Another busy weekend in Chicago with the Chicago Bears home opener and the Taste of Chicago as well festivals and parades happening throughout the city. The Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) is advising residents and visitors to be aware of street closures, additional crowds, increased traffic and to plan accordingly.   

  

This weekend, the City of Chicago will have citywide deployments to ensure the safety and security of the public. The OEMC will monitor weekend events and weather conditions citywide from the Operations Center and will coordinate public safety resources with critical stakeholders as needed. Traffic Control Aides (TCAs) will be on hand at select events citywide to direct flow and impacts from increased traffic.  

  

Mexican Independence Day Activity  

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. They 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 Mexican Independence Day commemoration activities. The Chicago Police Department (CPD) and the Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) has been preparing for the upcoming Mexican Independence Day celebrations. In addition to regular meetings to coordinate resources, CPD and OEMC will be working to manage traffic and monitor events citywide. Car caravans that create a threat to public safety will not be tolerated. We also remind everyone that drag racing and drifting are not only illegal, but dangerous. Anyone in violation of the ordinance will be held accountable.  

 

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.”  

  

Chicago OEMC App – Know Before You Go  

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.  

 

Taste of Chicago in Grant Park  

Friday, September 8 – Sunday, September 10, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.   

Returning to its Grant Park home near Buckingham Fountain for 2023, Taste of Chicago will once again showcase the vibrant diversity of the City of Chicago’s culinary offerings alongside world-class musical performances, drawing visitors from across the country and around the globe. For additional details, visit TasteofChicago.us.  

Street closures are in place and will reopen on Monday, September 11 by 4 p.m. 

• Columbus from Balbo to Monroe 
• Ida B Wells from Michigan to Columbus   
• Jackson from Michigan to Lake Shore  

Stop by the OEMC table at the Taste on Saturday and Sunday to get some 9-1-1 and emergency preparedness tips during National Preparedness Month. 

Run Mag Mile 5K and 10K   

Saturday, September 9 at 7 a.m.  

The Run Mag Mile 5K and 10K is a race to highlight the beauty of Michigan Ave and the Lakefront. With 5k and 10k distances, this race will shut down the Magnificent Mile. 2023 course update: Both 5K and 10K runners will start on Ida B. Wells and finish on Columbus Drive, just North of Buckingham Fountain. For race details, including the course, visit RunMagMile.com.  

 

RBD Soy Rebelde Tour 2023 at Guaranteed Rate Field  

Thursday, September 7 and Friday, September 8  

The best-selling Latin group in the 21^st century performs two Chicago show at Guaranteed Rate Field. Parking lots open at 5 p.m., gates open at 5:30 p.m., anticipated show start at 7:30 p.m. and anticipated show end is 10:30 p.m. For additional details, visit  mlb.com/whitesox/ballpark/know-before-you-go  

 

Susan G. Komen 3-Day  

Friday, September 8 – Sunday, September 10   

3 Days. 60 Miles. The walk dedicated to ending breast cancer takes place along the lakefront and in neighborhoods throughout the city. For complete details, visit The3day.org.  

  

Pilsen Mexican Independence Day Parade  

Saturday, September 9  

The parade steps off at noon and proceeds along 19^th Street from Newberry To Wolcott.   

  

Von Steuben German Day Parade  

Saturday, September 9, 2 p.m.  

The parade steps off at 2 p.m. at Lincoln Ave. and Irving Park Rd. to Eastwood, West to Western, then to Lawrence. For additional details, visit GermanDay.com/event/steuben-parade 

 

Chicago German-American Oktoberfest 

Friday, September 8 (5 p.m.-11 p.m.), Saturday, September 9 (noon-11 p.m.) & Sunday, September 10 (noon-10 p.m.) 

Located in Lincoln Square, at the corner of Lincoln and Western, the Oktoberfest parade is at 2 p.m. from Irving Park Rd., north to Eastwood, west to Western and north to Lawrence.  Chicago German-American Oktoberfest Sept 8-9-10, 2023 | German Day Events 

  

Lakeview East Festival of the Arts  

Saturday, September 9 – Sunday, September 10, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.  

The 18^th annual festival will take place in the Lakeview neighborhood along Broadway from Belmont to Hawthorne. For additional details, visit LakeviewEastFestivaloftheArts.com.  

  

Printers Row Lit Fest  

Saturday, September 9 and Sunday September 10, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.  

Located on Dearborn St. from Polk St. to Ida B. Wells Dr. Street closures include Federal St. between Harrison and Polk, Dearborn St. between Harrison and Ida B Wells, Polk St. between Clark and Plymouth Ct.  The largest free outdoor literary showcase in the Midwest, features indoor and outdoor programming throughout the weekend. More than 100,000 visitors are expected over the two-day festival. For additional details, visit printersrowlitfest.org  

  

Bears Home Opener / Soldier Field    

Sunday, September 10, 3:25 p.m.  

The Chicago Bears take on the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field for their first home game of the 2023 season at noon on Saturday. Parking lots open at 11:25 a.m. and gates open at 1:25 p.m.
Fan Safety:    

• Fans attending the game are required to enter Soldier Filed using a mobile ticket.    
• Soldier Field’s NFL clear bag policy will be in effect for this event. Clear plastic bags/backpacks that do not exceed 12"x6"x12" or one gallon (or smaller) clear plastic freezer bags are allowed. Small clutch bags, approximately the size of a hand, with or without a handle or strap, may be carried into the stadium along with one of the clear bag options. For complete details including a list of prohibited items, visit ChicagoBears.com/game-day/coming-to-the-game    

Parking, Ride-Share and Transportation:     

• Rideshare Uber/Lyft drop-off/pick-up is located at Balbo and Columbus. The 18th St. turnaround will also be designated for drop-offs and the 18th St. McCormick lot will be utilized for pick-ups. Rideshare users are urged to be alert and take the necessary precautions before entering a ride-share vehicle.    
• No exiting from vehicles on or along DuSable Lake Shore Drive will be condoned.    
• Residential parking restrictions are in effect around Soldier Field. Call 3-1-1 to locate towed vehicles.  
• Traffic Control Aides (TCAs) will be on hand to facilitate traffic.   

  

Cubs v. Diamondbacks / Wrigley Field  

Thursday, September 7 at 6:40 p.m., Friday, September 8, Saturday, September 9 and Sunday, September 10 at 1:20 p.m.  

For complete details before heading out, visit mlb.com/cubs/ballpark  

  

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 summertime events.   

  

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.   

• Sign up for NotifyChicago alerts at NotifyChicago.org  
• 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  

Grant Park and Lakefront Poles Markers/Location Identifiers: For public safety on the lakefront, residents and visitors are reminded to be aware of the numbers attached to the light poles throughout the Grant Park area and along the lakefront. The green signs with white letters and numbers are also located from 2400 N. DuSable Lake Shore Drive to 6600 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, and on the lakefront from Oak Street to Fullerton and Montrose to Foster Avenue to help residents reference their location within the park to friends, family and first responders if there is an emergency and you call 9-1-1.  

  

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).