As the first weekend of fall begins, 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.  It is important to remain vigilant every day – especially in crowds - to enjoy events safely.

 

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. “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.”

 

The City of Chicago will have citywide deployments to ensure the safety and security of the public. The OEMC will monitor 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.

 

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.

The Lifetime Chicago Half Marathon & 5K is Sunday, September 29 with the start and finish in Jackson Park (63rd St/Hayes Dr & Richards Dr).   Lake Shore Drive between 31st & 67th St closes Sunday at 6 a.m. for the 7 a.m. start of the Half Marathon.  The 5K will start at 7:45 a.m.  Street closures begin on Saturday, September 28 on E Hayes Dr from DuSable Lake Shore Drive to Cornell and S Richards Dr from Hayes to Marquette at 8 a.m.  Additional street closures on Sunday include:

For more info chicagohalfmarathon.com/

 

The Randolph Street Market at 1341 W Randolph St is Saturday, September 28 and Sunday, September 29 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.  Randolph Street Market Festival September 28+29 | Randolph Street Market Festival

 

Jeff Lynne’s ELO The Over and Out Tour is at United Center on Friday, September 27 and Saturday, September 28 at 8 p.m. Gates open at 6:30 p.m.  Parking lots and the Uber/Rideshare lot open at 5:30 p.m.  The Uber Zone is located on the corner of Madison Street and Wood Street (Lot E).  Public transportation is available with access to United Center via the CTA Orange, Green, Purple, or Brown lines to Madison or take #20 Madison buses west.  Jeff Lynne's ELO - September 27, 2024 | United Center

 

Porter Robinson with ericdoa is at Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island, 1300 S. Linn White Dr on Friday, September 27 at 8 a.m.  Visiting Huntington Bank Pavilion: Parking, Amenities, Frequently Asked Questions

 

On Saturday, September 28, runners step-off at 9 a.m. and at 9:05 a.m. walkers step-off at Soldier Field for the 2024 Komen Chicago Race for the Cure.  Susan G. Komen® - 2024 Komen Chicago Race for the Cure (info-komen.org)

 

The Sino Chinese American Friendship Parade steps off at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 28.  Expect street closures along the route from Chinatown on Wentworth Ave and 24th Street and proceeds north on Wentworth to Cermak, west on Cermak to Princeton and disbands. 

 

The Chicago Bears vs Los Angeles Rams at Soldier Field is a noon kick-off on Sunday, September 29.  Parking lots open 8 a.m. and gates open at 10 a.m. Traffic Control Aides (TCA’s) will be on hand to facilitate traffic. soldierfield.com

 

The Chicago Cub are home at Wrigley Field this weekend playing the Cincinnati Reds on Friday, September 27 at 1:20 p.m., Saturday, September 28 at 1:20 p.m. and Sunday, September 29 at 2:20 p.m. (fan appreciation weekend). Official Chicago Cubs Website | MLB.com

 

As a reminder, fall boat runs will take place on Saturday, September 28 at 9 a.m. with 27 bridges will be lifted in succession from Lake Shore Drive to Ashland Avenue Bridge on the south branch of the Chicago River to allow sailboats and other recreational boats to make their annual trip from the open waters of Lake Michigan to their winter storage facilities. 

 

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 be used between friends and family members as a meeting point if you become separated. For complete details, click Chicago.gov/OEMC/Pole Marking/Location Identifiers.

 

Public Transportation: As for any large–scale event, public transportation is encouraged, and both CTA and Metra will provide additional service for the event. For more information, visit CTA at TransitChicago.com and Metra.com.

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.  

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).