Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) is advising residents, to stay vigilant and to enjoy the various citywide events and festivals this weekend safely and responsibly. The OEMC will monitor weekend events and weather conditions citywide from the Operations Center and coordinate public safety resources with critical stakeholders as 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.”

As a reminder, Ida B Wells (Michigan to Columbus), Jackson (Michigan to DuSable Lake Shore Drive), and Columbus (Jackson to Roosevelt) remains closed through July 10 while crews continue to work to dismantle structures and reinstate streets due to the NASCAR Street Race. Balbo from DuSable Lake Shore Drive to Michigan also remains closed through July 13.

The Chosen Few Old School Reunion Picnic – Jackson Park

Saturday, July 8, 8 a.m.–10 p.m.

The annual Chosen Few DJ’s annual picnic is held in Jackson Park at 6401 S Stony Island. Street Closure: Hayes Dr. from DuSable Lake Shore Drive to Cornell Dr. For complete details, visitchicagoevents.com/event/the-chosen-few-old-school-reunion-picnic .

West Fest – West Town

Friday, July 7, 5–10 p.m.; Saturday, July 8 and Sunday, July 9, noon–10 p.m.

West Fest Chicago is an annual street festival held in Chicago’s West Town Community on Chicago Avenue between Damen Avenue and Wood Street (1800–2000). For complete details, visit WestTownChamber.org

Dave Matthews Band – Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island

Friday, July 7 and Saturday, July 8

Parking lots open at 4:30 p.m., gate opens at 5:30 p.m. and the concert begins at 7:30 p.m.

Square Roots Festival – Lincoln Square

Friday, July 7, 5-10 p.m., Saturday, July 8 and Sunday, July 9, noon-10 p.m.

The festival in the Lincoln Square neighborhood is located on Lincoln Avenue between Montrose and Wilson. For complete details, visit SquareRoots.org  .

Southport Arts Festival – Wrigleyville

Saturday July 8, 10 a.m.- 9 p.m. and Sunday, July 9, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Located in the Southport corridor at W. Waveland and N. Southport. For complete details, visit  StarEvents.com/SouthportArtsFestival

White Sox v. Cardinals– Guaranteed Rate Field

Friday July 7 at 7:10 p.m., Saturday July 8 and Sunday, July 9 at 1:10 p.m.  For complete details, visit Mlb.com.

Fireworks at Navy Pier – Navy Pier

Saturday, July 8 at 10 p.m.

For complete details, visit NavyPier.org

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 immediately download, click HERE 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 See be used between friends and family members as a meeting point if you become separated. For complete details, click HERE.

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 the NASCAR Chicago Street Race. For more information, visit CTA at TransitChicago.com and Metra.com.

Motorists in the areas around Grant Park should be prepared for traffic impacts due to the takedown of the NASCAR event. Traffic Control Aides (TCAs) will be on to direct flow and impacts from traffic. 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-St.udy

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).