CHICAGO – As summer officially begins, the Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) continues to encourage residents, visitors and participants at events to be cognizant of safety in crowds and the impacts of street closures.  This weekend, Pride Fest brings thousands to the north side and precedes the Pride Parade next weekend during National Pride Month.  Soldier Field hosts Billy Joel on Friday and Justin Timberlake performs at the United Center on Friday and Saturday. 

 

Expect traffic impacts for larger crowds and street closures.  Those attending events should plan their outings and keep safety in mind first.  Stay alert, report any suspicions relating to potential threats by calling 9-1-1.  Be aware of egress and shelter locations in the event of an emergency incident.

 

Report suspicious activity: Protecting our public spaces, event venues, and beaches is a joint effort and reporting any suspicious objects, persons, or activity to 9-1-1 immediately can help save lives. If you ever see something that appears intentionally Hidden, Obviously strange or unusual, or typically out of place for that location (The HOT Principle) or if you are ever unsure of a potential threat, please call 9-1-1 right away.  Be especially vigilant in crowds, public gatherings and high-profile events, locations or buildings and be sure to know your location and egress options in the event of an emergency.

With warm days ahead, it is always important to plan for weather conditions – whether inside at a concert or outside in the many festival venues throughout the city.  Plan accordingly for upcoming extreme heat, especially at crowded events. Stay hydrated, adhere to beach safety warnings, wear lightweight clothing, stay in shade as much as possible, seek help if you feel symptoms of heat-related illnesses and avoid overexertion and strenuous outdoor activities relative to air quality and extreme heat conditions.

 

One of Chicago’s most anticipated food festivals, Ribfest begins Friday at 5pm and Saturday and Sunday at 12 p.m.  Chicago Pride Fest is a two-day street festival on Saturday, June 22-Sunday, 23, the weekend before the Chicago Pride Parade (June 30, 2024).  The Pride Fest is located at 3600 – 3800 N. Halsted St. Event hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.  The main gate is at Halsted and Addison, with other entry gates at Halsted and Broadway/Grace, Halsted and Waveland, Broadway and Waveland. https://northalsted.com/pridefest/

Friday June 22nd at 8:00 a.m.

Friday June 22nd at 11:00 p.m.

The streets will reopen on Monday, June 19 at 11 a.m.

 

One night Only in Chicago, over 45,000 fans are expected for the “two icons, one night” performances at 7 p.m. at Soldier Field on Friday, June 21.  Parking lots open at 3:30 p.m. Gates open at 5:30 p.m.  https://www.soldierfield.com/events/detail/billy-joel-stevie-nicks

 

Justin Timberlake’s “The Forget Tomorrow World Tour” comes to Chicago on Friday and Saturday at the United Center.  Performances are at 7:30 p.m. and gates open at 6 p.m. Justin Timberlake - June 21 & 22, 2024 | United Center

 

The Chicago Cubs play the New York Mets at 1:20 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and Sunday at 6:10 p.m. at Wrigley Field.

 

There are many other festivals, music venues, athletic events and featured events around the city.  Always keep safety first priority at any venue, any time.

 

Motorists in the areas where events are happening should be prepared for increased traffic and possible reroutes. There will be some street closures in effect for larger events to ensure public safety. Traffic Control Aides (TCAs) will be on hand at select events citywide to direct flow and impacts from heavy traffic. 

Report Suspicious Activity: If you See Something, Say Something. The city reminds the public to be aware of their surroundings and to report suspicious activity. 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.

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

Residents and visitors are encouraged to download the Chicago OEMC App as a public safety tool providing public safety information, preparedness tips, emergency alerts, parade day weather information and more in the palm of your hand. The app is available through the Apple App and Google Play stores of visit the OEMC website at Chicago.gov/OEMC.

 

Chicagoans should be prepared and check the weather before heading out and for any possible weather delays. OEMC also advises attendees at events 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 the Chicago OEMC App to get the latest forecast, radar, and other information. 

 

OEMC will issue any 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 notices or issues affecting businesses: 

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).