Overview
The Chicago Tall Ships Festival was one of the significant destination ports in the Great Lakes Challenge series.
One of Navy Pier’s most recognized events, PEPSI® Tall Ships® returns July of 2016. Navy Pier anticipates being host to 14+ majestic vessels. The five-day festival kicks off at Navy Pier with a spectacular Parade of Sail on Wednesday, July 27. The remaining days of the festival (Thursday-Sunday) allow visitors the chance to get up close and personal with the vessels. Guests have the opportunity to walk the grounds, board the ships and sail out to sea on one or more of the tall ships.
Tall Ships Chicago 2006! – Chicago, IL – August 8-9, 2006
Pepsi Tall Ships Challenge Chicago – Chicago, IL – August 28-29, 2010
Tall Ships Chicago 2003 – Chicago, IL – July 30 to August 4
2013 – 14 Tall Ships at Navy Pier, at least 1 million attendees, Aug. 7 – 11, 2013
2010 – Aug. 24 – 29, 2010, 20 tall ships
2011 – Taste of Tall Ships at Navy Pier
2016 – Navy Pier – the last one prior to new hotel being built. No maritime musicians, strictly rock and roll.
1976 – Bicentennial celebration at Navy Pier https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DhfeWz6o9/
1933 – Tall Ship Sørlandet last in Chicago
Curated History
In 2010 forward this event was billed as the Pepsi Tall Ships Challenge Chicago. In 2016 the event stopped hiring maritime-themed musicians and switched to contemporary musical acts.