and staffed by a Downtown Docks representative. Reservations will be taken in advance.
SWEET HOME GELATO Sale of pre-packed gelato from food cart positioned at the confluence (Franklin & Lake).
Island Party Hut - Island Time Art on theMART tour. Dock 80’ of seawall in Confluence.
MORE ACTIVITIES ALONG THE RIVERWALK
City Winery, The Marina 11 West Riverwalk (State to Dearborn)
5:30pm
Portuguese Wine & Conserva Dinner 5:30pm, 3 courses, 4 wines. Rare wines & delicious flavors. $30! Tickets available at www.citywinery.com/chicago/riverwalk
5pm- 8:30pm
DJ D plays a mix of the finest cuts of City Winery artists, from New Orleans jazz, Chicago Blues to smooth R&B & upbeat funk.
Tiny Tapp at the River Theater, 105 W. Riverwalk South (Clark to LaSalle)
5:00pm-9:00pm
Provide alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages from the mobile carts
Chicago Brewhouse, 31 E Riverwalk (West Wabash)
All Day
Daily Beer Feature: Local Limited Release Beer of the Day - $7.
Daily Food Feature: Neighborhood Flatbread of the Day - $8
MERCURY’S URBAN ADVENTURE CRUISE (East Michigan Avenue)
Daily departures (May 13 – 17)
Kids ride FREE all day on our most popular tour! Relax and unwind on our 90-minute Chicago River and Lake Michigan cruise. You’ll enjoy lively narration and stories of Chicago’s rich history. It’s fun for the whole family! Tickets $35 for adults. “Kids ride free” offer available for purchase at box office only. Maximum four free kid tickets per paid adult. www.mercurycruises.com
CHICAGO WATER TAXI, 105 West Riverwalk (Clark to LaSalle)
9:50am-7pm
Chicago Water Taxi will have arrivals/departures every 15–20 minutes from 9:50am–7pm. Route connections will include the Metra Stations (Ogilvie/Union), The Loop, Chinatown, River North, and Streeterville (Michigan Avenue). Use promo code: RIVERWALK when booking tickets online for $3 off your All-Day Pass. Promo code is valid online only from May 12–19. Tickets can be purchased on board, on your mobile device, or at any Wendella Ticket Office. For exact schedule details visit www.chicagowatertaxi.com.
MAY 14
TUESDAY
Chicago Architecture Center at the Confluence (Franklin to Lake Street)
Proposed 4-6pm
Join CAC docents for an hour of their favorite stories about the larger-than-life characters who made the Chicago River the nation’s crossroad of commerce then transformed it into a cultural destination and a unique urban landscape lined with architectural masterpieces. Meet at the Confluence on the Riverwalk at Lake Street and Wacker Drive. Reservations required ($3 fee) at architecture.org/Riverwalk2019.
Chicago Brewhouse, 31 East Riverwalk (West Wabash)
5-7 p.m.
Second City – Second Shore – Second Day – DJ Featuring Chicago Music!
All Day
Daily Beer Feature: Local Limited Release Beer of the Day - $7
Daily Food Feature: Neighborhood Flatbread of the Day - $8
Tiny Tapp at the River Theater, 105 W. Riverwalk South (Clark to LaSalle)
5- 9 p.m.
Provide alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages from the mobile carts
City Winery, The Marina 11 West Riverwalk (State to Dearborn)
5:30 p.m.
2nd Tuesday featuring the Duo of Anne Harris & Ernie Hendrickson, 2 sets starting at 5:30pm.
MERCURY’S URBAN ADVENTURE CRUISE (see Monday for description)
Daily
CHICAGO WATER TAXI (see Monday for description)
Daily
ART ON THEMART (see Monday for description)
815/820 (after sunset)
MAY 15
WEDNESDAY
City Winery, The Marina 11 West Riverwalk (State to Dearborn)
5:30pm
Live Music - Donnie Biggins with cellist Ben White
Chicago First Lady Chicago Riverwalk (East of Michigan Avenue)
SUNSET STRETCH YOGA CRUISE
6:30pm
With views so breathtaking you might forget to exhale; this cruise will shake up your exercise routine. Join us for a FREE 50-minute yoga class taught by Core Power Yoga certified instructors as you cruise down the Chicago River. Following your 50 minutes of Zen, wind down during a 25-minute cruise to relax and enjoy the city views. Watch our social channels for sign up info! www.cruisechicago.com
Chicago Brewhouse, 31 East Riverwalk (West Wabash)
All day
Daily Beer Feature: Local Limited Release Beer of the Day - $7
Daily Food Feature: Neighborhood Flatbread of the Day - $8
MERCURY’S URBAN ADVENTURE CRUISE (see Monday for description)
Daily
CHICAGO WATER TAXI (see Monday for description)
Daily
ART ON THEMART (see Monday for description)
815/820 (after sunset)
MAY 16
THURSDAY
CHICAGO RIVERWALK INSTAGREETER- Vietnam Veterans Memorial
11:30
Chicago Riverwalk InstaGreeter – FREE one hour walks with a city wise local volunteer highlighting the history, architecture and life along the Riverwalk. Meet a Greeter at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Walks at 11:30am Thursday, Friday and Sunday. No one knows Chicago Like a Greeter!
