Thursday | Windy with a few clouds from time to time. High 71°F. Winds WSW at 20 to 30 mph. Friday | Mostly sunny. Highs in the low 50s and lows in the low 40s. Saturday | Mix of sun and clouds. Highs in the low 50s and lows in the low 40s. Sunday | Sunshine. Highs in the upper 50s and lows in the upper 30s.
Entertainment including the City of Chicago Pipe Band, Trinity Irish Dancers, The Dirty Wellies and so much more, the Irish American Heritage Center will be celebrating the true meaning of St. Patrick’s Day.
The day-long celebration in the Fifth Province pub features live music, dance, food and drink for purchase and face painting for children.
The party is from noon to midnight and tickets are $10 for adults and children 12 and under are free. Mass is at 11:00 a.m.. Tickets can be purchased by clicking above, calling the Center office at 773-282-7035, ext. 10 or by visiting the IAHC Office.
Chicago Bulls Play the Utah Jazz
Date: Saturday, March 18th, 2017 Time: 8:00 p.m. Location: United Center
Always a great time, the Chicago Bulls light up the United Center for regular season play this weekend against the Utah Jazz. The last match-up in November proved victorious for the Bulls.
Get tickets here: http://www.nba.com/bulls/tickets
Come hungry, though! WLS-AM’s Rachel Brady takes a look at all of the delicious food you can grab while at the game.
It is also White Sox night, so if you’re not wearing your red, wear your black & white!
The Shannon Rovers Play Navy Pier
Date: Friday, March 17th, 2017 Time: 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Location: Various locations at Navy Pier
Go for an early lunch, late lunch or just skedaddle out of the office early to head to the pier for an Irish celebration at the pillar of Chicago activity.
Harry Caray’s also serving St. Pat’s Day specials:
Harp and Irish Cheddar Soup Nueske’s Applewood Smoked Bacon Cup $3.95 | Bowl $5.95
Fish and Chips $17.95 Beer Battered Cod, Cabbage Slaw, Remoulade, French Fries
Hot Corned Beef Sandwich $9.95 Seeded Rye, Swiss Cheese, French Fries
Here is when the Shannon Rovers joined the John Howell Show!
Deer Park St. Patty’s Day 5k & 10k
Date: Saturday, March 18th, 2017 Time: 7:15 a.m. Location: Deer Park Town Center
Eat corned beef, have some Guinness, and then run it off on Saturday morning in either a 3.1-mile or 6.2-mile course in the northwestern suburbs. Register now!
Traffic Restrictions & Road Projects
Crown Point, Ind. St. Pat’s Day Parade: From the Indiana Department of Transportation, there is an alert of closures on State Road 55 and U.S. 231, between E Clark Street and both S West Street and S East Street in Crown Point, Lake County Friday, March 17 from 3 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The City of Crown Point will close State Road 55 and U.S. 231 at this location to act as a parade route and for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
95th Street Red Line Terminal on the Ryan: Construction for the CTA’s 95th Street Terminal Improvement Project close the left northbound lane on I-57 and the Dan Ryan Expressway, between Halsted Street and 95th Street this weekend, continuing through the fall.
Wabash at Washington: The intersection of Wabash and Washington will be closed for the entire weekend from 9 p.m. Friday, March 17 through 6 a.m. Monday, March 20 for construction of the new elevated Washington-Wabash CTA Station.
The Chicago Department of Transportation says that motorists traveling eastbound on Washington will be detoured either left or right on State Street, back to an eastbound trip resuming on Lake or Monroe Streets.
CTA and Public Transit Weekend Alerts
It’s Transit Employee Appreciation Day and the RTA is encouraging riders to say “Thank You” to transit employees.
In a new release from the RTA, this Friday, March 17 and Saturday, March 18, the Regional Transportation Authority is asking riders to celebrate the contributions of the hard-working transit employees at Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra and Pace.
“We all know the familiar faces we see each day, whether it’s the man or woman who works at the station or the driver who makes sure we get to our destination. They become part of our daily commute and it’s nice to show we know them and appreciate the work they do,” said Leanne Redden, RTA Executive Director.
The RTA has created personalized “Thank You” cards that are available on its website that can be given to transit employees. These “transit thank you notes” are a simple and easy way to offer appreciation to the transit employees we see every day. Riders can also help spread the word about this special day by posting to their social media pages using the hashtag #LoveTransit.
Wabash at Washington: As a result of the construction work on the CTA Station at Wabash & Washington, a temporary closure of portions of the Loop elevated tracks with be required from 10 p.m. Friday until 4 a.m. Monday. Brown, Orange, Green and Pink line trains will be re-routed.
Orange and Brown Lines: Trains will operate as one route, between Kimball and Midway, via Wells and Van Buren on the Loop elevated.
Green Line: Trains will operate between Harlem and 63rd via Wells and Van Buren on the Loop elevated.
Pink Line: Trains will operate between 54th/Cermak and Polk, then to Racine Blue Line for connecting Blue Line train service to/from downtown.
For service to downtown from Pink Line stations between 54th/Cermak and Polk, take a Pink Line train toward the Loop and stay on board until the train reaches Racine on the Blue Line, where you can transfer to continuing Blue Line service into downtown.
For service from downtown to Pink Line stations between Polk and 54th/Cermak, take a Blue Line train toward Forest Park to Racine and transfer to a Pink Line train toward 54th/Cermak.
For service to/from Ashland, Morgan or Clinton stations, use Blue Line service between Racine and Jackson, and Green Line service.
Customers may transfer between the Loop elevated, and Blue and Red line subways at Harold Washington Library (Loop elevated) and Jackson (Blue and Red lines) stations. Allow extra travel time.
Quincy CTA Station: The Quincy station southeast street-to-mezzanine stairway will be temporarily closed from Thursday, March 16 until further notice. Entry/exiting between the street and station mezzanine will be available via the stairways on the northeast, northwest, and southwest corners of Quincy and Wells streets.
Submit an Event to Jen
What's on your agenda this weekend? Send it over in an email, and it's just might pop up on Jen's A-Jenda and the Big John Howell Show!
It’s the last weekend to get out to U.S. Cellular Field and grab a helmet full of nachos before the Chicago White Sox regular season comes to an end…and U.S. Cellular Field still goes by that name. Here’s some of the fun promotions.
Midnight Circus in the Parks
Date: Every weekend through October 16th!
Time: Various
Location: Various
A big show under the big top comes to local parks in Chicago each fall since 2007. The Midnight Circus has breath-taking local performers, including two rescue dogs, perform while raising funds for Chicago parks! In the past 10 years, the organization has raised more than $800,000 for the Chicago Park District!
From the website: Midnight Circus was a young, brash, troupe of performers on our first adventure together in Europe. We were enchanted with the intimate theatrical circuses we saw in the small parks and piazzas in Italy and France. The idea that families could come together in their very own communities and enjoy unique, exciting, world-class entertainment was a revelation to us. We were of the mind that you had to travel across town, fight traffic, and spend time and money parking in order to enjoy such a treat. We said to ourselves that one day we would create such a venue in our country, in our city, in our community.
Date: Saturday, October 1
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Joe’s Live in Rosemont
SWIZZLESTEVE presents “”MONSTERS of MOCK” Saturday, October 1st at Joe’s Live Rosemont featuring tributes to Guns N’ Roses, Motley Crue, Scorpions, Def Leopard & Poison.
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer
Date: Sunday, October 2
Time: Registration 7:30 a.m., Event Start: 9:00 a.m.
Location: 333 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, IL
Help finish the fight against breast cancer by joining 94.7 WLS-FM and the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of North Shore 5K walk on Sunday, October 2nd at UL in Northbrook!
When you join Making Strides, you are supporting the world’s leader in the fight to end breast cancer. The money you raise helps the American Cancer Society do the most for people with breast cancer today to end the disease tomorrow.
Sigur Rós
Date: Friday, September 30
Time: 8:30 p.m.
Location: Chicago Theatre
Sigur Rós will be hitting up the Chicago Theatre for their North American Tour this fall and it’s a special one. The band won’t be touring with an opener… Instead, they’re rocking two sets (+ intermission) beginning at 8:30pm sharp!
Lincoln Square Apple Fest
Date: Saturday, October 1 – Sunday, October 2
Time: Starting at 9 a.m.
Location: Lincoln and Leland, Lincoln Square
According to the website, dozens of vendors participate in the event yearly, selling everything from candy apples to scarves and hats. Stop by and pick up a fresh baked apple pie, a bushel of apples, hot apple cider, or even an apple pizza. Bring the kids along and hang out in the Kid Zone where children’s activities will occur throughout the day. Or relax in Giddings Plaza and listen to the wonderful sounds of local musicians. There’s sure to be something for everyone at Apple Fest!
