The City of Chicago will mark the 4th of July holiday weekend with the multiple events, Cubs games, parades, fireworks at Navy Pier and more. The holiday will be followed by the NASCAR Chicago Street Race in Grant Park on Saturday, July 5 and Sunday, July 6. The Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) is advising residents to stay vigilant and celebrate the holiday safely and responsibly.

 

The City of Chicago will have citywide deployments over the July 4th Holiday to ensure the safety and security of the public. OEMC will monitor weekend events and weather conditions citywide from the Operations Center and coordinate public safety resources with critical stakeholders. CPD and CFD will have additional special event resources deployed for the 4th of July holiday and the NASCAR Chicago Street Race which will ensure no degradation to response and mitigation resources across all city neighborhoods.

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.

 

For safety and preparedness this Summer, residents and visitors are encouraged to gear up and download the Chicago OEMC App. The public safety tool provides safety information, preparedness tips, emergency alerts, CHI Safe Walk, weather information, and more in the palm of your hand. Users will also have access to current events and 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 Chicago Fire Department wants to remind everyone that fireworks are banned statewide and that the City of Chicago also bans sparklers and bottle rockets. The injuries incurred every year range from minor burns to devastating and life-changing injuries that include loss of fingers, damage to eyes, and fatalities. The Chicago Fire Department is prepared with enough resources to respond to any emergency. Residents and visitors are encouraged to take advantage of the many fireworks shows put on by venues such as Navy Pier and countless professional displays in the area. Leave the fireworks to the professionals.

 

The Chicago Park District urges patrons to enjoy the beaches safely and responsibly and look for “No Swimming Allowed” signage that indicates that swimming is not sanctioned in that area. Visitors should consult the district’s website or social media platforms to ensure water conditions are safe for swimming before heading out to the beach and only enter the water when a lifeguard is on duty. Swim hours are 11am to 7pm, daily, through Labor Day. Swimming anywhere else along the lakefront is not permitted. For details and information on a beach or pool near you, visit ChicagoParkDistrict.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 with all busy weekends and large–scale events citywide 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.

 

Motorists in the areas where events are happening should be prepared for heavy 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. Residents and motorists should be aware of the following large events.

Tuesday, July 1 at 7:05 p.m., Wednesday, July 2 at 7:05 p.m. and Thursday, July 3 at 7:05 p.m.

Friday, July 4 at 1:20 p.m., Saturday, July 5 at 1:20 p.m. and Sunday, July 6 at 5:10 p.m.

For details, visit MLB.com/Cubs

 

To celebrate Independence Day weekend, Navy Pier will have an on Wednesday, July 2 at 9 p.m. and an extended display on Saturday, July 5 at 10 p.m. For details, visit NavyPier.org

The annual parade on Independence Day in Hyde Park steps off at 11 a.m. at 1525 E. 53rd St., ending at Nichols Park at 1355 E. 53rd St. for a picnic and festival. For details, visit 4thon53rdParade.com.

 

The NASCAR Chicago Street Race brings the NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series street races for the second year to Grant Park. Residents and visitors are encouraged to be mindful of the traffic impacts, as well as safety measures in place. Motorists in the areas around Grant Park and the Loop during the week leading up to and during race weekend should be prepared for heavy traffic and possible reroutes. For complete details, Residents can download the community brochure, maps, street closure information, FAQs, parking restrictions, and more at NASCARChicago.com/localinfo/, email NASCAR directly at info@nascarchicago.com or view the Chicago Street Reace Video

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.

 

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.

 

For additional information on emergency preparedness, 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).