FAQ

We’re taking over the north & south Navy Pier Beer Gardens and the surrounding lakefront space for a perfect Chicago backdrop. If you’re catching a ride, plan to get dropped off at Entrance 2 near the east end of the pier for the easiest access.

Our lobster comes straight from the cold, clean waters of the East Coast, flown in fresh each day by our long-time partner, Lobster Gram—so every bite is as close to dock-to-plate as it gets in Chicago.

Absolutely! Bring the whole family—there’s plenty of food, lively entertainment, and a welcoming atmosphere for all ages to enjoy.

Your ticket gets you the full festival feast and experience:

• Lobster Meal – a whole lobster served with corn, potato, dinner roll, melted butter, lemon wedge
• One (1) drink ticket – redeemable for a sponsored drink, soda, or water
• Reserved seating with unbeatable lakefront views
• Chicago Air & Water Show visibility from one of the best viewing spots in the city
• Access to festival grounds with live music and entertainment all day

Important: Advance meal pick-up closes at 7pm each night. You must redeem your meal token and entree before this time—no refunds or exchanges for missed meals.

Note: You don’t need a ticket to enter the festival! A la carte food & drink options will be available for purchase on-site. You only need a Lobster Meal ticket if you want a whole lobster meal entree.

Nope! The festival takes place at the Navy Pier Beer Garden and is completely free and open to the public. Tickets are only required for pre-purchased Lobster Meals. Otherwise, just stroll in and enjoy a la carte seafood, landfood, cold drinks, desserts, and more—all available for purchase on-site.

Have your ticket ready–printed or on your phone—when you arrive. Head to the Lobster Meal Check-in area on the south side of Navy Pier Beer Garden (look for the big banner!) There, your ticket will be scanned, and you’ll receive a meal token to redeem your lobster feast whenever you’re ready.

Important: Meal pickup closes at 7pm each night, and you must redeem your lobster entree before then.

Yep! You’re welcome to come and go throughout the day.

Yes! There’s plenty of seating and tables throughout the festival. Guests with a Lobster Meal ticket enjoy reserved seating with lakefront views, while additional first-come, first-served seating is open to all festival-goers. If you want to guarantee a spot to sit and savor, pre-purchasing a Lobster Meal is your best bet.

This is a high foot-traffic event, so while leashed, well-behaved dogs are allowed, they are not encouraged. Festivals can be stressful for pets, so we recommend leaving them at home.

Navy Pier offers two on-site parking garages—the East Garage and the West Garage. The East Garage is the closest parking location to Lobster Fest.
Self-parking rates will apply.

More parking information can be found on Navy Pier’s website.

Our festival will go on, rain or shine!

Vendors accept debit & credit cards as well as mobile payments via Apple/Google Pay.

Food vendors will be cooking up delicious eats from noon–9pm daily.

If you’ve purchased a Lobster Meal ticket, please note that meal redemption closes at 7pm each night. You must pick up your lobster entree before this time—there are no refunds or exchanges for missed redemptions.

Beverage service runs from noon-10pm daily with bars placed throughout the event.

We’ve got you covered—outside food & drinks aren’t permitted, but with so many delicious options inside the fest, you won’t miss a thing. Come hungry, leave happy!

Yes! While lobster is the star of the show, you’ll find a variety of land-based eats and vegetarian-friendly options from select vendors.

Absolutely. Navy Pier and the festival grounds are fully accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, so everyone can come right in and enjoy.

Definitely. Restrooms are located within the Navy Pier Beer Garden area and will be clearly marked for festival guests.

Small bags and backpacks are fine, but all bags are subject to inspection at entry. Outside food and beverages are not allowed inside the festival.

Yes! Live music will be happening throughout the festival, on both the north and south beer gardens. Check our music page for more info.

Let’s help track ’em down. Start by checking the email you used at checkout, and don’t forget to peek in your promotions or spam folders. Try searching for “Great American Lobster Fest tickets” to bring them up.
If you’re still having issues, contact us, and we can help locate and re-send if needed.

All ticket sales are final and non-refundable. If you can’t make it, you’re welcome to gift or sell your ticket to someone else—no name change is required to transfer tickets to another party.

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