Fish’N Kids
Date: Saturday, October 1
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Location: Northerly Island
From the Chicago Park District website:
Fee: Free
Age Range: 8 and up
Family Fishing, Fly Tying & Tenkara Fly Fishing Classes
Fishing equipment and bait provided at no cost; using Spincast Rod & Reel combos, hooks, weight, floats, jigs and lures. Tenkara fly rods. (A unique form of fly fishing.) Professional Instruction by Chicago’s Fish`N Kids Program Fishing Instructors. Learn how to fish Chicago’s Lagoons and our Lake Front Harbors. Learn how to rig the equipment we provide easily and simply, and begin to quickly catch fish.
Perfect for everyone ages 8 and up, 60 minute classes include in-class instruction and on-the-water fishing (weather permitting). Fish are not really hard to catch. You and your family can learn how we help 10,000 people per summer catch fish. Bring clothing for all kinds of weather; we fish in the rain and wind, hot or cool.
Traffic Restrictions & Road Projects
The Illinois Department of Transporation is warning drivers to expect delays on the Stevenson Expressway, under Pulaski Road.
The Pulaski bridge needs to be inspected.
Temporary lane closures are scheduled between 7 and 11 a.m.
CTA and Public Transit Weekend Alerts
BLUE LINE Sep 30 – Oct 1 10pm Fri to 5am Sat
Boarding Change, Delays Between Cumberland and Jefferson Park
How does this affect my trip? Board/exit trains on the O’Hare-bound side of the platform at the Harlem (O’Hare branch) station.
Trains in both directions will operate on the same track between Cumberland and Jefferson Park, resulting in minor delays.
Allow extra travel time.
Why is service being changed? We are performing station construction to improve the Harlem (O’Hare branch) station as part of the Your New Blue modernization program.
Oct 1 – 2 10pm Sat to 6am Sun
Oct 2 – 3 10pm Sun to 4am Mon
Boarding Change, Delays Between Jefferson Park and Irving Park
How does this affect my trip? Board/exit trains on the O’Hare-bound side of the platform at the Montrose station.
Trains in both directions will operate on the same track between Jefferson Park and Irving Park, resulting in minor delays.
Allow extra travel time.
Why is service being changed? We are performing station construction to improve the Montrose station as part of the Your New Blue modernization program.
GREEN LINE Sat, Oct 1 6am to 6pm
Delays Between Roosevelt and Cermak-McCormick Place
How does this affect my trip? Trains in both directions will operate on the same track between Roosevelt and Cermak-McCormick Place.
Allow extra travel time.
Why is service being changed? We are performing structural maintenance to ensure that trains continue to operate safely along the Green Line.
ORANGE LINE Sat, Oct 1 6am to 6pm
Delays Between Roosevelt and Halsted
How does this affect my trip? Trains in both directions will operate on the same track between Roosevelt and Halsted, resulting in minor delays.
Allow extra travel time.
Why is service being changed? We are performing structural maintenance to ensure that trains continue to operate safely along the Orange Line.
Oct 2 – 3 10pm Sun to 4am Mon
Boarding Change, Delays Between Roosevelt and Ashland
How does this affect my trip? Board/exit all trains on the Loop-bound side of the platform at the Halsted station.
Trains in both directions will operate on the same track between Roosevelt and Ashland, resulting in minor delays.
Allow extra travel time.
Why is service being changed? We are performing track maintenance to ensure that trains continue to operate safely along the Orange Line.
It’s technically the end of summer in Chicago with the beaches shutting down promptly on Monday night, and CPS going back in session come Tuesday. It’s usually a pretty busy weekend at the Chicago beaches, but here are some water sports to get in before the summer comes to an end!
Kayak Chicago at Montrose Beach, North Avenue Beach and the Chicago River https://kayakchicago.com
Kayak and Standup Paddleboard rentals
SUP classes and Lake tours
Chicago SUP at North Avenue Beach and Diversey Harbor http://www.chicagosup.com/
SUP Lessons, group outings, yoga
The Great American Lobster Fest
Date: Friday, September 2 – Saturday, September 3
Time: Noon to 10:00 p.m. on Friday
11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Saturday
Location: Navy Pier
Info from the website: The Great American Lobster Fest is the Midwest’s largest Lobster and seafood festival. We’re returning for our 3rd year to Chicago’s legendary Navy Pier on Labor Day Weekend! September 2nd and 3rd 2016, summer’s last hurrah! Enjoy live lobster flown in fresh from the cold waters of the East Coast, live music performances, family-friendly games and activities, unique craft shopping, and cold beverages. What’s not to love!?
Not a lobster fan? Not to worry, many other great food options will be available including Steak, Surf & Turf Options, and more!
The Great American Lobster Fest is an all-ages, family friendly event.
Naperville Last Fling
Friday, September 2 – Gates open at 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 3 – Gates open at 3:30 p.m.
Sunday, September 4 – Gates open at 2:30 p.m.
Monday, September 5 – Gates open at 2:00 p.m.
Location: Naperville
Sponge, Lit, Everclear, Sugar Ray…and that is just on Sunday!
From the website: The Naperville Jaycees’ Last Fling is a family-friendly community festival which takes place over Labor Day Weekend in and around Downtown Naperville and, for many, is a fun way to say farewell to summer! The Last Fling offers a wide variety of attractions for all ages to enjoy including national and local musicians on two stages, Family Fun Land, a carnival, unique special events, a business expo and a few running events.
Windy City Dub Fest
Date: Saturday, September 3
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Location: Lake County Fairgrounds
Windy City Dub Fest® 2016 will be held on Saturday, September 3rd, 2016 from Noon to 6pm CST at the Lake County Fairgrounds. Spectator Tickets and Show Registration are now available for purchase online. More information at the event website.
The Loop Luau!
Date: Friday, September 2
Time: 8:00 p.m.
Location: Northerly Island
Over the Labor Day holiday weekend, 200 local Illinois law enforcement agencies are urging motorists to “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.”
From the Illinois Department of Transportation:
“A high number of fatal traffic crashes on Illinois roads occur late at night, with an unacceptable amount involving drinking and motorists failing to buckle up, especially during the busy holiday travel periods,” said Priscilla Tobias, director of IDOT’s Office of Program Development. “Please, if you are on the road over the Labor Day weekend, drive sober and buckle up.”
Statistics show during last year’s Labor Day weekend (from 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4, until 11:59 p.m. Monday, Sept. 7) 13 people lost their lives in crashes.
Three of those fatalities involved a driver who tested positive for alcohol in their system.
“State police will be out in force with local law enforcement to get drunk drivers off the road during the Labor Day weekend,” said ISP Col. Tad Williams. “Troopers will show zero tolerance for impaired driving and seat belt law violators. Designate a driver before going out, and always buckle up,”
Here are some important safety tips:
– Designate a sober driver before going out and give that person your keys.
– Use your community’s designated driver program.
– If you are with someone who is impaired, do not let them drive.
– If you are impaired: Call a taxi, use mass transit or call a sober friend or family member to get you home safely.
– Promptly report impaired drivers, pull over to a safe location and dial 911.
– Make sure everyone in your vehicle wears a seat belt.
The “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” Labor Day crackdown began Monday, Aug. 22, and continues through the early morning hours of Tuesday, Sept. 6. It is administered by IDOT and supported by ISP local law enforcement agencies throughout Illinois.
WISDOT news release: Labor Day enforcement & travel
State Patrol will significantly increase enforcement during Labor Day weekend Construction on most major highways will be suspended for the holiday The Labor Day holiday period from Friday through Monday has been deadly on Wisconsin roads with an average of eight traffic fatalities during the last five years. Moreover, traffic fatalities so far this year are about 8 percent higher than the same period last year.To prevent deaths and injuries over the Labor Day holiday period, the Wisconsin State Patrol will use all of its available resources for high-visibility traffic safety enforcement to get motorists to buckle up, obey speed limits, drive sober, and eliminate distractions.“Every State Patrol region will be participating in special emphasis details during the upcoming holiday period to increase voluntary compliance with traffic laws, not to write more tickets,” says Lt. Col. J.D. Lind. “We’ve identified times and locations with high crash rates, and we’re concentrating our resources on those targeted areas. Our Air Support Unit pilots will be flying missions to watch for traffic violations especially speeding, tailgating, and aggressive driving. Our commercial motor vehicle inspectors will be focusing on violations of truck safety laws, including speed limits on highway corridors, and will intently monitor traffic traveling near large trucks. Many of our high-visibility patrols throughout the state will be announced in advance on WisDOT Twitter. (@WisconsinDOT, #WisDOT) to motivate motorists to make responsible decisions.”To minimize travel disruptions during the Labor Day weekend, most major highway construction projects will be suspended from about noon on Friday, Sept. 2 until 6 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 6. However, drivers may still encounter lane restrictions and traffic delays in highway work zones, according to Beth Cannestra of the WisDOT Bureau of Project Development.“To prevent crashes, drivers must slow down, pay attention and not tailgate when approaching and traveling through work zones. Rear-end collisions caused primarily by speeding, distracted driving and following other vehicles too closely are the most frequent type of crash in work zones,” Cannestra says.
