CHICAGO – Another busy weekend of events and gatherings prompt keeping safety in mind regarding variable weather conditions, increased crowds and traffic in areas and staying alert and reporting suspicious activity to 9-1-1.  The Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) will monitor weather conditions and weekend activities and reminds attendees to stay vigilant in crowds and enjoy all Chicago’s great summer fun safely.

There are many other festivals, runs, Juneteenth events and other gatherings throughout the city.  Residents and motorists should be cognizant of the traffic impacts and those attending events should be aware of egress and shelter locations in the event of an emergency incident.

Plan accordingly for upcoming extreme heat, especially at summer events when out and about. Stay hydrated, adhere to beach safety warnings, wear lightweight clothing, stay in shade as much as possible, seek help if you feel symptoms of heat-related illnesses and avoid overexertion and strenuous outdoor activities. This weekend’s major venues include:

Ribfest – June 14-16

One of Chicago’s most anticipated food festivals, Ribfest begins Friday at 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 12 p.m.  Events close at 10 p.m.  Ribfest is located at Lincoln Avenue between Irving Park Road and Berteau Avenue.  ribfest-chicago.com

Taste of Randolph – June 14-June 16

The Taste of Randolph is at 900-1200 W Randolph and runs 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and continues noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. tasteofrandolph.org

Taste of Chicago in Rogers Park

The summer’s first Taste of Chicago Neighborhood Pop-up will take place on Saturday, June 15 in Rogers Park in Touhy Park at 7348 N. Paulina Street, Noon to 8 p.m. For details and additional dates, visit TasteofChicago.us.

Kenny Chesney at Soldier Field – June 15

Over 45,000 fans are expected for the Kenny Chesney the Sun Goes Down 2024 tour with Zac Brown Band at 5 p.m. at Soldier Field on Saturday.  Parking lots open at 2 p.m. Gates open 4 p.m. For details visit,  Soldier Field.

Sundays on State – June 16

State Street closes to vehicular traffic from Lake to Adams on select dates each 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.  Events begin at 11 a.m. and end at 6 p.m. 

Expect street closures on State Street from Lake to Adams, as well as surrounding streets on Marble, Couch, Benton Pl., and Calhoun. loopchicago.com/events/sundays-on-state/

Gold Coast Art Fair – June 16

This popular festival is on Sunday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. at Butler Field, 350 E Monroe in Grant Park.  Gold Coast Art Fair at Grant Park | The Magnificent Mile  Festivalgoers are reminded of the pole markers located throughout Grant Park and the Lakefront which can help first responders locate you in an emergency in crowds when you call 9-1-1.  City of Chicago :: Pole Marking/Location Identifiers

Juneteenth VillageFest – June 16

Juneteenth village Fest on Sunday is in Douglass Park, 1401 S. Sacramento Drive from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. ChooseChicago.com.

Chicago Cubs – June 14-June 16

The Chicago Cubs play the St Louis Cardinals at 1:20 p.m. on Friday, 1:20 p.m. on Saturday and 12:05 p.m. on Sunday.  For details, visit MLB.com/Cubs

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.  

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.

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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