CHICAGO — The Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) is encouraging residents and visitors in Chicago this weekend to be aware of the spring events happening around the city and to be vigilant in crowds and report suspicious criminal activity to 9-1-1.

 

The City of Chicago will have citywide deployments for the weekend to ensure the safety and security of the public. OEMC will monitor weekend events and weather conditions citywide from the Operations Center and public safety resources with the Chicago Police Department, Chicago Fire Department and City of Chicago infrastructure departments.

 

Residents should be aware of possible delays in areas around events, parades or marches in neighborhoods and the Central Business District. There will be an increased police presence to ensure all those exercising their First Amendment rights can do so safely. Additional officers will also be present to maintain public safety for those living, working and visiting in the area of any demonstration.

 

As a reminder, expect bridge lifts on Saturday, May 3, beginning at 8 a.m. with the raising of 27 bridges from South Ashland Avenue to DuSable Lake Shore Drive.

 

Beyonce’s Cowboy Carter Tour will make a stop at Chicago’s Soldier Field. Parking lots open at 3 p.m., gates open at 5 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. For details, visit

soldierfield.com/events/detail/beyonce-cowboy-carter-tour.

 

The Chicago Spring Half Marathon starts at 7 a.m. and the 10K starts at 7:45 a.m.  The start and finish lines are located on Columbus Drive.  Street closures are primarily limited to race day Sunday, May 18 early morning and all closures are expected to reopen by 6 p.m. For race course, click HERE.

 

Chicago’s Cross Town Classic is on the North Side at Wrigley field, Friday through Sunday. For details, visit mlb.com/cubs/ballpark

Lincoln Park Mayfest kicks off Chicago’s festival season, bringing three days of music, food, and community fun to the heart of Lincoln Park. Held at Armitage & Sheffield (1000 Armitage). For details, visit chicagofests.com/event/chicago-mayfest-2025/.

 

The fair takes place on Lincoln Avenue between Roscoe and Melrose. For details, visit amdurproductions.com/lincoln-roscoe-art-and-craft-fair/

 

Springtime fair in Andersonville on Clark Street between W. Bryn Mawr and W. Edgewater. For details, visit RenegadeCraft.com/event/chicago-spring/

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 complete details click HERE  .

 

Residents are encouraged to download the Chicago OEMC app in order to have the latest information on weather conditions from the National Weather Service in Chicago, event information, street closures and more. To download the app, visit Chicago.gov/OEMC or the Apple or Google Play stores.

 

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 public safety information and tips, visit Chicago.gov/OEMC.

• Notify Chicago: Sign up for emergency alerts at NotifyChicago.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