“When you see orange cones, put down your phone,” she says. “To help prevent distracted driving, a new state law taking effect Oct. 1 makes it illegal to talk on a handheld mobile device while driving in a work zone.”
Traffic is expected to be heavy throughout the holiday period especially from about noon until 8 p.m. on both Friday, Sept. 2, and Monday, Sept. 5.
CTA and Public Transit Weekend Alerts
On Sunday, Sep 4, updated schedules will go into effect for several bus routes. Most routes continue to have the same frequency and span of service, but arrival times may change up to a few minutes. For a copy of the new timetable brochure for any route, see the Advance Timetables page or call 1-888-YOUR-CTA.
It’s the last weekend for the #10 Museum of Science & Industry Revised Service Period — this bus only runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Metra – This weekend Metra will offer special early departure schedules for the holiday weekend.
From the Metrarail.com website: Most of these schedules include extra service prior to the regular 5 p.m. start of the rush hour, with the cancellation or modification of some later rush hour train schedules. A summary of the early departure schedules can be found here.
“Summer’s gone by too fast and we want to make it easy to squeeze in as much extra fun as possible this holiday weekend,” said Metra Executive Director/CEO Don Orseno. “Expanding our $8 Weekend Pass to include Labor Day, plus the fact that kids 11 and under can ride free, make Metra the most affordable choice for Labor Day weekend fun in the city.”
The Chicago Jazz Festival at Millennium Park, fireworks at Navy Pier and the North Coast Music Fest at Union Park are just a few of the many events to enjoy in the city over Labor Day weekend. Metra’s $8 Weekend Pass allows unlimited rides anywhere on our system. The pass, which is normally sold on Saturdays and Sundays, will also be available for travel on the Monday holiday.
On Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 5, Metra will operate all services on a Sunday/holiday schedule. Metra SouthWest Service, Heritage Corridor and North Central Service trains will not operate on Labor Day. Alcohol restrictions will also be in effect and no alcohol will be allowed onboard Metra trains after 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 1 and Friday, Sept. 2 and all day Saturday, Sept. 3 and Sunday, Sept. 4.
Date: Tuesday, August 23 – Saturday, August 27
Time: Various
Location: Various including Navy Pier, Harris Theater and Auditorium Theatre
The 10th annual Chicago Dancing Festival will bring together leading ballet, modern and contemporary dancers from Chicago and across the country to present the largest dance festival in the nation.
Date: Friday, August 26
Time: 8:00 p.m.
Location: Wrigley Field
Legendary musician Billy Joel will return to Chicago to perform at Wrigley Field Friday, August 26, 2016. This performance will make him the first artist to play at the Friendly Confines for three consecutive years, and a record-setting fifth overall appearance.
Traffic Alert: Possible street closures on Sheffield, Clark and Waveland around the perimeter of the ballpark.
Use Red Line or #22 Clark and #152 Addison buses
Taste of Greektown
Date: Friday, August 26 – Sunday, August 28
Time: Friday from 4:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday from noon to 11:00 p.m.
Location: West Loop
From the website: Hellenic pride will take center stage when this acclaimed annual culinary fest on Halsted Street in Chicago’s happening West Loop returns for its 27th year. As most Chicagoans know, this strip of Halsted has been the epicenter of the city’s acclaimed Greek restaurant scene for decades. Quite simply, Taste of Greektown is a romantic weekend celebration for lovers of Mediterranean culture.
Blending Old World traditions with a 21st century freshness, the tantalizing food and spirits from neighborhood eateries will again be the main attraction. There will also be plenty of music and entertainment including Greek bands and games for both kids and families.
ZooBrew!
Date: Friday, August 26 and Saturday, August 27
Location: Brookfield Zoo
Enjoy bears and beers, lions and lagers, anteaters and ales…all at Brookfield Zoo’s fifth annual ZooBrew on Friday, August 26 and Saturday, August 27, 2016. Zoo Brew is a one-of-a-kind, 21 and over*, unique beer-tasting event featuring over 80 beers.
• Columbus Drive: Roosevelt to Balbo ALL DAY, except 7:00 AM thru 1:00 PM **
All lanes closed to traffic
** Southbound lanes ONLY will be re-opened for Bears
game traffic between 7:00 AM and 1:00 PM.
• Simonds Drive: Foster Ave to Montrose 5:00 AM thru 12:00 PM
All lanes closed to traffic
• Lake Shore Drive, Randolph St Exit Ramp 11:00 AM – SUN 8/28 @ 4:00 PM
Northbound exit ramp only
SUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 2016
• Lake Shore Drive: Randolph to Hollywood 5:00 AM thru 12:30 PM
Inner two lanes restricted to bicycles only (outer two lanes remain open to traffic)
• Lower/Intermediate Wacker Dr: Jackson to Lake Shore 6:30 AM – 11:20 AM
All lanes closed to traffic. No traffic obstructions on Upper Wacker.
• McCormick Place Busway: Entire Route 6:30 AM – 11:45 AM
Closed to motor coach access
• Intermediate Columbus Dr: Randolph to Water St 6:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Northbound lanes closed
• Lower Columbus Dr: Randolph to Wacker Dr 6:30 AM – 12:00 PM
All lanes closed
• Intermediate Randolph: Columbus Dr. to Lakefront 5:00 AM – 12:30 PM
All lanes closed to traffic; exceptions for local traffic
Work on the CTA Red Line will begin 11 p.m. Friday and continue until 2 a.m. Monday morning. Howard-bound trains will not stop at Wilson, Lawrence, Argyle, Berwyn, Bryn Mawr, Thorndale, Granville, Loyola, Morse or Jarvis stations. Customers at bypassed stations will need to take a 95th-bound train to Sheridan and then transfer to a Howard-bound train. Other transit options include: #22 Clark, #36 Broadway, #147 Outer Drive Express or #151 Sheridan bus routes.
Traffic Restrictions & Road Projects
Weather permitting, on Saturday, August 27, one eastbound lanes on IL-390 between Meacham Road and Park Boulevard is scheduled to close at 9 p.m. All eastbound lanes between I-290 and Park Boulevard are scheduled to close at midnight and a detour will be posted directing traffic to use Rohlwing Road, Devon Avenue and Prospect Avenue to continue east on IL-390.
In addition, the ramp carrying traffic from eastbound I-290 to eastbound IL-390 is scheduled to close at midnight and a detour will be posted directing traffic to exit at Biesterfield Road in advance of the interchange. Traffic will be detoured along Rohlwing Road, Devon Avenue and Prospect Avenue before continuing onto eastbound IL-390.
The ramp and one eastbound lane are scheduled to reopen by 8 a.m. on Sunday, August 28. All lanes are scheduled to reopen by 10 a.m.
Similar closures are scheduled overnight Sunday, August 29, with all lanes reopening by 5 a.m. on Monday, August 29, in advance of the morning rush hour.
Date: Saturday, August 20 & Sunday, August 21
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., both days
Location: North Avenue Beach
The Chicago Air and Water Show presented by Shell Oil Products U.S. and the City of Chicago is the largest FREE show of its kind in the United States. The show can be viewed along the lakefront from Fullerton to Oak Street, with North Avenue Beach as the focal point. Fun Facts about the Air & Water Show:
The majority of planes flying in the show takes off and land at the Gary Jet Center in Gary, Indiana.
Some of the military planes fly in from bases around the mid-west. They time their flight to fly over the show at an exact moment.
14 federal, state and city agencies work together to put the show on safely each year.
All pilots perform stunts over the water in a set safety area. When a plane does fly over buildings, it is merely doing so in its flight path to return to the show area or the airport.
On average, 2 million people view the show annually.
At 56, the Chicago Air and Water Show is longest running free show of its kind in the United States.
In 1959, the show cost $88 dollars to put on. Today, with the help of generous corporate sponsors like Shell, Boeing, American Airlines, WBBM Newsradio, ABC 7, The Chicago Tribune, Oracle among others help to make the show possible and FREE to the public.
When the show was held at Lakeshore Park between Ohio and Oak Street beach, Lake Shore Drive was sometimes closed.
