IPW 2025 Closing Night

Get your kicks at IPW 2025’s Closing Night reception as we celebrate Chicago—the starting point of the legendary Route 66!

Explore a variety of immersive activations across the iconic Navy Pier, showcasing our city’s rich history. Savor Chicago’s diverse culinary scene with delicious food and drinks while soaking in stunning lakefront views. As the sun sets, gather at the end of the pier for a special surprise you won’t want to miss.

Know before you go

We’re thrilled to welcome you to the IPW Closing Night Event! 
Before you head out, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your evening:    

Arrival and departure 
Important: There are two points of arrival at Navy Pier, depending on how much of the Pier you’d like to walk and explore.   

• West End: Exit the shuttle bus here to wander along the full Pier and explore a few restaurants, activations, and the Centennial Wheel   
• Festival Hall: Exit the shuttle bus here to head directly to the East End on the Pier, which is fully private to IPW attendees  

At the end of the night, all departures to host hotels will depart from Festival Hall. There will be no shuttle service from the West End.  

Ubers/Lyfts/taxis will pick up at Entrance 2 (outside of Sable Hotel) or Entrance 1 (outside of Bar Sol)  

Parking and ride share 
Navy Pier offers convenient parking with two on-site garages, the East and West Garages. We recommend parking in the West Garage, as the sponsor check-in table is at the far West End of Navy Pier to pick up your badge.   

After the event:  

• Ride share (Uber/Lyft) pick-ups will be located at Entrance 2 (outside of Sable Hotel) or Entrance 1 (outside of Bar Sol).  
• If you are a registered IPW delegate staying at a host hotel, shuttles will depart from Festival Hall to return to host hotels.  

What to expect 
Navy Pier will remain open to the public during the Closing Night event, but the following spaces are reserved exclusively for IPW attendees:   

• Chef Art Smith’s Reunion  
• Harry Caray’s Chicago  
• Margaritaville Chicago  
• The Odyssey   
• Full East end of the Pier, including the AON Grand Ballroom  

What’s waiting for you:

• Delicious food & beverages throughout the event  
• Rides on the Centennial Wheel – Sponsored by Navy Pier  
• Route 66 inspired mini golf course and Pere Marquette State Park pop-up– Sponsored by Enjoy Illinois  
• Immersive art installations  
• Pop-up entertainment throughout the pier  
• Fireworks show at 9:00 p.m.  
• And, keep an eye out for 8 golden Route 66 statues hidden throughout the event! If you find one, bring it to the Route 66 mini-golf located at the East End of Navy Pier for a special prize!    

Dress code 
Recommended attire: Casual or Business Casual 
Dress comfortably and be ready to explore the iconic Navy Pier!  

Photography and videography notice 
By attending IPW Closing Night, you enter an area where photography, audio, and video recording may occur. Your attendance implies consent to the use of your image for promotional purposes without compensation. This includes—but is not limited to — the promotion of tourism and trade in Chicago.  

We can’t wait to celebrate with you at this one-of-a-kind evening at Navy Pier!  

Thank you to our Closing Night sponsors