A Retro Roller Rink Is Coming to Navy Pier This Summer
A rendering of the Summer Skate roller rink, opening in June 2026 inside the former Crystal Gardens at Navy Pier. It will be open through Labor Day. Credit: Provided
A new summer attraction is rolling into downtown Chicago.
Navy Pier is launching Summer Skate, a retro-inspired roller rink opening June 18 inside the former Crystal Gardens space at 600 E. Grand Ave. The pop-up experience will run through Labor Day and marks what organizers call Chicago’s first lakefront roller rink.
The new attraction adds another entertainment option to one of the city’s busiest tourist destinations, combining roller skating with views of Lake Michigan, the skyline and the Centennial Wheel.
Inside the New Summer Skate Experience
The rink will span approximately 7,200 square feet and will be located inside the former Crystal Gardens, the all-glass indoor space that closed during the pandemic and is currently being repositioned for future events and activations.
According to Navy Pier officials, the experience will feature:
A retro-themed skating environment inspired by the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s
Daytime and evening skate sessions
Music-driven themed events and family programming
A nearby arcade and beverage station
Lakefront and skyline views from inside the rink
Plans are also in the works for themed skate nights ranging from disco and pop music to family-focused weekends.
SJ Luedtke, Navy Pier’s chief marketing and experience officer, said the idea came from the growing nostalgia and renewed popularity surrounding roller skating culture.
“One of the things we know is that with these changing times, those local roller rinks that so many people found joy in as young kids and beyond, there aren’t as many as there used to be,” Luedtke said. “To be able to bring this experience to Chicagoans and our guests is something we feel the community needs and loves.”
Partnership With Bucket Listers
The rink is being developed in partnership with Bucket Listers, a company known for large-scale experiential pop-ups and themed attractions across major U.S. cities.
Summer Skate is expected to accommodate around 100 skaters at a time, making it one of the company’s largest roller rink concepts to date.
Tickets, Hours, and What Visitors Should Know
Why This Is a Bigger Shift for Navy Pier
The project also signals a larger evolution happening at Navy Pier.
Part of the Crystal Gardens renovation included removing older interior features like palm trees, fountains and planters to make the space more flexible for future programming and large-scale events. Officials have also hinted that the space itself may eventually receive a new name.
Rather than relying only on traditional tourism, Navy Pier has increasingly leaned into interactive experiences, seasonal activations and event-based attractions designed to keep both locals and visitors returning year-round.
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