Also at Lakeshore Park, the Golden Knights didn’t have a beach to land on so they landed in the Water. Chicago Park District Lifeguards fished them out of the water.
Herb Hunter (“The Voice” of the Air and Water Show) used to fly in the show before becoming the show announcer over 20 years ago. For many years he flew the USAF KC-135.
Traffic Alert: LaSalle Drive from Clark Street to Lake Shore Drive.
Inner Lake Shore Drive from LaSalle to Burton Place.
North Avenue and Fullerton Avenue exits on North Lake Shore Drive intersection of North and Clark.
White Sox Play at Home w/ Connor McKnight at the Xfinity Zone on Saturday
Date: Friday, August 19 – Sunday, August 21
Location: U.S. Cellular Field
The Xfinity pre-game broadcast is hosted by our pre and post-game on-air talent, Connor McKnight.
Sox fans attending the game on Saturday are invited to stop in the Xfinity Zone (located near section 109) to watch the pregame show live, roughly 30 minutes before first pitch.
WLS-AM will have logo gear to hand out to fans on-site!
Clark After Dark
Date: Thursday, August 18
Time: 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Location: On Clark Street in River North
An explanation from the organizer’s website: The USO of Illinois, through the support of Alderman Brendan Reilly of the 42nd Ward , Boss Bar, and StarEvents give summer its last “HOO-AH!” by rocking the block at Clark After Dark. The USO of Illinois’ annual Clark After Dark block party celebrates America’s military service members and their families. Proceeds from the event benefit the USO of Illinois program and services that serve over 330,000 military personnel and military families of Illinois.
The event will feature live music by 16 Candles (voted Chicago’s best cover band!), Liquidated Damages, Military and Vintage Military vehicle displays, food and drink specials, raffle, and much more! USO Clark after Dark is held in River North, at 420 N. Clark St on W. Hubbard Street, between N. Clark and N. Lasalle.
A non-profit organization, the USO of Illinois is fully supported by the generosity of the American people. The USO’s Clark After Dark gives Chicagoans an opportunity to support U.S. Armed Forces members and show their appreciation.
Public Transportation:
Trains – Red Line to Grand or the Brown Line to Merchandise Mart
Buses – #22, #36, #65, #156
Traffic Alert: Hubbard Street closed between Clark and LaSalle.
Festa Italiana
Date: Thursday, August 18 – Sunday, August 21
Time: Thursday from 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., Friday & Saturday from noon to 11:00 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 10:00 p.m.
Location: Little Italy
From ChooseChicago.com: Longtime family-owned restaurants and neighborhood newcomers will serve up some of the best food in the city. Italian and Italian-American singers will perform American and Italian classics. An Italian dance ensemble will perform and teach the tarantella, a well-loved Italian folk dance performed at Italian weddings. Fest-goers will have the opportunity to play Italian card games, compete in contests to see who can consume the most meatballs and cannoli (of course, not at the same time!), and buy Italian-themed art, Christmas ornaments and other merchandises.
The Fest will also offer trolley tours of Little Italy, Chicago’s oldest Italian neighborhood, which was a gateway for thousands of immigrants at the beginning of the 20th century.
Traffic Alert: Taylor Street closed from Racine to Ashland beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday for set up. Closures will be in place until 6:00 a.m. on Monday.
Edison Park Festival
Date: Friday, August 19 – Sunday, August 21
Location: Edison Park, Chicago
Get there with the #68 or #88 CTA bus.
Wizard World Comic Con
Date: Thursday, August 18 – Sunday, August 21
Time: Thursday – 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Friday – 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Saturday – 10:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Sunday – 10:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Location: Donald E. Stevens Convention Center, Rosemont
Wizard World comic and gaming con events bring together thousands of fans of all ages to celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, graphic novels, cosplay, comics, television, sci-fi, toys, video gaming, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more.
Wizard World Comic Con Chicago is also the place for cosplay, with fans young and old showing off their best costumes throughout the event. Fans dressed as every imaginable character – and some never before dreamed – will roam the convention floor and participate in the famed Wizard World Costume Contest on Saturday night.
Some of the celebrities to be sighted at the event include:
Back to the Future stars Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd and Lea Thompson Sebastian Stan (Captain America: The Winter Soldier) Carrie Fisher (Star Wars) David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson (The X-Files) Norman Reedus (The Walking Dead) The cast of Netflix’s “Marvel’s Daredevil” including Charlie Cox(Matt Murdock/Daredevil), Deborah AnnWoll (Karen Page), Elden Henson (Foggy Nelson), Jon Bernthal (Frank Castle/The Punisher), Elodie Yung (Elektra Natchios), and Rosario Dawson (Claire Temple), and more.
Parking is located across from the center directly behind the Embassy Suites Hotel O’Hare (garage parking is $15.00) – Proceed West on Williams street under the parking structure and turn into entrance. Do not enter parking garage via the Embassy Suites Hotel O’Hare driveway or entrance, as these parking spaces are reserved for hotel guests, and violators are subject to towing at their own expense.
Taking the Blue Line is optimal – only a couple block walk from the Rosemont Blue Line “L” station.
Ramblin’ Ray Stevens Pick of the Weekend – Batavia High School Corn Boil
Date: Friday, August 19
Time: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Location: Batavia High School
The annual corn boil community event is held in August during the first week of school. Spiritwear, Booster memberships, Sponsorships and so much more is available. Marching Band, Dance and Cheer entertain the fans. Entry to the event is free. Tickets for meal will be available online and at the door.
Everyone is invited. Proceeds benefit Batavia High School & Rotolo Middle School Athletic Programs.
Metra is planning extra service on Aug. 20 and 21 to accommodate those attending the 58th Annual Chicago Air and Water Show at North Avenue Beach and along the city’s lakefront.
Customers arriving at Metra’s Union Station or Millennium Park Station can board the CTA’s No. 151 buses to Oak Street and North Avenue beaches.
The No. 151 buses are also within walking distance of the Ogilvie Transportation Center and Metra’s LaSalle Street Station.
Metra is offering the $8 Weekend Pass that allows unlimited rides for anyone over the age of 11-years-old. Up to three children under the age of 11 can ride with an adult for FREE through Labor Day.
BLUE, GREEN, BROWN, ORANGE LINES
Increased Capacity for Air & Water Show – Saturday and Sunday Blue Line: Longer trains will operate in both directions between Forest Park and O’Hare, 7am to 6:30pm each day.
Brown Line: Longer trains will operate between Kimball and the Loop, 7am to 6:30pm each day.
Green Line: Longer trains will operate in both directions between Harlem/Lake and Ashland/63rd-Cottage Grove, 7am to 6:30pm each day.
Orange Line: Longer trains will operate in both directions between Midway and the Loop, 7am to 6:30pm each day.
Buy your fare in advance! Avoid long lines after the parade by buying 1-Day Ventra Tickets (at stations) or loading round-trip value or a pass to your card (online, at over 1,000 retailers or at stations), in advance.
Use Your Mobile Wallet – If you’re only taking a single ride (no transfer), skip vending machine lines and use Apple Pay, Android Pay or Samsung Pay, or a contactless bankcard, on the bus or ‘L’ turnstile reader (PAYG fare applies).
Traffic Restrictions & Road Projects
The Air & Water Show is always an event that attracts large traffic backups and delays. In addition, parking is severely limited on the Chicago Lakefront. Roadways with the highest impact, and to avoid include, North Avenue, Fullerton or Irving Park Roads. Lake Shore Drive will have significant delays to exit at each of those streets. Taking public transportation from the suburbs or utilizing the CTA is ideal.
Ohio Street Bridge
The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) announced a full closure of the Ohio Feeder (I 90/94) this Sunday from 12:00 to 6:00am. The full closure is required for the maintenance and testing of the Ohio Street Bridge. The bridge will reopen to traffic at 6am so that visitors can reach the Air and Water Show venue early enough to save their viewing spots
Closures:
WB Ohio Feeder Ramp at Orleans (from Orleans to the Kennedy)
Kennedy Ramps:
EB Ohio Feeder Ramp from the Westbound Kennedy Local
EB Ohio Feeder Ramp from the Kennedy Reversible Lanes
WB Ohio Feeder Ramp from the Westbound Kennedy Local
Detours:
Westbound on Ontario Street, take Northbound on Orleans Street, then West on Division Street, then back onto Kennedy
Kennedy Ohio Feeder Detours:
Westbound on the Kennedy Exit on Milwaukee Avenue (Exit 49B), then Southeast on Milwaukee Avenue to Chicago Avenue, then East on Chicago, then South on Orleans Street, then East on Ohio Street.
Eastbound on the Kennedy Exit on Washington Boulevard (Exit 51C), then East on Washington Boulevard, then North on Franklin Street (which become Orleans Street after the river), then East on Ohio Street.
