Chicago Celebrates Mexican Independence Day with Multiple Events

The City of Chicago will celebrate Mexican Independence Day with multiple events and parades citywide beginning Friday, September 12, and continuing through the official holiday on Tuesday, September 16. Other large events taking place include Lady Gaga at the United Center, the Lakeview East Festival of Arts and more. Public Transportation is strongly recommended, and residents should plan ahead and allow extra time before heading out.

The City of Chicago encourages those celebrating to do so safely and responsibly. We remind those participating in events to be respectful of their neighbors and communities, as well as workers at critical facilities such as hospitals. They should also be mindful of first responders and emergency vehicles that are required to pass through areas where celebrations are occurring citywide.

The City is taking the appropriate measures to ensure the safety of all residents around all celebratory activities throughout the city.

OEMC is activating the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to monitor events taking place citywide. The EOC will coordinate resources and responses to emergency situations throughout the city.

Downtown Traffic Mitigation Plan

The Chicago Police Department will enforce adherence to traffic regulations and uniformed Chicago Police Officers will be visible and present to ensure safe celebrations.

Residents may experience increased traffic in the downtown area. If traveling to and from the area, plan accordingly and allow extra time. In extreme circumstances, street closures limiting transit in the Central Business District and diversions to control traffic flow may be necessary.

Residents who live or work in the impacted area, employees and all critical care workers will be allowed entry and may be asked to show their driver's license or Employee ID at one of the access points below by a uniformed Chicago Police Officer. If you are driving in to attend an event or have reservations in the impacted area, please plan to provide proof of your reservation (i.e. ticket, electronic confirmation, or other documentation). These procedures will not apply to pedestrians.

In the event of limiting vehicle access to the downtown area, the following locations will serve as access points:

• Chicago/Green
• Halsted/Washington
• Halsted/Madison
• Halsted/Jackson
• Division/LaSalle
• Roosevelt/Canal
• Taylor/Desplaines
• 18^th/State
• 18^th/Michigan
• 18^th/Indiana

Mexican Independence Day Activities and Citywide Events

If you are planning to head to one of the parades, a special event or local restaurants and establishments, public transportation is strongly encouraged.

2025 El Grito 5K Family Run/Walk - Little Village

Sunday, September 14, 9 a.m.

The annual El Grito 5K starts at the corner of 26^th St. and Kostner and proceeds to Kedzie Ave where participants turn and head back down 26^th St. to Manual Perez, Jr. Plaza. For details, visit El Grito 5K Family Run/Walk.

26^th Street Mexican Independence Day Parade - Little Village

Sunday, September 14, Noon - 3 p.m.

The parade will continue its tradition by kicking-off from the historic Little Village Arch located on 26th street and Albany Avenue and proceeding down 26th street to Kostner Avenue. For complete details, visit littlevillagechamber.org/membership/events/26th-street-mexican-independence-day-parade/.

Annual Mexican Independence Day Parade - Commercial Avenue

Sunday, September 14, Step Off: 1 p.m.

The parade route will head south along Commercial Avenue from 87^th St. to 100^th St. and disband at 101^st St to 103^rd St.

Lakeview East Festival of the Arts 2025

Saturday, September 13 and Sunday, September 14, 11 a.m.. - 7 p.m.

The festival location is on N. Broadway from Belmont to Hawthorn. For details, visit Lakeview East Festival of the Arts - Chicago's Premier Art Festival.

Street closures include the following:

• Broadway: 3200N-3455N
• Aldine: 545W-623W
• Roscoe: 544W-617W
• Melrose: 544W-617W
• Buckingham: 600W-621W

Lady Gaga at the United Center at 8 p.m.

Monday, September 15, Wednesday, September 17 and Thursday, September 18

'The MAYHEM Ball' tour with stops at United Center on September 15, 17, and 18. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. For details, visit Lady Gaga - September 15, 17 & 18, 2025 | United Center

Report Suspicious Activity: If You See Something, Say Something™ OEMC reminds the public to be aware of their surroundings and to report suspicious activity - especially in large gatherings. 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. "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."

Chicago OEMC App - Know Before You Go

For safety and preparedness, residents and festival goers are encouraged to download the Chicago OEMC App. The public safety tool provides safety information, preparedness tips, emergency alerts, weather information and more in the palm of your hand. Users will also have access to current 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.

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 service. 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 a weather 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 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

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).