Ferrara Candy Company Launches Partnership with Navy Pier
CHICAGO, Illinois – April 29, 2025 – Chicago’s Ferrara Candy Company, the top-selling sugar confections company in the U.S., today announced a partnership with Navy Pier, the most visited destination in the Midwest. The Ferrara Candy Wave Wall Stage on the Pier’s vibrant South Dock will host more than 80 cultural and arts events between May 1 and September 9 for the Pier’s 5 million anticipated summer visitors.
Visitors will celebrate Chicago’s diverse cultural landscape and performing arts varieties with performances on the Ferrara Candy Wave Wall Stage, located adjacent to the Pier’s Centennial Wheel. The Ferrara Candy Wave Wall Stage will also serve as the focal viewing spot for the Pier’s iconic twice-weekly fireworks displays over Lake Michigan – voted the #1 place to see fireworks in 2023 and 2024 by USA TODAY 10BEST Readers' Choice Awards.
Founded in 1908 and 1916, respectively, Ferrara Candy Company and Navy Pier are two of Chicago’s longest-standing and iconic institutions, today leveraging their century-old histories to look ahead together, representing the future of their industries.
“For more than 100 years, Ferrara has called Chicago home and celebrated all of life’s big and small moments with Chicagoland communities,” said Ferrara Vice President of Institutional Affairs Blair Klein. “Navy Pier embodies that same spirit of cultural connection and celebration that brings people together. This partnership will inspire sweetness for our neighbors and visitors alike.”
Ferrara manufactures candy at five plants in Illinois and is headquartered in Chicago’s iconic Old Post Office building. Employing more than 2,600 people locally, Ferrara celebrates and supports employees, the communities where they live and the cultures they represent, bolstered by the company’s Business Resource Groups.
“As we continue to welcome millions of visitors to Navy Pier, bringing on an iconic partner like Ferrara is significant,” said Marilynn Gardner, President and CEO of Navy Pier. “Ferrara’s vision and values align with the Pier’s commitment to enhance Chicago's cultural, economic & community vitality, facilitating meaningful connections. We look forward to a sweet summer with Ferrara!”
Events taking place on the Ferrara Wave Wall Stage:
• Mexico Fest: May 2-4
• Summer Block Party: June 25
• Navy Pier Pride: June 28
• Fresh Fest: July 11
• LatiNxt: Aug. 9-10
Additionally, the Ferrara Wave Wall Stage will be at the center of reoccurring events at the Pier, including:
• Summer Fireworks: Wed. & Sat., Memorial Day Weekend – Labor Day Weekend
• Skyline Sessions: Thu. & Fri., Memorial Day – Labor Day
• Wave Wall Moves: Saturdays, June-August
• Wave Wall Wax: Saturdays, Memorial Day Weekend – Labor Day Weekend
About Ferrara®
For more than 115 years, Ferrara has created sugar confections that enable moments of sweetness, celebration, and connection for candy lovers of all generations. Today, the company is a leading sugar confectioner in the United States and Brazil, with global sales in more than 40 countries. Ferrara boasts a passionate team of more than 8,500 employees creating and delivering hundreds of products sold under 30+ popular brands like Brach’s®, Jelly Belly®, NERDS®, SweeTARTS®, Laffy Taffy®, and Trolli® to more than 67 million U.S. households annually and popular Dori snacking products under brands such as Dori, Gomets, Pettiz, and Yogurte 100 in Brazil. Ferrara’s success in industry-leading innovation has been driven by deep consumer insights, strong retailer partnerships, and a dedication to diversity of thought, experience, and people. The company has its global headquarters in Chicago and an operational network of more than 27 locations in North America, Brazil, China, and Thailand that includes manufacturing, distribution, sales, and R&D facilities. Ferrara is a privately held Ferrero-related company. Learn more at www.ferrara.com or www.linkedin.com/company/ferrara-.
About Navy Pier
Located on Lake Michigan, Navy Pier is the top nonprofit tourism destination in the Midwest, stretching more than six city blocks and typically welcoming nearly 9 million annual guests. Originally opened in 1916 as a shipping and recreation facility, this Chicago landmark showcases more than 50 acres of parks, restaurants, attractions, retail shops, sightseeing and dining cruise boats, exposition facilities, and more. The Pier celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2016 with the unveiling of the iconic Centennial Wheel, Polk Bros Park, Family Pavilion and Peoples Energy Welcome Pavilion. Today, Navy Pier continues to usher in its second century with ongoing Pier-wide redevelopment efforts – including Sable, a 223-room Hilton hotel, new restaurant and retail partnerships, and thrilling new attractions such as Flyover Chicago and Illuminarium. The Pier is proud to present free, year-round cultural programming designed to inspire, educate, and connect communities across the city and globe. Click here to donate to Navy Pier, a mission-driven 501(c)(3) organization. For more information, visit NavyPier.org.