Chicago Brewhouse, 31 East Riverwalk (West Wabash)
5-7pm Revolution Brewery Sampling and Brewery 101
All day
Daily Beer Feature: Local Limited Release Beer of the Day - $7
Daily Food Feature: Neighborhood Flatbread of the Day - $8
City Winery, The Marina 11 West Riverwalk (State to Dearborn)
Live Music- 2 sets 5:30pm, Chicago jazz with The Tony Piazza Trio
MERCURY’S URBAN ADVENTURE CRUISE (see Monday for description)
Daily
CHICAGO WATER TAXI (see Monday for description)
Daily
ART ON THEMART (see Monday for description)
815/820 (after sunset)
MAY 17
FRIDAY
CHICAGO RIVERWALK INSTAGREETER - Vietnam Veterans Memorial
11:30
Chicago Riverwalk InstaGreeter – FREE one hour walks with a city wise local volunteer highlighting the history, architecture and life along the Riverwalk. Meet a Greeter at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Walks at 11:30am Thursday, Friday and Sunday. No one knows Chicago Like a Greeter!
CHICAGO PARK DISTRICT FISHING AT THE JETTY, The Jetty between Franklin and Wells Street
Noon-6pm
Chicago’s Fish’N’ Kids will teach children and adults of all ages to fish for free, including supplies and instruction. The fishing jetty is located at Franklin and Wells Streets along the Riverwalk.
Chicago Brewhouse, 31 East Riverwalk (West Wabash)
5-7pm
Half Acre Brewing Sampling and Brewery 101 and Chicago: Home of the Blues (Live, local Blues Artist)
All Day
Daily Beer Feature: Local Limited Release Beer of the Day - $7
Daily Food Feature: Neighborhood Flatbread of the Day - $8
City Winery, The Marina 11 West Riverwalk (State to Dearborn)
4pm-8pm
DJ Vybez
MERCURY’S URBAN ADVENTURE CRUISE (see Monday for description)
Daily
CHICAGO WATER TAXI (see Monday for description)
Daily
ART ON THEMART (see Monday for description)
815/820 (after sunset)
MAY 18
SATURDAY
MERCURY’S CANINE CRUISE (East of Michigan)
10:15am
FREE Canine Cruises! Registration opens April 19. Watch our social channels for more information! www.mercurycruises.com/canine-cruise
WWII SUBMARINE MEMORIAL DEDICATION AND RIBBON CUTTING (West of Field Drive)
11am
A group of Navy veterans have developed a submarine memorial for the Chicago Riverwalk to Honor, Educate and Inspire. Twenty-eight submarines manufactured in Wisconsin after Pearl Harbor came through the Chicago River to get to the Gulf of Mexico, via the Mississippi River on through the Panama Canal and ultimate to the war effort in the Pacific. The new memorial includes a submarine door and seating and will be located new Field Drive of the east end of the Riverwalk.
CHICAGO ARCHITECTURE FOUNDATION RIVERWALK WEST WALKING TOURS Vietnam War Memorial (State Street -Wabash Avenue)
Noon, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm
Enjoy FREE 45-minute CAF docent-led walking tour along the Riverwalk. See some of the city’s newest skyscrapers and learn about the Riverwalk’s history and design. Meet at the Vietnam War Memorial at State Street and Wabash Avenue. Reservations required ($3 fee) at architecture.org/Riverwalk2019.
Chicago Brewhouse, 31 East Riverwalk (West Wabash)
2-4pm: Metropolitan Brewery Sampling and Brewery 101 and Chicago: Home of the Blues (Live, local Blues Artist)
5-6pm: Chicago Beer Brewing History Speaker & curated beer sampling (3 beers) - $10
All Day
Daily Beer Feature: Local Limited Release Beer of the Day - $7
Daily Food Feature: Neighborhood Flatbread of the Day - $8
McCormick Bridgehouse and Chicago River Museum Grand Opening, 99 East Riverwalk South (West of Michigan)
Timing TBD
Narrative to be provide
City Winery, The Marina 11 West Riverwalk (State to Dearborn)
3pm-7pm
DJ Sandra Suave
MERCURY’S URBAN ADVENTURE CRUISE (see Monday for description)
Daily
CHICAGO WATER TAXI (see Monday for description)
Daily
ART ON THEMART (see Monday for description)
815/820 (after sunset)
MAY 19
SUNDAY
Tiny Tapp, 55 West Riverwalk South (Dearborn to Clark)
10-11am
Tiny Tapp - YOGA ON THE RIVERWALK
MERCURY’S CANINE CRUISE (East of Michigan)
10:15am
FREE Canine Cruises! Registration opens April 19. Watch our social channels for more information! www.mercurycruises.com/canine-cruise
CHICAGO RIVERWALK INSTAGREETER - Vietnam Veterans Memorial
11:30
Chicago Riverwalk InstaGreeter – FREE one hour walks with a city wise local volunteer highlighting the history, architecture and life along the Riverwalk. Meet a Greeter at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Walks at 11:30am Thursday, Friday and Sunday. No one knows Chicago Like a Greeter!
City Winery, The Marina 11 West Riverwalk (State to Dearborn)
Noon-8pm
Mimosa & Bloody Mary Fest & Urban Wine Country Tasting. Taste through our City Winery wine made right here in Chicago and learn about our winemaking process.
Chicago Brewhouse, 31 East Riverwalk (West Wabash)
All day
Daily Beer Feature: Local Limited Release Beer of the Day - $7
Daily Food Feature: Neighborhood Flatbread of the Day - $8
CHICAGO WATER TAXI (see Monday for description)
Daily