This weekend features Bears Family Fest, Lionel Richie Concert, Black Women Expo, Jeff Fest and Taste Of Chicago In Marquette Park Along with Lollapalooza
Attendees to events should be cognizant of surroundings in large gatherings and report suspicious activity to 9-1-1
Chicago – With Lollapalooza highlighting the weekend in Grant Park, there are many other events around the city with street closures, large crowds and increased activity. The Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) will monitor events and weather conditions throughout the weekend and reminds residents, to stay vigilant and to enjoy the various citywide events and festivals safely and responsibly.
Residents and attendees should also be mindful of weather conditions including heat and possible storms and be prepared to take shelter if needed.
Report Suspicious Activity: If You See Something, Say Something. OEMC reminds the public to be aware of their surroundings – especially in large gatherings - and to report suspicious activity to 9-1-1 or notify on-site security. 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. Although the City has not received actionable threats, the Department of Homeland Security released an advisory on May 24, 2023 - National Terrorism Advisory System Bulletin. DHS emphasizes the continued heightened threat environment across the United States. It notes that “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.”
BEACH HAZARD STATEMENT: A Beach Hazard Statement has been issued by the National Weather Service in Chicago for Friday August 4 through Saturday, August 5 morning. High wave action and dangerous currents expected at Lake Michigan beaches, with wave of 3 to 5 feet expected. It is advised to remain out of the water to avoid dangerous swimming conditions and do not venture out onto piers, jetties, break walls, or other shoreline structures.
SEVERE WEATHER
OEMC will monitor weather conditions with the National Weather Service in Chicago throughout the weekend. In the event of serve storms, OEMC advises residents and visitors 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 the Chicago OEMC app.
EXTREME HEAT: Excessive heat or extreme conditions can lead to unhealthy impacts – especially over a duration of time. Public safety is the top priority of the City of Chicago and OEMC continues to monitor weather conditions daily with the National Weather Service (NWS) and will issue alerts for advisories and warnings in the event of extreme conditions.
Tips to Beat the Heat
- Stay Hydrated – drink water and hydrating drinks, avoid Alcohol, caffeine, sodas
- Stay inside, if you do not have air conditioning, keep shades drawn and blinds closed, but windows slightly open.
- Keep electric lights off or turned down.
- Minimize use of your oven and stove.
- Wear loose, light, cotton clothing.
- Take cool baths and showers.
- Do not leave anyone (including pets) in a parked car, even for a few minutes.
Attendees at Lollapalooza and other events throughout the city are urged to stay hydrated and alert for any changing weather conditions and be prepared to seek shelter if needed.
Black Womens Expo – McCormick Place, North Building
Friday, August 4 – Sunday, August 6 (10 a.m. – 7 p.m.) & Sunday, August 6 (11 a.m.-6 p.m.)
Venue includes exhibits, health displays, crafts, arts and more in the North Building of McCormick Place. For more info go to Events - McCormick Place
Jeff Fest (Jefferson Park Arts & Music Festival –Jefferson Memorial Park, 4822 N. Long
Friday, August 4 (5 p-10 pm), Saturday, August 5- Sunday August 6 (2 p.m.-10 p.m.)
Live music, food and family activities are featured. Public transportation is recommended with the Blue Line “L” stopping in Jefferson Park. For routes, directions & connections, call 773.836.7000 or visit www.transitchicago.com.
Dancing in the Streets – West Town
Friday, August 4 (5 p.m.- 10 p.m.) – Sunday, August 6 (Noon-10 p.m.)
On Hubbard Street between Paulina and Wood, this event features local restaurants, vendors, artists and music, coinciding with the popular “Days Between”, the name of the week celebrating the memory of Jerry Garcia of Grateful Dead’s birthday and date he passed away.
Dancing in the Streets | West Town Chamber
Venetian Night – Lake Michigan at Monroe Harbor
Saturday, August 5, 8:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Entertainment and decorated boat parade assemble at Monroe Harbor on Lake Michigan.
Boat Parade | Venetian Night Chicago
2023 Meijer Chicago Bears Family Fest – Soldier Field
Saturday, August 6, 9:30 a.m.
Chicago Bears first practice along with family games and activities at Soldier Field attracts estimated attendance of 15,000-18,000. Parking lots open 7:30 a.m. with practice beginning at 10:35 a.m. NFL bag policy and Enhanced Screening Procedures will be in effect. Traffic Control Aides (TCAs) will be on hand to facilitate traffic. Fans are urged to allow extra time getting to Solider Field with Lollapalooza closures in effect in Grant Park area. For details on Bears Family Fest visit https://www.
Lionel Richie and Earth Wind and Fire - United Center
Saturday, August 5, 7:30 p.m.
Gates open at 6 p.m. for the “Sing A Song All Night Long” concert. Parking and ride share information is available at https://www.unitedcenter.
Taste of Chicago Marquette Park – 6743 S. Kedzie
Saturday, August 5, Noon- 8 p.m.
Visit OEMC 9-1-1 reps at Marquette Park on Saturday for the neighborhood Taste of Chicago event featuring dozens of local food, concerts and family fun. Taste of Chicago at Marquette | Chicago Park District
Run Your Sox Off 5K – Guaranteed Rate Field
Saturday, August 5 – 9 a.m.
Race will take place around Guaranteed Rate Field parking lots with finish line in Guaranteed Rate Field followed by a post- race party on the concourse. Run Your Sox Off | Chicago White Sox (mlb.com)
Navy Pier Fireworks
Saturday, August 5, 10 p.m.
For complete details, visit NavyPier.org
Chicago Cubs vs Atlanta Braves – Wrigley Field
The Cubs play the Braves at Wrigley Field at 1:20 p.m. on Friday, August 4, Saturday, August 5 and Sunday, August 6.
NOTE: Due to the Kennedy/Edens Expressway construction, motorists may experience delays and increased traffic on local area streets as drivers find alternative routes to avoid impacts of the project. For complete details on the construction project, visit the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) website at Idot.illinois.gov/projects/
Reminder: Street closures are in place for the four-day Lollapalooza in Grant Park. Balbo, Jackson and Monroe from DuSable Lake Shore Drive to Michigan, Columbus from Monroe to Roosevelt as well as both Ida B Wells and Congress Circle/Pkwy from Michigan to Columbus are closed.
Pole Markers/Location Identifiers: For public safety on the lakefront, Grant Park 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 need to 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, see the OEMC website at City of Chicago :: 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. Public transit is the most affordable and convenient way to get to and from events. For more information, visit CTA at TransitChicago.com and Metr
The Chicago OEMC app is a great tool to download for street closures, weather and other event information. The app is available through the Apple App and Google Play Stores or to download, visit the website Chicago.gov/OEMC.
OEMC will issue 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 to receive alerts and notifications and up-to-date extreme weather conditions and other emergencies. OEMC also issues TEXT alerts for lakefront notice and issues affecting businesses:
- 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) and Instagram (chicago_oemc_911).
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About OEMC
Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) oversees several 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.