The Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) is reminding the public to remain alert and be aware of surroundings as the Argyle Street Lunar New Year and the Chinatown Lunar New Year Parades step off on Saturday, January 28 and Sunday, January 29. Expect street closures, additional crowds, parking restrictions and increased traffic in the area of the events. As always, OEMC will monitor weather conditions and stresses the importance of reporting suspicious activity to on-site event security or by calling 9-1-1.  

“As Chicago plans for Chinese New Year Celebrations, OEMC is reminding everyone to be observant and, as with every large gathering, be aware of your surroundings and take action by calling 9-1-1 should something appear to be criminally suspicious,” said Rich Guidice, Executive Director of OEMC.  

While there is no actionable intelligence in Chicago, security will be strengthened for the Lunar New Year celebrations with increased police visibility and presence at these events.   

Report Suspicious Activity:  If you See Something Say Something. 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.   

Citywide deployments for the weekend are planned in order to ensure the safety and security of the public.  The OEMC will monitor events and weather conditions citywide from the Operations Center and coordinate public safety resources as needed. Traffic Control Aides (TCAs) will be on hand to direct traffic flow and impacts.   

Argyle Street Lunar New Year Parade – Saturday, January 28  

Saturday, January 28, step-off at 1 p.m., Assembly at 11 a.m.  

Assembly: Argyle, between Winthrop and Sheridan)  

Parade Route: Proceeds from Argyle and Winthrop, west on Argyle, north on Broadway, east on Winona, and south on Sheridan back to Argyle Street.  

*Note:  The parade is being rerouted this year due to construction and will not proceed on Ainslie.  

Disbanding area: Sheridan south on Argyle  

Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade – Sunday, January 29  

Sunday, January 29, step-off 1 p.m., Assembly at 11 a.m.  

Assembly:  Wentworth Avenue from 24^th Place to 26^th Street  

Parade Route:  Proceeds north on Wentworth from 24^th Street to Cermak Road to Princeton Avenue. For additional details, visit ccc-foundation.org/lunar-new-year-parade/  

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. For the most up-to-date weather 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.   

• NotifyChicago alerts, sign up at NotifyChicago.org  
• CHIBIZ: For alerts affecting businesses, TEXT “CHIBIZ” to 6-7-2-8-3  

Public Transportation: For all large events, public transportation is encouraged. Public transit is the most affordable, convenient, and environmentally friendly way to get to and from events. For more information, visit CTA at TransitChicago.com and Metra.com.  

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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