CHICAGO: The Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) is reminding residents and visitors attending the many events this weekend to be aware of weather and traffic impacts and stresses the importance of always cognizant of your surroundings.  As always, report suspicious activity to on-site event security or by calling 9-1-1. Attendees of events and those at large gatherings are reminded to know your location and have a meeting spot or plan should you become separated from your group in an emergency.

 

With heat and humidity being forecasted OEMC encourages residents to be prepared for extreme heat and severe weather impacts.  The combination of heat and humidity may make it feel around or above 100°F for several days in a row. For cooling center locations visit Cooling Centers - Map | City of Chicago | Data Portal. Residents should contact 3-1-1 for the nearest location and hours. Note: Only the Park District facilities listed on the data portal provide access to air conditioning, as some facilities are not air-conditioned. 

 

To amplify our efforts to protect residents and communities citywide, OEMC and the Chicago Police Department activated the virtual Summer Operations Center (SOC) each weekend through Labor Day. The SOC provides strategic oversight and coordinated citywide deployment of public safety personnel and assets to enhance our ongoing collaborative efforts around crime and violence reduction.

 

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. City of Chicago :: If You See Something, Say Something

Event goers and residents should also plan for and be aware of the potential extreme heat that is expected on Saturday and Sunday.  Stay hydrated, dress accordingly and stay connected for weather updates.

 

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.

The inaugural North Lawndale Juneteenth Parade begins at 9:00 a.m. at 16th Street and Kostner Avenue. Streets will be closed along the parade route which proceeds east on 15th Street, south on Kostner Avenue, east on 16th Street, and south on Homan to Ogden Avenue. https://www.nlcccgrowss.org/2025/06/dont-miss-very-first-annual-north.html

Simple Minds: Alive & Kicking Tour 2025 is at 7 p.m. at Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island on Friday.

 

This annual event is on Ashland between 45th Street and 47th Street from noon until 10 p.m.  Street closures and parking restrictions are in effect Wednesday, June 18 from 6 p.m. through Monday, June 23 6 a.m.:

 

Chicago Cubs host Mariners at Wrigley Field on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 1:20 p.m. mlb.com/cubs

 

Showcasing original art around the country, the Magnificent Mile Art Festival is located in the plaza and sidewalks of 875 North Michigan Avenue from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Chicago Pride Fest is at Northhalsted on Halsted Street from Addison to Grace Street.  The main gate is at Halsted and Addison, with other gates located at Broadway/Grace, Waveland and Broadway from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Security measures are in place at the event including inspection of all bags prior to entry. Parking restrictions begin at 9 a.m. on Friday on:

 

The annual festival is a celebration of vegan cuisine in Butler Field at Grant Park from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. vegandalefest.com/chicago/

 

Saturday, June 21 at 10 p.m. at Navy Pier

Navy Pier will present a fireworks show each Wednesday and Saturday through August 30.  NavyPier.org/summer-fireworks

 

As a reminder, motorists should be aware of street closures beginning Thursday for the set-up of the Nascar Chicago Street Race taking place July 5-6.  Balbo will be closed Thursday and reopens Monday, July 14.  Additional closures will be begin June 23.  HOME - NASCAR Chicago Street Race

 

Grant Park and Lakefront Pole 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.

 

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.

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. We encourage residents to check the weather before heading out. For the most up-to-date weather information, please tune into local media or download a weather app. 

 

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 and issues affecting businesses:

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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.