CHICAGO: The 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. 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.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to download the Chicago OEMC app. The app is a great tool to receive alerts, safety tips, weather forecasts,  street closures, event information and more. The app is available through the Apple App and Google Play stores or visit the website Chicago.gov/OEMC

Traffic Control Aides (TCAs) will be on hand at major events to direct flow and impacts from traffic. Weekend events include:

Bud Billiken Parade / Bronzeville Community

Saturday, August 9 at 10 a.m.

The 96^th Annual Bud Billiken Parade will assemble at 8 a.m. and step-off at 10 a.m. in the Bronzeville Community at King Drive from Oakwood to 45^th & King Drive and will enter Washington Park on Ellsworth Drive and continues to the end point at 55^th Street. Parade Route: 45^th St at King Drive and proceed South on King to 51^st St. East on 51^st to Ellsworth Drive in Washington Park. South on Ellsworth to Morgan Dr. and Payne Dr. for disbanding.

OEMC, the Chicago Police Department, and the Chicago Fire Department will be on-site coordinating public safety and resources. The Traffic Management Authority TCAs will be on hand to direct flow and impacts of traffic. Motorists in the area should be aware of street closures and pedestrians. For complete details, visit  BudBillikenparade.org.

Northalsted Market Days

Friday, August 8, 4–11 p.m.; Saturday, August 9 and Sunday August 10, 11 a.m.–10 p.m.

The live music street festival celebrating community in Chicago’s landmark Northalsted//Lakeview neighborhood. The festival stretches a ½ mile on North Halsted from Belmont to Addison. Entrances are at Belmont, Addison, Aldine, Roscoe and Cornelia. For details, visit northalsted.com/main-events/northalsted-market-days/

Taste of Chicago in Albany Park

Saturday, August 9, noon–8 p.m.

Chicago’s iconic Taste of Chicago will be in Albany Park on Kimball Ave. between Lawrence Ave. and Leland Ave. Free admission. For details visit TasteofChicago.us.

Sabor Taco & Tequila  Fest

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

The festival takes place in Pilson at 18^th and Halsted.  For complete details, visit WindyCityEvents.co/Sabor-Taco-Tequila-Fest

Printer’s Row Art Fest

Saturday, August 9–Sunday, August 10, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The annual festival is located at 701 S. Dearborn St. from Harrison St. to Polk St. For additional details, visit AmdurProductions.com/Printers-Row-Art-Fest-new/.

Navy Pier Fireworks

Saturday, August 9 at 10 p.m.

Navy Pier will present a fireworks show each Wednesday and Saturday through August 30. Wednesday shows begin at 9 p.m. and Saturday shows begin at 10 p.m. For additional details, visit NavyPier.org/summer-fireworks

2025 Pakistan Independence Day Parade

Sunday, August 10

The parade assembly begins at 11:30 a.m. at 2000 W. Devon Ave and will step off at 12:30 a.m. on West Devon Ave. and proceed on Devon to Western Ave.

Chicago Bears v. Miami Dolphins – Soldier Field

Sunday, August 10, 12 p.m.

The pre-season game at Soldier Field will begin at noon, gates open at 10 a.m. For game day details, visit SoldierField.com/

Pole Markers/Location Identifiers: Grant Park and Lakefront Poles Markers/Location Identifiers: For public safety on the lakefront, residents are reminded to be aware of the numbers attached to the poles throughout the Grant Park area, along various points on the lakefront path and on DuSable Lake Shore Drive from 5700 North to 6600 South to help them reference their location along the lakefront and within the park if you call 9-1-1 in an emergency. OEMC call takers and dispatchers will be able to provide the location for first responders. They can also be used between friends and family members as meeting point if you become separated. For additional 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 events citywide. 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 the Chicago OEMC 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 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

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), Instagram (chicago_oemc_911), Bluesky (@chicagooemc.bsky.social) and Threads (@chicago_oemc_911).

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About the Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC)

Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) oversees a number of functions that support public safety and provides assistance to residents 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The OEMC manages the following operational areas for the city: 9-1-1 call taking and dispatch; the 3-1-1 call center; emergency management; and traffic management. The OEMC coordinates with departments citywide, including the Chicago Police Department and Chicago Fire Department, in addition to various other local, state, and federal agencies as it relates to public safety planning and coordination for everything from large-scale special events to public safety emergencies and disasters. In 2025, the OEMC marks 30 years serving the residents of the City of Chicago. OEMC is committed to closely partnering with local, regional, state, and federal partners to achieve seamless integration and complementary missions.