Muntu Dance Theatre perform at the 2023 “Chicago Live!” Festival/Photo courtesy Navy Pier

Touted as the largest free performing-arts festival in the Midwest, “Chicago Live!” is back, taking over Navy Pier September 21 and 22 with performances by over 110 artists and organizations. This preview could fall just as easily under the theater or music sections (Jeff Tweedy headlines), but we’re previewing this one since dance has a strong presence at the fest—more than thirty dance companies will perform over the two days. Events are back-to-back, taking place simultaneously across Navy Pier’s five stages. You can peruse the full schedule here.

“Chicago Live!” started in 2021 as a way to reconnect audiences with Chicago’s abundant performing-arts scene after the pandemic hit the pause button on most cultural events. The first year featured forty-three artists and organizations. This year’s lineup dwarfs the inaugural weekend and highlights a wide array of work by organizations large and small. And there are plenty of opportunities for attendees to get up and move with DJs spinning on the West Stage both days.

The festival also features free classes, workshops and open rehearsals throughout the week, some at Navy Pier, some at the home studios of various dance, music and theater organizations. The full list of community engagement programs can be found here.

“Chicago Live!” at Navy Pier. Saturday, September 21 and Sunday, September22, noon to 9pm. Free. Info at navypier.org.