A Busy Summer Weekend Ahead in Chicago with Many Events Including the Chicago Blues Festival, Puerto Rican Festival and Parade, BOA Chicago 13.1, Festivals and Concerts Throughout the City

June 7, 2024

OEMC encourages residents to report suspicious activity by calling 9-1-1 and offers tips to stay safe

CHICAGO – Summer events are in full swing as many festivals, athletic events, and simultaneous activities are planned throughout the city this weekend.  The Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) is advising residents and visitors to be aware of street closures, additional crowds, increased traffic and to plan accordingly. The OEMC will monitor weekend events and weather conditions citywide. 
Report Suspicious Activity: If you See Something, Say Something. The city reminds the public to be aware of their surroundings and to report suspicious activity. 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.
Motorists in the areas where events are happening should be prepared for increased traffic and possible reroutes. There will be some street closures in effect for larger events to ensure public safety. Traffic Control Aides (TCAs) will be on hand at select events citywide to direct flow and impacts from heavy traffic. 
Residents and motorists should be aware of the following large events:
Chicago Blues Music Festival in Millennium Park + Ramova Theatre
  • Thursday, June 6 – Ramova Theatre3520 S. Halsted St. 6 p.m.-11 p.m.  Doors open at 5 p.m. Show 6 p.m.; Entry is first come, first served; Admittance +18 RamovaChicago.com
  • Friday, June 7 - Sunday, June 9, Noon – 9 p.m.– Millennium Park
    The largest FREE Blues Festival in the world features four days of talent throughout the weekend at three stages set up in the park: Jay Pritzker Pavilion, South & North Promenade.  For complete details, visit ChicagoBluesFestival.us. Please note that Millennium Park is a safe and welcoming space for everyone. All guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult (21 years and older) after 6pm, Thursday through Sunday — and may be asked to present a valid ID. Plan your visit at MillenniumPark.org.
Puerto Rican Festival–Humboldt Park – Thursday, June 6 – Sunday, June 9
Thursday, June 6 and Friday, June 7, 4–10 p.m.
Saturday, June 8 and Sunday, June 9, noon–10 p.m.
Fiestas Patronales Puertorriqueñas will be held in Humboldt Park at 1200- 1500 Luis Munoz Marin Drive. For complete details, visit PuertoRicanFest.com.
Chris Brown at United Center – Friday, June 7-Sat June 8, 7:30 p.m.
For venue information, visit UnitedCenter.com
 
Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field
Thursday & Friday at 7:10 p.m. vs Boston Red Sox
Saturday, 3:10 p.m. (Hawaiian Shirt), Sunday, 1:10 p.m. (Family Day) For complete details, visit mlb.com/WhiteSox.
Note:  Due to IDOT construction, the 31st St. Bridge over 90/94 is closed and Wentworth and Lasalle Streets will be down to one lane in the area so expect large traffic backups during games.
Andersonville Midsommarfest
Friday, June 7, 5–10 p.m.; Saturday, June 8 and Sunday, June 9, noon–10 p.m.
The Andersonville Midsommarfest is located on Clark St. from Foster to Gregory featuring five stages for music, food and more. For complete details, visit Andersonville.org/Midsommarfest
Puerto Rican People’s Parade – Saturday, June 8 –Division, Western to Sacramento
The parade assembly begins at 11:30 a.m. from Western to Campbell and Campbell from Augusta to Division. Step off is at 2 p.m. from assembly westbound on Division from Western to Sacramento.  prcc-chgo.org/2023-puerto-rican-people-day-parade/
 
Chicago Red Stars vs Bay Football Club – Saturday, June 8, 6:30 p.m. – Wrigley Field
Chicago Red-Stars host the first-ever National Women’s Soccer League at Wrigley Field at 6:30 p.m.  Gates open at 5 p.m. Over 20,000 attendees are expected.  /www.mlb.com/
Wells Street Art Festival
Saturday, June 8, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sunday, June 9, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Located on Wells Street between North Ave and Division.  This popular art festival is in its 49th year in the Old Town neighborhood, attracting many art enthusiasts. For details, visit WellsStreetArtFestival.us.
 
Old Town Art Fair
Saturday, June 8, 10 a.m.–7 p.m. and Sunday, June 9, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
The Old Town Art Fair is located in the Old Town Triangle Historic District, 1763 N. North Park Ave.  The main entrance is located at Lincoln Ave. and Wisconsin. Additional entry points are at North Park and Eugenie, Sedgwick at Menomonee, Sedgwick at Wisconsin, and Wells St. at Menomonee. For Details on getting there and map of the area, visit OldTownArtFair.org.
Navy Pier Fireworks
Saturday, June 8 at 10 p.m.
For additional details, visit NavyPier.org.
Argentina vs Ecuador Soccer Match – Sunday, June 9, Soldier Field
Gates open at 3:30 p.m. and parking lots open at 1:30 p.m. for the sold-out match that starts at 5:30 p.m.  Motorists should be aware of the increased traffic in the area. For details, visit SoldierField.com
Bank of America Chicago Half Marathon – Sunday, June 9 – Chicago’s West Side, Garfield Park
Start and finish in Garfield Park. The race begins at 7 a.m.  Parking is available at UIC Halsted/Taylor Parking Structure with shuttle service to Madison and St Louis.  Rideshare drop off /pick up is located at 120 N Homan Ave.  Participants and spectators should be aware of the Event Alert System in the event of weather conditions and other potential risks.  chicago13point1.com
Public Transportation: As for any large–scale event, public transportation is encouraged. Public transit is the most affordable, convenient, and environmentally friendly way to get to and from summertime events. For more information, visit CTA at TransitChicago.com and Metra.com.
Chicago OEMC App 
Residents and visitors are encouraged to download the Chicago OEMC App as a public safety tool providing public safety information, preparedness tips, emergency alerts, parade day weather information and more in the palm of your hand. The app is available through the Apple App and Google Play stores of visit the OEMC website at Chicago.gov/OEMC.
Weather 
Chicagoans should be prepared and check the weather before heading out and for any possible weather delays. OEMC also advises attendees at events to be aware of weather conditions and to follow instructions and heed all warnings from public safety officials For the most up-to-date weather information, please tune into local media or download the Chicago OEMC App to get the latest forecast, radar, and other information. 
Alerts
OEMC will issue any 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 notices or issues affecting businesses: 
  • CHILAKE: For lakefront notices, TEXT “CHILAKE” to 7-8-0-1-5 
  • CHIBIZ: For alerts affecting businesses, TEXT “CHIBIZ” to 6-7-2-8-3 
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).  

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