Western Avenue Bridge
Western Ave. will close at 11:59pm Friday, August 19 between 31st and 35th through 11:59pm Sunday, August 21 for necessary maintenance of the bridge structure. The road will open to full traffic during the week and then close again for work next weekend (Aug. 27-28)
Friday | A few showers/thunderstorms early this morning.(Maily NW Indiana) Mostly sunny later in the day. High 84F. Chance of rain 50%. Friday Night | Clear to partly cloudy. Low 66F. Saturday | Generally sunny despite a few afternoon clouds. High near 80F. Saturday night | A few clouds from time to time. Low near 65F. Sunday | Partly cloudy. Highs in the upper 70s and lows in the mid 60s.
The Chicago White Sox at Home with a Connor McKnight Pre-game Live Broadcast from Xfinity Zone
The Xfinity pre-game broadcast is hosted by our pre and post-game on-air talent, Connor McKnight.
Sox fans attending the game on Saturday are invited to stop in the Xfinity Zone (located near section 109) to watch the pregame show live, roughly 30 minutes before first pitch.
WLS-AM will have logo gear to hand out to fans on-site!
Chicago Hot Dog Fest
Date: Friday, August 5 – Sunday, August 7
Time: Friday & Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Clark & LaSalle Streets
This year’s festival will feature the below vendors putting their unique twist on the hot dog. All vendors will be featuring a classic hot dog in addition to a specialty dog (and other goodies). Vienna Beef will be providingthe hot dogs and S. Rosen will be providing the buns.
Byron’s Hot Dogs
Beloved by Chicagoans for decades, this busy hot dog, hamburger and fries emporium on Lawrence Avenue in Ravenswood is serious about every item on their expansive menu.
Fatso’s Last Stand
Located on Chicago Avenue in Ukrainian Village, Fatso’s started with the concept of a hot dog stand and took it to the next level. It’s a snack bar, a family place, and a late-night food haven.
Flashy Hotdogs
Located on Montrose Ave. in the city’s North Center neighborhood, this frank-centric eatery (aka Frank’s Flashy Hot Dog Stand) has been a popular Welles Park mainstay for more than 30 years. A Chicago-style topping will be among their offerings.
Frannie’s Beef & Catering
For more than 20 years, Frannie’s in suburban Schiller Park has been serving up Italian beef and sausage sandwiches, Italian steak and much more on their extensive menu that includes their acclaimed chili-topped hot dogs.
Taste Of Lincoln Avenue Chicago
Date: Saturday, August 6 – Sunday, August 7
Time: 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Location: Lincoln Park
Traffic Alert: Lincoln Avenue will be closed between Fullerton and Wrightwood
Headlining the event is American rock band Blues Traveler, Sunday night at 8:30 p.m., with 16 Candles playing the event on Saturday night at the same time.
There is also a wine tasting in a private VIP area with a $30 price tag for the tasting pass.
Date: Saturday, August 6
Time: 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Memorial Park
According to the park district site, the fest will feature unique brews, live entertainment, and food from some of Wheaton’s favorite restaurants. Click here for a complete list of breweries.
Kite Fest
Date: Saturday, August 6
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Berens Park
The skies will be alive with kites as Elmhurst welcomes some of the Midwest’s best professional kite flyers for the 3rd annual Kite Fest, a free day of family fun at Berens Park. See stunts and tricks from professional kite flyers! They’ll also be free kite building for kids and a candy drop. Feel free to bring your own kites to fly during open fly times. More information from the website can be found here.
Pig Out for Charity
Date: Thursday, August 4
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Location: 736 N. Clark Street
For the 6th consecutive year, members of the Chicago Police and Fire Departments will battle in a round-robin style burger competition to benefit the 100 Club of Chicago.
Orange, Green, Pink And Brown Lines will be rerouted on the Loop elevated tracks beginning at 10:00 p.m. Friday to 4:00 a.m. Monday morning. The Lake Street/Wabash St station will be closed.
Traffic Restrictions & Road Projects
The Inbound Kennedy and Inbound Dan Ryan ramps to the Outbound Eisenhower will close at midnight on Sunday for final beam Installation.
Inbound Kennedy: 12:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Sunday
Inbound Ryan: 12:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m., Sunday
Roscoe Village – Western Ave at the Chicago River is reduced to one lane for overnight roadwork from 9:00 p.m. Friday to 8:00 a.m. Saturday. This part of the Western/Clybourn/Belmont project.
Downtown – Madison St And Wabash Ave the road closed beginning at 8:00 p.m. Friday until 6:00 a.m. Monday morning. Support columns for the new elevated CTA Station is being installed.
Edgewater – Broadway St between Thorndale Ave and Elmade Ave the road closed for Edge Fest on Saturday from noon to 10:00 p.m. and on Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Lincoln Park-Hot Dog Festival – Clark St And La Salle Dr – Festival – Today & Tomorrow, 11:00 a-m to 9:00 p-m & Sunday, 11:00 a-m to 8:00 p-m.
Pilsen – Tacos & Tamales Festival closes 16th St and Peoria St. The inaugural Tacos & Tamales Festival is from noon to 10:00 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.
Friday – Partly to mostly cloudy skies with scattered thunderstorms in the morning. High 77F. Winds NE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 50%. Friday Night – Partly cloudy skies. Low 66F. Winds NE at 10 to 15 mph. Saturday – Scattered thunderstorms. Highs in the upper 70s and lows in the mid 60s. Sunday – Times of sun and clouds. Highs in the low 80s and lows in the mid 60s.
The Chicago White Sox take on the Chicago Cubs All Week
Date: Thursday, July 28 – Sunday, July 31
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m., daily
Location: Grant Park
Metra is offering an unlimited ride, four-day train pass to this year’s Lollapalooza music festival (July 28-31).
The $20 pass is available for purchase at all ticket windows, including all downtown and outlying stations, and through the Ventra app.
REMINDER: “We realize that everyone attending this event will be using their phones to take pictures, text and post on social media throughout the day, but if they are using their phone as their ticket too, they need to make sure that they have sufficient battery power for the ride home,” said Metra Executive Director/CEO Don Orseno.
Don’t have tickets? There’s no need to worry if you don’t want to spend the nearly $400 for a four-day wristband. Have fun with “Couch-a-palooza!”
Here are some of the acts that you can see through the web, courtesy of Red Bull:
Sugar Grove Corn Boil
Date: Thursday, July 28 – Sunday, July 31
Time:
Location: Volunteer Park 85 South Main Street in Sugar Grove
The Sugar Grove Corn Boil is a volunteer run, community event, featuring three family friendly and fun filled days.
Family Fun including Carnival rides, live music, Kids Zone, Business Booths, Art Vendors, Food, beer, Water Fights, 5K, Farmers Market, contests, raffles, used book sale, and BINGO.
The event also has a Pokemon Go Meetup scheduled, and the annual 5k Run/Walk. Register here!
Date: Wednesday, July 27 – Sunday, July 31
Time: During Navy Pier open hours
Location: Navy Pier, Chicago
From the website: One of Navy Pier’s most recognized events, Pepsi® Tall Ships®, makes its exciting return to Chicago from July 27 – July 31 2016. This year, the event will feature a majestic fleet of 13+ international vessels.*
The five-day festival kicks off at Navy Pier with a spectacular Parade of Sail on Wednesday, July 27. Then, starting Thursday, July 28, ticketed guests will have the opportunity to view, tour, and even sail away on participating vessels.
Chicago Margarita Festival
Date: Saturday, July 30 – Sunday, July 31
Time: 12:00 p.m. – 8 :00 p.m.
Location: South Shore Cultural Center
Tickets must be purchased, and participants must be over 21 years of age.
Chicago Margarita Festival is an outdoor festival combining a margarita tasting with live original music, dancing, food trucks and fun! What better way to spend the day lounging with friends on Lake Michigan, listening to music and more! So, join us for a fun day off the beach.
National Cheesecake Day – Celebrations at ALL Mariano’s Stores
Date: Saturday, July 30 and Sunday, July 31
Time: 12:00 p.m. each day
Location: All Mariano’s Locations
This FREE event is at ALL Chicagoland Mariano’s locations.
Free Strawberry Topped Cheesecake samples will be available while supplies last, so get there for noon!
There is also a chance to win cheesecake for a year.
For more details visit: www.elischeesecake.com/marianosnccd
Increased Capacity, More Frequent Service for Lollapalooza (info from transitchicago.com) Red Line Thu and Fri: Longer trains will operate until 2am next day. Trains will operate between 95th/Dan Ryan and Howard every 6 minutes from 6pm to 11:59pm.
