Bears Home Opener, Riot Fest, Englewood Jazz Fest, Old Town Oktoberfest, Magnificent Mile Art Fest, Chicago River Swim, Race to Wrigley 5K Headline Weekend Events in Chicago

Safety Resources for Social Media, Newsletters, and More

CHICAGO - With many festivals, concerts, and athletic events this weekend, the City of Chicago is advising residents and visitors to be aware of street closures, additional crowds, increased traffic and to plan accordingly. The Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) is reminding residents and visitors of security measures in place and stresses the importance of always being aware of your surroundings and to report suspicious activity to on-site event security or by calling 9-1-1.

The City of Chicago will have citywide deployments for the weekend to ensure the safety and security of the public. The OEMC will also coordinate security efforts and resources amongst the Chicago Police Department, Chicago Fire Department and City of Chicago infrastructure departments, city agencies and private partners

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

Chicago OEMC App and CHI Safe Walk

By downloading the OEMC App, residents and event attendees can utilize the CHI Safe Walk feature that allows you to temporarily share your location with a trusted family member or friend who can track your whereabouts until you arrive at your destination safely. Should you or someone you know need emergency assistance, you are able to screenshot and share with 911 call takers and dispatchers the last known location of the person you are trying to help.

Englewood Jazz Festival

Thursday, September 17, 5:30 p.m., Friday, September 18, 5:30 p.m., Saturday, September 19, 12:00 p.m.

Three days of original music on Chicago's South Side - celebrating the next generation of creative musicians alongside centennial tributes to Oscar Brown Jr., John Coltrane, and Miles Davis. For more information, please visit: Englewood Jazz Festival

Riot Fest

Friday - Sunday, September 18 - 20, 12:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Riot Fest returns to Douglass Park starting on Friday at noon.

Full closures will be in effect at the following locations

Now through Thursday, September 24 at 11:59pm

• Sacramento Dr. from Ogden Ave. to 19th St.

• Farrar Dr. from Ogden Ave. to 19th St.

Now through Monday, September 21 at 11:59pm:

• Farrar Dr. from 12th Pl. to Ogden Ave.

Thursday, September 17 at 12:00am through Sunday, September 20 AT 11:59pm:

• Marshall Blvd. from 19th St. to 21st St.

Intermittent Closure - Local Access Only

Friday, September 18 at 12am through Sunday, September 20 at 11:59pm:

• 19th St. from California Ave. to Albany Ave.

For more information, please visit: Riot Fest 2026

Old Town Oktoberfest

Friday, September 18, 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m., Saturday, September 19, 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m., Sunday, September 20, 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

This fall, history and celebration come together at the 2nd annual Old Town Oktoberfest, happening Friday to Sunday, September 18-20. Old Town will come alive with the sights, sounds, and flavors of Bavaria in a brand-new tradition you won't want to miss. Oktoberfest is held on Wells Street between Schiller and Evergreen. For more information, please visit: Old Town Oktoberfest

Retro on Roscoe

Friday, September 18, 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m., Saturday, September 19, 12:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m., Sunday, September 20, 12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Stroll down Roscoe Street and soak in the nostalgic vibes, from decades-spanning hits on multiple stages to rows of rare and restored classic cars gleaming in the sun. Indulge in delicious eats from top local vendors, sip on craft beer and let the kids enjoy family-friendly games and activities in the dedicated children's area. For more information, please visit: Retro on Roscoe

Magnificent Mile Art Festival

Saturday - Sunday, September 19 - 20

The Magnificent Mile Spring Art Festival returns to 875 North Michigan Avenue for a weekend celebrating art, creativity, and the energy of Chicago in spring. Featuring more than 60 juried artists from across the country, the open air festival showcases original works in painting, photography, jewelry, fashion, glass art, and more, all set along one of the city's most iconic avenues. Visitors can explore the festival while experiencing the shopping, dining, architecture, and vibrant atmosphere of spring along The Magnificent Mile. For more information, please visit: Magnificent Mile Art Festival

Lakeview East Festival of the Arts

Saturday, September 19, 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m., Sunday, September 20, 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

The Lakeview East Festival of the Arts showcases more than 150 juried artists featuring paintings, sculpture, photography, furniture, jewelry and more. These original pieces are for sale in a wide range of price ranges. In addition to the art, the Festival has become a center of activity for the weekend with live demonstrations, entertainment stages, family activities and a garden oasis. For more information, please visit: Lakeview East Festival of the Arts

Minnesota Vikings @ Chicago Bears

Sunday, September 20, 12:00 p.m.

The Chicago Bears home opener kicks off at noon at Soldier Field against the Minnesota Vikings. Expect traffic delays and congestion near Soldier Field. For more information, please visit: Chicago Bears

Race to Wrigley 5K

Sunday, September 20, 8:00 a.m.

21st Annual Race to Wrigley 5K charity run steps off Sunday morning with proceeds going to Cubs charities. Street closures in the area surrounding Wrigley Field will be in effect from approximately 3:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. For more information, please visit: Race to Wrigley 5K

The Big Jump

Friday, September 18, 10:00 a.m.

The Big Jump brings together Olympians, elected officials, civic leaders, celebrities, philanthropists and the public at large for a celebration of the Chicago River's monumental transformation Lucky participants will take the plunge while raising funds for ALS research and youth swim education. For more information, please visit: The Big Jump

Chicago River Swim

Sunday, September 20, 6:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

The Chicago River Swim presented by the City of Chicago and Mayor Brandon Johnson will return for its second annual event on Sunday, bringing swimmers back to the heart of downtown Chicago for another landmark civic moment. For more information, please visit: Chicago River Swim

Ready to Run 20 Miler

Sunday, September 20, 6:30 a.m.

A fully-supported 20-mile run with a unique point-to-point course along Chicago's lakefront to help you in your marathon training. The course begins at the Montrose Wilson Track and DuSable Lake Shore Drive and Wilson Drive, south to Jackson Park. For more information, please visit: Ready to Run 20 Miler

Detroit Tigers @ Chicago White Sox

Thursday, September 17, 6:40 p.m., Friday September 18, 6:40 p.m., Saturday, September 19, 6:10 p.m., Sunday, September 20, 1:10 p.m.

The Detroit Tigers visit the South Side to take on the White Sox at Rate Field for a four game weekend series. For more information, please visit: Chicago White Sox

Pole Markes / Location Identifiers

For public safety on the lakefront, event and concert attendees are reminded to be aware of the numbers attached to the poles throughout the Grant Park area as well as along DuSable Lake Shore Drive from 5700 North to 6600 South and various points along the lakefront trail. The pole markers help reference their location within the park to event security and first responders if there is an emergency.

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 events citywide to direct flow and impacts from heavy traffic. Public transportation is encouraged. For more information on CTA services and reroutes, visit transitchicago.com or call 312-836-7000 from any area code/1-888-YOUR-I CTA.

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. 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:

• 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(facebook.com/ChicagoOEMC), TikTok (ChicagoOEMC), X (@ChicagoOEMC), Instagram (chicago_oemc_911), Bluesky (@chicagooemc.bsky.social) and Threads (@chicago_oemc_911).