Salsa, rumba, or waltz your way into summer during the 13th annual Chicago Dance Month.
Chicago Dance Month brings free events showcasing a diverse array of Chicago dance groups, representing everything from international dance to Chicago-born dance styles.
The month-long celebration of Chicago’s dynamic dance scene will include over 35 unique dance groups, including many first-time participants. The schedule features performances, lessons, and site-specific installations — all free and open to the public.
Here’s a preview of a few can’t-miss events during Chicago Dance Month 2026.
Chicago Dance Month kickoff celebration
Saturday, May 30, 2026
3 – 5 p.m.
Navy Pier Lake Stage
Chicago Dance Month kickoff celebrationstarts the month strong with a packed day of dance on the lakefront. Navy Pier will host this free, family-friendly event that shines a spotlight on local dance companies and artists across genres.
Featured performers include:
- Ballet Folklórico de Chicago
- Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre
- Chicago Korean Dance Company
- Hyde Park School of Dance
- JYZ Dance
- Kelsi Fears Choreography
- A.D.D. Rhythms
- Partners in the Circle
Pier Dance
Wednesdays, June 3 – 24, 2026
6:30 – 8 p.m.
Navy Pier’s Ferrara Candy Stage
Pier Danceis a series of free outdoor dance lessons held every Wednesday during Chicago Dance Month.
All skill levels are welcome to come learn some new moves, with a different style featured each week, including Bollywood, swing, hip hop, and more. Make it a date night — Navy Pier’s iconic fireworks display is held every Wednesday night.
- Wednesday, June 3: Turkish Dance with Rhythm of Anatolia
- Wednesday, June 10: Afro-Cuban with Hedwig Dances
- Wednesday, June 17: Salsa Partnerwork with Latin Street Music & Dancing
- Wednesday, June 24 (Navy Pier Block Party): Street Jazz (90’s themed) with Hips and Heels
Wave Wall Moves
Saturdays, June 6 – 27, 2026
4 – 5 p.m.
Navy Pier’s Ferrara Candy Stage
Wave Wall Movesis a free outdoor dance series set against the stunning backdrop of the Chicago skyline. These high-energy one-hour performances showcase two artists on one stage, celebrating everything from flamenco to tap, queer performance art to hip hop.
Saturday, June 6
- LEVELDance
- Ruth Page Professional Dance Training Program
Saturday, June 13
- Malhaar Dance Company
- We Are Colective
Saturday, June 20
- Redd’s Angelz Entertainment
- Uptown Rockers
Saturday, June 27 (Navy Pier Pride Celebration)
- Bellydance by Phaedra
- Orenda Dance Company
NeighborhoodMOVES
June 8 – 26, 2026
6 – 9 p.m.
Various Chicago locations
New for 2026, NeighborhoodMOVES is a unique community-wide dance program presented in partnership with local arts organizations. Each evening features a curated lineup of community workshops, improvised jams, panel discussions, dance film screenings, and more.
- Monday, June 8: The Dance Network: Community Conversations & Collaborations at Collaboraction Theatre at Kimball Arts Center
- Tuesday, June 16: Dance Exchange: Global & Local Community in Motion at Instituto Cervantes
- Friday, June 26: CrossCurrents: Where Dance Styles, Ideas, and Artists Meet at Logan Center for the Arts
Chicago Dance Month Wrap Party and Celebration
Friday, June 26, 202
8 – 9 p.m.
Logan Center for the Arts
Cap off Chicago Dance Month with the Wrap Party & Celebration at the Logan Center for the Arts in Hyde Park. All are welcome to this exuberant, energetic dance floor. Vibes and beats will be provided by Chicago-based house DJ Tre Daniels a.k.a. DJ Salem.
More dance events this June in Chicago
- Dance Studio Residency at the Chicago Cultural Center, June 9
- The Joffrey Ballet’s Eugene Onegin at Lyric Opera, June 4 – 14
- Chicago Tap Theatre at The Edge Theater, June 11 – 14