Sat and Sun: Longer trains will operate until 2am next day. Trains will operate between 95th/Dan Ryan and Howard every 6 minutes from 6:30pm to 11:59pm, Saturday, and every 6-8 minutes from 6:30pm to 11:59pm, Sunday.
Brown Line
Thu and Fri: Longer trains will operate until 1am next day, Trains will operate between Kimball and the Loop every 8 minutes from 10pm to 11pm.
Sat and Sun: Longer trains will operate until 1am next day. Trains will operate between Kimball and the Loop every 8 minutes from 6:30pm to 11pm, Saturday and every 10 minutes from 9:30pm to11pm, Sunday.
Green Line
Thu to Sun: Longer trains will operate until 1am next day.
Orange Line
Thu to Sun: Longer trains will operate until 1am next day. Trains will operate between Midway and the Loop every 10 minutes from 8:30pm to 9:30pm and every 8 minutes from 9:30pm to 11pm, Thursday and Friday; every 10 minutes from 8:30pm to 11pm, Saturday; and every 10 minutes from 9:30pm to 11pm, Sunday.
Blue Line
Thu and Fri: Longer trains will operate until 11:59pm. Trains will operate between Forest Park and O’Hare every 8 minutes from 7pm to 11:30pm.
Sat and Sun: Longer trains will operate until 11:59pm. Trains will operate between Forest Park and O’Hare every 6 – 12 minutes from 8:30pm to 11pm, Saturday, and every 8 minutes from 9:30pm to 11pm, Sunday. Note: On Saturday, some trips will operate between O’Hare and UIC-Halsted stations only. Listen carefully to train announcements.
Pink Line
Thu and Fri: Trains will operate between 54th/Cermak and the Loop every 12 minutes from 9pm to 11pm.
Yellow Line
Thu through Sun: Trains will operate between Dempster-Skokie and Howard every 15 minutes from 11:59pm to 1am next day.
Why is service being changed? Added service is being provided for the convenience of customers attending the Lollapalooza event.
Metra is offering $20-four day Lollapalooza passes which is available for purchase at all ticket windows, including all downtown and outlying stations, and through the Ventra app.
Traffic Restrictions & Road Projects
Closures in place for Lollapalooza:
-Columbus between Monroe & Roosevelt
-Congreess between Columbus & Michigan Avenue
-Balbo from Michigan to Lake Shore Drive
-Jackson from Michigan to Lake Shore Drive
Fiesta del Sol in Pilsen – Cermak will be closed between Ashland and Morgan, Thursday thru Sunday.
Jefferson Park – Lawrence AveBetween Milwaukee Ave and Long Ave closed for Jeff Fest
Whiting, In – Pierogi Fest – 119th St at Indianapolis Blvd closed
Date: Friday, July 22 – Sunday, July 24
Time: Friday – 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Saturday – 12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Sunday – 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Ward Park, Chicago
River North’s signature event, Taste of River North, returns for its 15th anniversary season, July 22 – 24. Lucky Boys Confusion, Sixteen Candles, and Rod Tuffcurls will rock your world. Enjoy a curated selection of the neighborhood’s best restaurants, merchants, and artists in addition to heart-pounding live music along picturesque Ward Park on the Chicago River. Check out www.tasteofrivernorth.com for more info.
Warped Tour
Date: Saturday, July 23
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Location: Hollywood Casino Amphitheater
Warped Tour is right around the corner and it’s a throwback year! 3OH!3, Good Charlote, Reel Big Fish, and many more will hit up Tinley Park’s Hollywood Casino Amphitheater on Saturday, July 23rd!
48th Annual Sheffield Music Festival & Garden Walk
Date: Saturday, July 23 and Sunday, July 24
Time: 12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Location: DePaul Campus, Lincoln Park
From the website: The “Summer’s Best Festival” features self-guided tours of more than 80 Gardens, guided Architectural Tours, live entertainment by some of Chicago’s and North America’s finest bands, food and drink, and activities for children at the Kids’ Corner.
Traffic Alert: Sheffield closed between Webster and Fullerton
Grill Takeover with Lamar Moore of Smoke Daddy BBQ at Mariano’s West Loop
Date: Sunday, July 24
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Location: Mariano’s West Loop – 40 S. Halsted
Join us at Mariano’s West Loop for a Grill Takeover with Lamar Moore of The Smoke Daddy BBQ.
Lamar Moore will guide the class through perfect grilling techniques and the secrets to his best BBQ!
Date: Saturday, July 23
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Location: State & VanBuren, the Loop
Starting on South Plymouth since 2006, the parade marches north to Jackson, west to Dearborn Street, then North to Daley Plaza.
Public Transit:
‘L’
Blue and Red Lines – Jackson
Orange, Pink and Brown Lines – LaSalle/Van Buren Bus
#22, #24, #29, #36, #62, #146, #147, #151
108th Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac
Date: Saturday, July 23
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: Launching from Navy Pier
From the Website: With 326 boats participating in the 333-mile journey from Chicago to Mackinac Island this year, the 108th Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac, presented by Wintrust will offer plenty of opportunities for fans to view the boats on land, on the water, and from anywhere else you might be. Here’s how you can see and track the 2016 race.
Closures are in place for Lollapalooza throughout Grant Park, though the festival does not begin until Thursday, July 28.
From IDOT: Lane closures will take place on Higgins Road (Illinois 72) from Lexington Drive to east of Interstate 290, in Schaumburg, beginning, weather permitting, Friday, July 22. Daily and nightly lane closures will take place on Higgins Road from Lexington Drive to east of Interstate 290 including east and west Interstate 290/Illinois 53 Frontage Roads and the northbound Interstate 290/Illinois 53 exit ramp at Higgins Road.
CTA and Public Transit Weekend Alerts
BLUE LINE Tue, Jul 19 to Mon, Sep 19 or completion
Cumberland Blue Line Station North Street-to-Bridge Elevator Out of Service
How does this affect my trip?
The north street-to-bridge elevator at Cumberland station is temporarily out of service.
Entry/exiting from the Cumberland Blue Line station is available by stairs and the south street-to-bridge elevator, or stairs, escalator or elevator from the bus terminal.
The elevator is estimated to return to service on Monday, September 19, 2016 (date subject to change).
Jul 22 – 23 10pm Fri to 5am Sat
10pm Sat to 6am Sun
Boarding Change, Delays Between Montrose and Addison How does this affect my trip?
Board/exit all trains on the O’Hare-bound side of the platform at the Irving Park station.
Trains in both directions will operate on the same track between Montrose and Addison, resulting in minor delays.
Jul 24 – 25 10pm Sun to 4am Mon
Boarding Change, Delays Between Irving Park and Logan Square
How does this affect my trip?
Board/exit all trains on the O’Hare-bound side of the platform at the Addison and Belmont stations.
Trains in both directions will operate on the same track between Irving Park and Logan Square, resulting in minor delays. GREEN and PINK LINES Jul 23 – 25 2am Sat to 4am Mon
Bus Substitution Between Clinton Station and the Loop
How does this affect my trip?
Shuttle buses will replace rail service between Clinton and Clark/Lake.
Pink Line trains will operate between 54th/Cermak and Clinton.
Green Line trains will operate between Harlem/Lake and Clinton, and between Ashland/63rd-Cottage Grove and the Loop. Trains will operate clockwise around the Inner Loop, on the side normally used by Orange and Pink line trains.
A shuttle train will operate counterclockwise around the Outer Loop, on the side normally used by Brown Line trains. ORANGE LINE Jul 24 – 25 10pm Sun to 4am Mon
Boarding Change, Delays between Kedzie and 35th/Archer
How does this affect my trip?
Board/exit all trains on the Midway-bound side of the platform at the Western station.
Trains in both directions will operate on the same track between Kedzie and 35th/Archer, resulting in minor delays.
PokemonGO was introduced on Wednesday, July 6, and since has taken over cities across the world with players of all age running around searching for virtual cartoon characters.
The map above was created by a PokemonGO user, and shared on Reddit. Check it out!
Southport Art Festival
Date: Saturday, July 16 – Sunday, July 17
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: Lakeview
Traffic Alert: Southport at Waveland will be closed to traffic.
The festival will showcase the work of more than 75 of the city’s most diverse artists who work in a variety of mediums, including oil, acrylic, watercolor, jewelry, sculpture, photography, glass and mixed media. Attendees can look forward to seeing Chicago-based standout artists, edgy photographers and abstract painters. In addition to supporting the arts and viewing incredible artwork that is available for purchase, festival guests also will have the opportunity, through live art demonstrations and booth chats to speak one-on-one with the artists.
Restaurants in the Southport Corridor area will be open for business, serving up summer favorites.
