The Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) is encouraging Chicagoans to enjoy events throughout the city this weekend safely and responsibly.  While many will be attending Mexican Independence Day activities and celebrating Mexican Independence Day on September 16, other events are taking place as well. The Chicago White Sox, Chicago Fire and Chicago Sky host games and the Chicago Cubs return to Wrigley on Monday.  Other community events include the Race to Wrigley 5k, the Out of Darkness Walk, Guatemalan Independence Day Parade and Lakeview East Festival of the Arts.

 

Mexican Independence Day is a day of commemoration of culture and the City of Chicago encourages those celebrating to do so safely and responsibly. We remind those participating in events to be respectful of their neighbors and communities, as well as workers at critical facilities such as hospitals. Everyone should also be mindful of first responders and emergency vehicles that are required to pass through areas where celebrations are occurring citywide.

 

The City is taking the appropriate measures to ensure the safety of all residents around all celebratory activities throughout the city. Video message from a First Responder.  To ensure the safe movements of all vehicles and persons downtown, the Chicago Police Department will be visible and present to ensure safe celebrations. CPD will enforce adherence to traffic regulations, including those in instances of illegal obstruction, stopping, parking, and/or interference of traffic.

 

OEMC is activating the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to monitor events citywide and coordinate resources and responses to emergency situations. Traffic Control Aides (TCA’s) will be available for select events to help monitor traffic.

 

This weekend’s events include:

 

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Chicagoland Out of the Darkness Walk to fight suicide is at Montrose Harbor on Saturday, September 14 at 11 a.m., with events beginning at 9 a.m.  The walk location is just east of Lakeshore Drive at Montrose Avenue and Simonds Drive. The AFSP Chicagoland Walk to Fight Suicide | Event Details (chicagowalk.org)

 

The 19th Annual Race to Wrigley Charity Run is Saturday, September 14 at 8 a.m.  Street closures include:  

The Guatemalan Independence Day Parade is Sunday, September 15 with a 11 a.m. step-off in Albany Park neighborhood.  Assembly begins at 8 a.m. at California Ave between Montrose Ave and Berteau Ave and steps off from 2800 W Montrose, proceeds west on Montrose then north on Kimball and disbands at Wilson.

Deon Cole is at Wintrust Arena on Saturday, September 14 at 8 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. www.wintrustarena.com

Lakeview East Festival of the Arts is Saturday, September 14 and Sunday, September 15 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. along Broadway Belmont to Hawthorne.  Lakeview East Festival of the Arts - Chicago's Premier Art Festival

Chicago Fire vs New York Red Bull is Saturday, September 14 at 7:30 p.m. at Soldier Field. Expect additional traffic in the area with other festivities, including El Grito and other events. Gate O opens two hours before kickoff.  All other gates open 90 minutes prior to kickoff.  www.soldierfield.com

The White Sox play at Guaranteed Rate Field on Friday, September 13, 6:40 p.m. (Hispanic Heritage Night); Saturday, September 14, 6:10 p.m. (Halfway to St Patrick’s Day); Sunday, September 15 at 1:10 p.m. (Roberto Clemente Day)  www.whitesox.com

On Sunday, September 15 at 5 p.m., the Chicago Sky takes on the Phoenix Mercury at Wintrust Arena. www.chicagosky.com

After a series on the south side with the Chicago White Sox, the Oakland A’s head north to Wrigley Field on Monday, September 16 and Tuesday, September 17 at 6:40 p.m. and 1:20 p.m. on Wednesday, September 18.  www.chicagocubs.com

Expect increased traffic in the downtown area and where events are taking place citywide due to celebratory activities through September 16. If they become necessary, expect street closures in the Central Business District along with diversions to control traffic flow. Plan accordingly and allow extra time if traveling in the area.  Residents who live or work in the affected area, employees and all critical care workers will be allowed entry at one of the access points below.

If you are planning to head to El Grito in Grant Park, the parade, special event or local restaurants and establishments, utilize transportation options like the CTA, Metra, Uber, Lyft.

 

Saturday, September 14 and Sunday, September 15, 2 p.m. – 10 p.m.

The event in Grant Park’s Butler Field will feature music, food and a celebration of Mexico’s independence. Jackson will be closed from Columbus to DuSable Lake Shore Drive. Public transportation is strongly encouraged. Parking is available through the event parking partner, Millennium Garages. Their Millennium Park Garage and Millennium Lakeside Garage are just across the street from the festival at 5 S Columbus Drive. Book your parking online HERE to receive the custom El Grito parking discount. For complete details, visit Grito Fest | Festival in Chicago, IL (elgritochicago.com).

 

Sunday, September 15, 10 a.m. – Noon

The annual El Grito 5K starts at the corner of 26th St. and Kostner and proceeds to Kedzie Ave where participants turn and head back down 26th St. to Manual Perez, Jr. Plaza. For details, visit ElGrito.enmotive.com/events.

Sunday, September 15 Noon – 3 p.m.

The parade will continue its tradition by kicking-off from the historic Little Village Arch located on 26th street and Albany Avenue and proceed down 26th street to Kostner Avenue. For complete details, visit LittleVillageChamber.org/26th-street-mexican-independence-day-parade/

Sunday, September 15, Step Off: 1 p.m. (Assembly begins at 10 a.m.)

The parade route will head south along Commercial Avenue from 87th St. to 100th St. and disband at 101st St to 103rd St.

 

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. “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.” 

For safety and preparedness at your fingertips, residents and festival goers are encouraged to download the Chicago OEMC App. The public safety tool provides safety information, preparedness tips, emergency alerts, weather information and more in the palm of your hand. Users will also have access to current forecasts, radar, and other weather-related information as well. The app is available through the Apple App and Google Play stores or visit the website, Chicago.gov/OEMC. 

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 be used between friends and family members as a meeting point if you become separated. For complete details, click Chicago.gov/OEMC/Pole Marking/Location Identifiers.

 

Public Transportation: As for any large–scale event, public transportation is encouraged, and both CTA and Metra will provide service. For more information, visit CTA at TransitChicago.com and Metra.com.

Weather and Public Safety:  OEMC will monitor events through a collaboration with public safety partners. OEMC advises Chicagoans to be aware of weather conditions and to follow instructions and heed all warnings from public safety officials. Residents are encouraged to check the weather before heading out. For the most up-to-date information, please tune into local media or download a weather app. 

OEMC issues alerts and notifications needed to keep residents and attendees up to date on weather conditions and emergencies.  

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).