Chicago is throwing a bright and shiny New Year's Eve celebration, and everyone is invited.
The city's annual free New Year's Eve fireworks display is scheduled to take place on the Chicago River on December 31, starting at 10 p.m. with dedicated “Art in the Market” displays on the facade of the Merchandise Mart Building, Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. (DCAS) announced on Monday.
Fireworks will follow at midnight, which will be launched from overpasses on Orleans Street, LaSalle Drive, Clark Street, Dearborn Street, State Street and Columbus Drive.
Attendees are encouraged to arrive early along the Riverwalk, as access to the area will be closed beginning at 11 p.m. To accommodate expected crowds, the bridges will be closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic from 11:45 p.m. to 12:15 a.m. More information can be found at Chicago. gov/NYE.
The market's art/acoustic offerings will feature selections from past installations by Jonas Denzel, Yuji Chou, Black Dance Legacy Project, Yeon Kang, Corey Arcangel, and Brendan Fernandez.
If you can't make it to the Riverwalk, you can also ring in the New Year with a free fireworks display at Navy Pier starting at midnight and visible up and down the lakefront. Visit NavyPier.org for complete information.
“We invite residents and visitors to come together along the Riverwalk and welcome the new year by celebrating what makes Chicago the most beautiful, iconic and vibrant city in the world,” Mayor Brandon Johnson said in a statement.
