Navy Pier today announced plans for its first-ever Lakefront Games, Saturday, Sept. 7, and Sunday, Sept. 8. Drawing inspiration from the current popularity of “competitive socializing,” the free, two-day event is being billed as the biggest competitive gaming festival Chicago has seen. All along the mile-long Pier, inside and out, guests will be able to challenge each other in games of strength, skill, and strategy, including inflatable obstacle courses, classic arcade and video racing games, axe throwing, bull riding, a dunk tank, and more, capped off by the largest game of Simon Says in Chicago history.
“I don’t suspect Daniel Burnham could have imagined the ‘competitive socializing’ craze when he drafted his 1909 Plan for Chicago,” said Marisa Diaz-Arce, Director of Brand Activations, Tenant Partnerships & Engagement for Navy Pier. “But this event is definitely a modern-day nod to the architect’s vision of Navy Pier as ‘a public space on the lakefront for active recreation and social interaction.’”
Among the planned Pier-wide activations, slated for 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, are:
- Inflatables, including obstacle courses, Gladiator Joust, and life-size Hungry Hungry Hippos – outside, in Polk Bros Park;
- Dunk tank and electric bull riding – outside, near Chicago Children’s Museum;
- Giant soccer darts, axe throwing, inflatable archery, cornhole, and can jam – outside, on the Sable Hotel porches;
- Tricycle racing and giant pong – outside, near the Navy Pier Beer Garden;
- Golf putting challenges and mini-games – outside, along the South Dock;
- Classic arcade games (Pac Man, Golden Tee, and more) and video racing games – inside the Family Pavilion;
- Reenactments of popular TV gameshows, including Family Feud, Wheel of Fortune, and Jeopardy – inside the Family Pavilion;
- Board games and “Minute to Win It” challenges – inside, in the Food Experience Culture Corner;
- Family Game Room, featuring foosball, pop-a-shot, air hockey, and ping pong – inside, Door 7 lobby;
- The largest game of Simon Says in Chicago history, with a DJ and pre-game Double Dutch Squad performance – 7 p.m. both nights at the outdoor Wave Wall Stage.
All activities and dates are subject to change. Check www.navypier.org for updates.