Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) is advising residents, to stay vigilant and to enjoy the various citywide events and festivals this weekend safely and responsibly. The OEMC will monitor weekend events and weather conditions citywide from the Operations Center and coordinate public safety resources with critical stakeholders as needed.  

Report Suspicious Activity:  If You See Something, Say Something. OEMC reminds the public to be aware of their surroundings and to report suspicious activity – especially in large gatherings. If you notice something suspicious, notify onsite security or call 9-1-1. If You See Something, Say Something™ is a national anti-terrorism public awareness campaign that emphasizes the importance of reporting suspicious activity to law enforcement authorities. Although the City has not received actionable threats, the Department of Homeland Security released an advisory on May 24, 2023 -  National Terrorism Advisory System Bulletin. DHS emphasizes the continued heightened threat environment across the United States. It notes that “lone offenders and small groups motivated by a range of ideological beliefs and personal grievances continue to pose a persistent threat to the United States.” 

Windy City Smokeout – United Center, Lot C 

Thursday, July 13–Sunday, July 16  

Windy City Smokeout, the country music and BBQ festival, will return to the grounds of the United Center. The festival is in Parking Lot C (1901 W. Madison St), entrance to the festival is at Madison and Wood Streets. Event Times: Thursday, July 13 and Friday, July 14, 2 p.m.–10 p.m.; Saturday, July 15 and Sunday, July 16: 1 p.m.–10 p.m.  

For public safety, all attendees will be subject to a full and complete search prior to entry. This includes walking through a magnetometer and bag check upon entering the event site. Attendees may be subjected to additional screening, such as a pat down. Persons that refuse to comply with the search policy will be refused entry into the event. For all security details, including allowed and prohibited items, visit WindyCitySmokeout.com/FAQ 

Streets around the United Center are closed in both directions for the event.

• Madison Street from Paulina to Damen 
• Wood Street from Warren to Monroe 
• Wolcott Ave. from Warren to Monroe  
• Warren Blvd from Wood to Damen. Note: One eastbound lane of traffic on Warren will remain open for the duration of the event.  

Taste of Chicago in Pullman Park 

Saturday, July 15, Noon–8 p.m. 

Taste of Chicago in Pullman Park located at 11101 S. Cottage Grove offers a wide array of local food from more than 20 Chicago food vendors along with music and dancing throughout the day. Free admission. No food tickets required, all vendors accept cash and/or credit. From 12 p.m.-4 p.m., Chicago SummerDance offers free dance lessons in footwork, salsa, East Coast Swing and line dancing followed by music and more dancing. For details visit, TasteofChicago.us 

Note:  Stop by the OEMC table for some info on calling 9-1-1 and emergency preparedness.   

Chicago Craft Beer Festival 

Friday,  July 14, 5-10 p.m., Saturday, July 15, 11a.m. – 10 p.m. and Sunday, July 16, 11 a.m. 7 p.m. Located at Jonquil Park at 1001 W. Wrightwood Ave. For details visit,  

jonquilpark.org/chicago-craft-beer-festival/. 

Navy Pier 107^th Birthday Celebration, Drone Show & Fireworks at Navy Pier  

Saturday, July 15  

1 p.m.-3 p.m. -  In honor of Navy Pier’s 107^th Birthday and National Ice Cream Month, an ice cream social will be at Polk Bros Park. 

9:45 p.m. - Display of 300 synchronized drones dazzle from East End of the Pier 

10 p.m.- Fireworks   

For complete details, visit NavyPier.org 

Sundays on State 

Sunday, July 16, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. 

Sundays on State transforms State Street, when it closes to vehicular traffic from Lake Street to Adams Street on July 16 and August 13 this summer. Neighbors from every Chicago community and beyond unite for a free, interactive block party, while safely enjoying art, culture, active recreation, food, drinks, shopping, and local attractions in the heart of everyone’s neighborhood – the Loop. For details visit, LoopChicago.com/events/sundays-on-state/. 

Chicago Cubs vs Boston Red Sox  

The Cubs play the Red Sox at Wrigley Field on Friday, July 14 at 7:05 p.m., Saturday, July 15 at 1:20 p.m. and Sunday, July 16 at 1:20 p.m. 

The Chicago OEMC app is also a great tool to download as street closures and other event information will be added in the coming weeks. The app is now available through the Apple App and Google Play Stores. Visit the website Chicago.gov/OEMC to download the app.  

Pole Markers/Location Identifiers: For public safety on the lakefront, event and concert attendees are reminded to be aware of the numbers attached to the poles throughout the Grant Park area and lakefront to help reference their location within the park if you call 9-1-1 in an emergency. 9-1-1 call takers and dispatchers will be able to provide the location to first responders. They can also See be used between friends and family members as a meeting point if you become separated.

Public Transportation: As for any large–scale event, public transportation is encouraged, and both CTA and Metra will provide additional service for the event. Public transit is the most affordable and convenient way to get to and from the NASCAR Chicago Street Race. For more information, visit CTA at TransitChicago.com and Metra.com. 

Traffic Control Aides (TCAs) will be on to direct flow and impacts from traffic. NOTE: Due to the Kennedy/Edens Expressway construction, motorists may experience delays and increased traffic on local area streets as drivers find alternative routes to avoid impacts of the project. For complete details on the construction project, visit the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) website at Idot.illinois.gov/projects/InterSt.ate-90-Kennedy-Bridge-St.udy 

OEMC will issue alerts and notifications needed to keep residents and attendees up to date on weather conditions and emergencies. Sign up for NotifyChicago alerts at NotifyChicago.org. OEMC also issues TEXT alerts for lakefront notice and issues affecting businesses: 

For additional information on emergency preparedness information, visit the OEMC website at Chicago.gov/OEMC. Follow the Office of Emergency Management and Communications on Facebook (@coemc), Twitter (@ChicagoOEMC) and Instagram (chicago_oemc_911).