Friends of the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse will host Light the Way 2026: A Night for the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse on Friday, August 7, 2026. The fundraiser benefits the preservation, restoration and future public opening of one of the city’s most recognizable maritime landmarks that stands at the entrance to the Chicago Harbor, and includes a pre-boarding happy hour followed by a two hour cruise aboard Chicago’s First Lady’s Emerald Lady to the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse, for a special opportunity to see the lighthouse up close.
“This is more than a cruise — it is an opportunity for Chicagoans to come together around an important part of our city’s history,” says Kurt Lentsch, chief dreamer and president of the Friends of the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse. “Every ticket purchased, sponsorship secured, and donation made helps move us closer to restoring the lighthouse and opening it to the public for future generations.”
Light the Way 2026 will feature appetizers by Harry Caray’s Navy Pier, an open beer and wine bar, an update on the current status, a silent auction, a live auction, a paddle raise and opportunities for guests to directly support the lighthouse restoration effort. Funds raised through the event will support restoration planning, improvements to safe access, educational programming, future public tours and the long-term stewardship of this designated Chicago Landmark.
Individuals and organizations can make an even greater impact by becoming sponsors of Light the Way 2026. To learn more, make a donation or register for the event, visit savethelighthouse.org/light-the-way-2026.
PHOTO: BARRY BUTLER
