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Tall Ships® Chicago 2013 Presented by Pepsi® Brings 14 Majestic Vessels as well as Entertainment and Educational Programming to Festival-Goers August 7-11!
The summer festival you won't want to miss, Tall Ships® Chicago 2013 presented by Pepsi®, comes to Navy Pier August 7 - 11! Not only can you view, board, tour and take a sail away cruise on historic Tall Ships but there is so much more to do and see inside the festival grounds!
First, witness the Parade of Sail on Wednesday, August 7 that kicks off the entire Tall Ships festival. The fleet of 14 international Tall Ships will leave from Northerly Island at 2 p.m., parade past Navy Pier's East End at approximately 2:30 p.m. and continue on to North Avenue beach before turning back south to dock at Navy Pier. This event on Navy Pier's East End is free to the public and features a special opening ceremony at 2 p.m. and announcing of the ship arrivals from 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
The Crew Welcome Walk is your chance to officially welcome the crews of the visiting ships to Navy Pier. On Thursday at 11 a.m., crew members from each participating ship will gather at the entrance to Dock Street and walk east towards the entrance of the Tall Ships® Chicago 2013 festival grounds accompanied by a marching band and entertainment for all.
Make sure to stop by the Grand Ballroom during festival hours (Thursday, Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. - 9 p.m., Sunday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.) for special educational opportunities and kid friendly fun. Get a glimpse into Chicago's maritime past with a display of historic photographs from the Chicago Maritime Museum, learn about the War of 1812 through artifacts and a dynamic explanation of events, and watch live coverage of the Chicago Match Cup. There are also several nautical activities for kids including a radio-controlled sailboat pond and a station where they can learn to tie sailing knots.
Plus, new this year to Tall Ships® Chicago 2013, is the Chicago Match Cup! Included in general admission to this year's festival, visitors can witness modern match racing alongside maritime history as 12 of the world's best teams sail against each other in match race sailing, a form of head-to-head competition similar to the America's Cup. The Chicago Match Cup is the only U.S. stop on the Alpari World Match Racing Tour and this exciting event will take place just feet from the edge of Navy Pier.
Outside on Navy Pier's East End, two stages will keep audiences entertained and provide ambiance for a perfect day on the lake. The Match Cup Stage will deliver up-to-the-minute Match Cup racing commentary, live bands and DJs and the North Dock Stage will have various musical acts ranging from a cappella sea shanties to modern country soul.
Match Cup Stage Check signage at stage for schedule
Thursday: 10 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
North Dock Stage Check signage at stage for schedule
Thursday, Friday and Saturday: noon - 8:30 p.m.
Sunday: noon - 5 p.m.
Navy Pier will also be hosting dockside discussions for visitors with hearing impairments:
Thursday: 10:30 a.m. - Niagara
11:30 a.m. - Unicorn
Friday: 10:30 a.m. - Peacemaker
11:30 a.m. - Sorlandet
Saturday 10:30 a.m. - Pride of Baltimore II
11:30 a.m. - Niagara
There is something for everyone at Tall Ships® Chicago 2013 presented by Pepsi® and your $5 general admission ticket gives you access to educational programming, entertainment and the once-in-a-lifetime chance to see these awe-inspiring Tall Ships up close. For more information about the festival and to buy tickets, visit NavyPier.com/TallShipsChicago.