Info from the BenFest website: This year’s BenFest has something for every age! Come join us for three days of family fun including great bands, cuisine from local restaurants, activities for the kids and a chance to win some great prizes. This year’s Grand Prize Drawing is a cash prize for $10,000.
Get started supporting BenFest 2016 now! Become a sponsor, volunteer or purchase your entry and activity wristbands ahead of time through advanced purchasing (new this year). Click here to get started!
St. Benedict Parish BenFest is conveniently located on the northside of Chicago in the North Center neighborhood and can be reached via CTA buses (Irving Park or Western Avenue Routes) and the Brown Line El.
The Main Entrance to BenFest is located at 2215 West Irving Park Road. There are also additional entrances located at the 3900 blocks of North Bell Street and Leavitt Street.
Travel Alert: Leavitt closed south of Irving Park Road
Windy City Smokeout
Date: Friday, July 15 – Sunday, July 17
Time: Friday – 2:00 p.m.
Saturday – 12:00 p.m.
Sunday – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Grand Avenue and Chicago River
Line up includes Old Dominion, Chase Rice, Billy Currington, Frankie Ballard, Corey Smith, Big & Rich with special guest Cowboy Troy, Phil Vassar, Jessie James Decker, Whiskey Myers, Walker Country and Whiskey Jam perform at the annual fest, which also features beer and barbecue vendors. Read more here!
Celebrate Clark Street World Music Festival
Date: Saturday, July 16 – Sunday, July 17
Time: Noon each day, Saturday 11:00 p.m. close, Sunday 10:00 p.m.
Location: Rogers Park
This festival is one of the last independent street festivals in Chicago that is locally managed and organized by a community organization – Rogers Park Business Alliance.
The festival reflects the unique diversity in Rogers Park by presenting music from all four corners of the world encouraging audiences to dance and experience local, national and touring bands.
The festival provides two live music stages, food from local restaurants, beer, wine and micheladas from local bars, interactive entertainment throughout the festival area, an Art Lot, kids’ activities and especially a meeting space for the community. This information and more on their website!
Traffic Alert: Clark Street will be closed all weekend between Morse and Estes
Laid Back Festival
Date: Saturday, July 16
Time: 4:00 p.m.
Location: FirstMerit Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island
It’s A Celebration of Music & Food, featuring Gregg Allman, Peter Frampton, Blackberry Smoke, Jaimoe’s Jasssz Band and more!
Date: Friday, July 15 – Sunday, July 17
Time: Friday 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Location: Toyota Park
It’s that time of year again! Chicago Open Air is right around the corner! It’s July 15th through July 17th at Toyota Park. You don’t want to miss this three day festival of rock, craft beer, and man food. Get your tickets before they sell-out!
RED, GREEN, PINK, BLUE LINES
July 15 – 17, Friday through Sunday
Increased Capacity and More Frequent Service
How does this affect my trip? Red Line:Friday through Sunday, daily — Longer trains will operate between 95th/Dan Ryan and Howard until 11:59 p.m. On Sunday, longer trains will begin operating from Howard earlier, at 5:00 a.m..
Green Line:Friday — Longer trains will operate from Cottage Grove, 10:22 a.m.to 11:59 p.m., from Ashland/63rd, 9:30 a.m. to 11:59 p.m., and from Harlem/Lake, 11:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m..
Saturday and Sunday, daily — Longer trains will operate between Harlem/Lake and Ashland/63rd – Cottage Grove from 11 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. Pink Line:Fri — Longer trains will operate between 54th/Cermak and the Loop from 10 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. Trains will run every 12 minutes from 8:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday, daily — Longer trains will operate between 54th/Cermak and the Loop from 11:00 a.m. to 11:59 a.m. on Saturday, and 7:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.on Sunday.
Blue Line:Friday to Sunday, daily — Longer trains will operate between Forest Park and O’Hare from 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
** Note: Forest Park-bound Blue Line trains will not stop at Irving Park due to ongoing construction. See alert on the Customer Alerts page.
Why is service being changed?
Added service is being provided for the convenience of customers attending Pitchfork and the Rock and Roll Half Marathon.
BLUE LINE July 15 – 16 10:00 p.m. Friday – 5:00 a.m. Saturday
10:00 p.m. Saturday – 6:00 a.m. Sunday
Boarding Change, Delays Between Montrose and Addison
How does this affect my trip?
Board/exit trains on the O’Hare-bound side of the platform at the Irving Park station.
Trains in both directions will operate on the same track between Montrose and Addison, resulting in minor delays.
Allow extra travel time.
Why is service being changed?
We are performing station construction to improve the Irving Park station as part of the Your New Blue modernization program.
Jul 17 – 18 10:00 p.m. Sunday to 4:00 a.m. Monday
Boarding Change, Delays Between Irving Park and Logan Square
How does this affect my trip?
Board/exit all trains on the O’Hare-bound side of the platform at the Belmont and Addison stations.
Trains in both directions will operate on the same track between Irving Park and Logan Square, resulting in minor delays.
Allow extra travel time.
Why is service being changed?
We are performing station construction to improve the Addison station as part of the Your New Blue modernization program.
ORANGE LINE July 15 – 16 Friday and Saturday nights
10:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. next day
July 17 – 18 10:00 p.m. Sunday to 4:00 a.m. Monday
Boarding Change, Delays between Pulaski and Western How does this affect my trip?
Board/exit all trains on the Midway-bound side of the platform at the Kedzie station.
Trains in both directions will operate on the same track between Pulaski and Western, resulting in minor delays.
Why is service being changed? We are performing track maintenance to ensure that trains continue to operate safely along the Orange Line.
RED LINE July 15 – 18 9:00 p.m. Friday to 4:00 a.m. Monday
How does this affect my trip? 95th-bound trains will not stop at Jarvis, Morse, or Loyola stations.
For service from these stations, take a Howard-bound train to Howard and transfer to a 95th-bound train.
For service to these stations, take a 95th-bound train to Granville and transfer to a Howard-bound train.
Allow extra travel time.
Why is service being changed?
We are performing track maintenance to ensure that trains continue to operate safely along the Red Line.
Traffic Restrictions & Road Projects
Union Pacific Railroad to Temporarily Close IL-176
From TravelMidwest.com: The Union Pacific Railroad will be closing the railroad crossing on IL-176 east of US-41. The closure is necessary to replace and widen the existing railroad crossing. During this time, the Lake County Division of Transportation will reconfigure the North Shore Bike Path at the railroad crossing by creating a separate railroad crossing of the bike path. The work will begin Monday, July 25 at 6 a.m. and is scheduled to reopen to traffic in the early evening of Saturday, July 30.
Detour Route: IL-43 to IL-137 to IL-131.
Submit an Event to Jen
What's on your agenda this weekend? Send it over in an email, and it's just might pop up on Jen's A-Jenda and the Big John Howell Show!
Date: Wednesday, July 6 – Sunday, July 10
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday & Friday
10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. on Saturday & Sunday
Location: Grant Park, Chicago
The city of Chicago website states that the Taste of Chicago is the nation’s premier outdoor food festival showcasing the diversity of Chicago’s dining community. Every summer since 1980, Chicago’s beautiful Grant Park on the city’s magnificent lakefront has been home to the world’s largest food festival.
Join our sister station, 101.1 WKQX on Thursday night for the KONGOS, Elle King and Transviolet. Click here for the concert info.
Instead of dancing with yourself, join 97.9 WLUP for the Billy Idol concert on Saturday, July 9 at the Taste of Chicago! Here’s the info.
Jen heads to the Taste
Enjoy live podcast recording all weekend at the “Food For Thought” tent. Chicago celebrities including Kevin Matthews and Hot Doug Sohn are just a couple of local talent with podcasts featured at this stage. For more information, click here!
Sting and Peter Gabriel
Date: Saturday, July 9
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: United Center, Chicago
Peter and Sting first toured together in 1986 with Amnesty International in the USA and subsequently the World in 1988 and they have been friends ever since.
Date: Friday, July 8
Time: 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. with an after party down the street until ???
Location: Co-Prosperity, Bridgeport
Join Steve Dahl and WLS for the signing of his book, Disco Demolition: The Night Disco Died, with Dave Hoekstra. Books WILL be available for purchase at the event. An exhibition of documentary photographs by Paul Natkin from the infamous evening also on display!
To capture the gestalt of the occasion, a soundtrack of disco and rock music from the period will be compiled by DJs Joe Bryl and Logan Bay.
An $8 donation benefits the Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce.
Here are the Vendors…
White Sox at Home vs. Atlanta
Friday night at 7:10 p.m.
Saturday at 1:10 p.m.
