Chicago – Another busy weekend in Chicago is on deck with popular Pitchfork Music Festival, concerts, Disability Pride Parade, and other neighborhood festivals. Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) will monitor events and weather conditions throughout the city and reminds residents, to stay vigilant and to enjoy the various citywide events and festivals this weekend safely and responsibly. 

Residents and attendees should also be aware of the street closures and increased crowds in the areas and, as always, mindful of weather conditions and be prepared to take shelter if 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.” 

Pitchfork Music Festival – Union Park, 1501 W Randolph 

Friday, July 21- Sunday July 23, noon- 10 p.m. 

The ticketed three-day event showcases three stages with over 40 bands. The main gate is on Ashland, south of Lake Street and Washington Blvd/Ogden Ave.  Traffic Control Aides (TCA’s) will be on hand to facilitate traffic. For additional event details and prohibited items visit PitchForkMusicFestival.com/info 

Ride share drop-offs are only allowed on Ogden from Carroll Ave to Randolph St; no pick-up or drop-offs are allowed on Lake St. Vehicles are not allowed to stop, stand, or park in bus or bicycle lanes, fire lanes, sidewalk crossings, bridges, etc. and this is strictly enforced.  

Streets closures include: 

• 50 – 200 N Ashland Ave (East side of street)  
• 1501 – 1550 W Randolph St  
• 1550 – 1600 W Washington Blvd  
• 1550 – 1600 W Warren Blvd  
• 1400 – 1600 W Lake St (South side of street) 
  
   

Beyonce – Soldier Field 

Saturday, July 22 and Sunday, July 23, 7 p.m. 

Beyonce’s sold-out “Renaissance” world tour is at Soldier Field this weekend with two shows.  Parking lots open at 3 p.m. and gates open at 5 p.m.  TCA’s will be on hand to facilitate traffic.  For details visit, SoldierField.com/events/detail/beyonce-renaissance-world-tour-2023 

Taste of Lincoln Avenue 

Friday, July 21 (3 p.m.-10 p.m.) – Sunday, July 23, noon-10 p.m. 

Taste of Lincoln Avenue is located on Lincoln Ave at Fullerton.  Main entrance at the intersection of Lincoln Ave, Fullerton Avenue, and Halsted Street.  For details, TasteofLincolnChicago.com 

Navy Pier Fireworks  

Saturday, July 22  

10 p.m.  

For complete details, visit NavyPier.org 

Chicago Cubs vs St Louis Cardinals – Wrigley Field 

The Cubs play the Cardinals at Wrigley Field on Friday, July 21 at 1:20 p.m., Saturday, July 22 at 1:20 p.m. and Sunday, July 23 at 1:20 p.m. 

Reminder:  Balbo is closed from Columbus to DuSable Lake Shore Drive through Sunday, August 12 for Lollapalooza. 

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. To download 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 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 your event. For more information, visit CTA at TransitChicago.com and Metra.com. 

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-Study 

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: 

• 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).