Sunday at 1:10 p.m.
Connor McKnight LIVE Pre-Game Broadcast from the Xfinity Zone
Date: Friday, July 8
Location: U.S. Cellular Field, Section 112, Chicago
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Join Connor McKnight at the Xfinity Zone in Section 112 of U.S. Cellular Field before the game on Friday, July 8 for the pre-game show LIVE beginning at 6:30 p.m.!
Irish American Heritage Festival
Date: Friday, July 8 – Sunday, July 10
Time: Friday 6:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m., Saturday noon to 1:00 a.m., Sunday 11:00 a.m. to midnight
Location: Mayfair, Chicago
From the website: Celebrate all things Irish at the 31st annual Irish American Heritage Festival.
Irish Fest is July 8, 9 and 10 and showcases the finest in local and international Irish and American music, dance and family activities. The festival is an indoor and outdoor fest; rain or shine, held on the grounds of the Center at 4626 North Knox Avenue, Chicago, and is one of its largest fundraisers.
From the website: Practice under the rising sun for a magical SUP Yoga practice located at Montrose beach. Paddleboarding experience is required for this event – we will be on the water as the sun is rising overhead.
Includes all SUP equipment and SUP Yoga class.
This is a one day only event, only 6 spaces are available so register now to guarantee your space.
Meet at Kayak Chicago beach hut at least 15-20 minutes before. Registration is required for this event. Plenty of free on-site street parking available! Please arrive no later then 6:00am to participate.
Traffic Restrictions & Road Projects
Several street closures are in place for the Taste of Chicago until 4 p.m. Monday. Columbus is closed from Monroe to Balbo, and from Balbo to Roosevelt, according to the OEMC. Balbo remains open to traffic. Drivers are advised to take Lake Shore Drive on the east and State Street on the west to get around the Columbus closure.
Jackson is also closed from Michigan to Lake Shore Drive, and Congress is shut down from Columbus to Congress Parkway.
RED, ORANGE, GREEN, BROWN, BLUE LINES Wednesday, July 6 – Sunday, July 10 Increased Capacity and More Frequent Service for Taste of Chicago
Red Line Wed to Fri, daily: Longer trains will operate between 95th/Dan Ryan and Howard until 12am next day. Trains from 95th/Dan Ryan will operate every 6 minutes from 6pm to 10pm.
Sat and Sun: Trains from 95th/Dan Ryan will operate every 6 minutes from 6:30pm to 10pm.
Orange Line Wed to Fri, daily: Longer trains will operate between Midway and the Loop, 10am to 11pm. Sat and Sun, daily: Longer trains will operate between Midway and the Loop, 9am to 12am next day.
Green Line Wed to Fri, daily:Longer trains will operate between Harlem/Lake and Ashland-Cottage Grove/63rd, 9:30am to 2:30pm.
Brown Line Wed to Fri, daily: Longer trains will operate between Kimball and the Loop, 10am to 11pm. Sat and Sun: Longer trains will operate between Kimball and the Loop, 9am to 12am next day.
Blue Line Wed to Fri, daily: Longer trains will operate between Forest Park and O’Hare until 12 am next day. Sat and Sun, daily: Longer trains will operate between Forest Park and O’Hare, 9am to 12am next day.
Why is service being changed?
Added service is being provided for the convenience of customers attending the 2016 Taste of Chicago.
BLUE LINE
Tuesday, July 5 at 9:00 p.m. to Tuesday, July 26 or completion
Forest Park-bound Trains Bypass Irving Park Station
How does this affect my trip? Forest Park-bound trains will not stop at Irving Park station.
For service from Irving Park station, take an O’Hare-bound train to Montrose and transfer to a Forest Park-bound train.
For service to Irving Park station, take a Forest Park-bound train to Addison and transfer to an O’Hare-bound train.
Consider using the adjacent Blue Line stations at Montrose and Addison, where trains in both directions will continue to stop.
The #78 Montrose bus connects with the Montrose Blue Line station and the #152 Addison bus connects with the Addison Blue Line station.
The #78, #152 and #80 Irving Park buses also connect with the Red and Brown lines farther east, the #82 Kimball/Homan bus connects with the Belmont Blue Line station, and the #56 Milwaukee bus connects with the Blue Line at Jefferson Park or Logan Square, and continues southeast into downtown. The Metra Union Pacific Northwest Line service to downtown is also available at Irving Park station, located a short walk west of the CTA Irving Park station.
Ray Stagich’s Forecast: Friday – Sunny skies. High 82F. Winds NE at 10 to 15 mph. Saturday – A few clouds. Highs in the mid 80s and lows in the mid 60s. Sunday – Abundant sunshine. Highs in the low 90s and lows in the low 70s.
Date: Saturday, June 18 – Sunday, June 19
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Location: Northalsted
An amazingly entertaining weekend with performers such as Jordin Sparks, Danity Kane members Aubrey O’Day and Shannon Bex, and Daya. Then, the Pride Pet & Family Parade struts at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday.
The festival in Northalsted is not the only event, so head to this link to find more celebrations.
Traffic Alert: Halsted closed north of Belmont, up to Broadway
The Chicago Pride Parade is the following Sunday, June 26 at noon.
Taste of Randolph Street
Date: Friday, June 17 – Sunday, June 19
Time: 5:00 p.m. – 10: 00 p.m.
Location: West Loop, Chicago
A food-centric festival boasting some of the best cuisine in the city, along with world-class live entertainment and handcrafted merchant goods!
Traffic Alert: Randolph closed between Halsted and Racine from Friday through Sunday night.
Windy City LakeShake Festival
Date: Friday, June 17 – Sunday, June 19
Time: All Day
Location: Northerly Island, Chicago
From Time Out Chicago:
After a successful first year, the Windy City LakeShake Festival returns to Northerly Island for three days of country music. This year, Jason Aldean, Lady Antebellum, Tim McGraw and Brooks & Dunn headline a Nashville-rich bill. The lakefront hoedown also features Kacey Musgraves, Martina McBride, Travis Tritt and Thomas Rhett—dust off your cowboy hat and polish those boots. (Note: There are no single-day tickets available for this festival)
PrairieFest – Oswegoland Park District
Date: Friday, June 17 – Sunday, June 19
Time: All day, each day until 10:00 p.m.
Location: Oswego
Date: Friday, June 17
Time: 6:45 p.m.
Location: Manteno
From the Kankakee Daily Journal:Fleets of golf carts will cruise from Heritage Park at 6:45 p.m. to the Leo Hassett Center for Music in Manteno, where Time Is Everything will perform until 10 p.m. The village recommends riders decorate their carts for the parade.
Traffic and Travel
Portage Park:Six Corners Barbecue Fest – Milwaukee Ave at Irving Park Rd & Cicero Ave closed through Sunday at 8:00 p.m. Wicker Park:Green Music Fest – Damen Ave closed down between North Avenue and Schiller until Sunday at 10:00 p.m.
Jane Byrne Interchange work from IDOT: Starting at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, June 15, the ramp from the inbound Kennedy (southbound I-90/94) to the inbound Eisenhower (eastbound I-290) will be closed between Jackson and Halsted streets until 5 a.m. Thursday, June 23.
A posted detour will direct traffic to continue on the outbound Dan Ryan (southbound I-90/94) to reenter the inbound expressway via the 18th Street interchange. After exiting at Roosevelt Road, motorists will turn left at Jefferson Street, right on Harrison Street and left on Wells Street to connect with Congress Parkway.
From travelmidwest.com: Thursday, June 16, one westbound lane on Illinois Route 390 between Park Boulevard and I-290 is scheduled to close at 9 p.m. to prepare for a traffic shift on the ramp connecting westbound Illinois Route 390 to westbound I-290. At 1 a.m. on Friday, June 17, a full ramp closure is scheduled and traffic will be detoured via the Meacham Road loop ramp to eastbound Illinois Route 390 and back to the I-290 Interchange where traffic will be able to exit to westbound I-290. All lanes are scheduled to reopen by 5 a.m. on Friday, June 17, ahead of rush hour traffic.
On the Reagan Tollway in Downers Grove: On Thursday, June 16, the center lane on the ramp will close at 9 a.m. and reopen later that day, before closing again at 9 a.m. on Friday, June 17, with the closure continuing for the majority of the weekend. The lane is scheduled to reopen by 7 a.m. on Monday, June 20.
Weekend CTA Travel Alerts
Trains Rerouted Downtown: Lake and Wabash Closed – Orange, Green, Pink and Brown Lines will be rerouted this weekend from 10:00 p.m. Friday through 4:00 a.m. Monday. Orange& Brown Line Trains will operate as one route, between Kimball and Midway. Green Line Trains will operate between Harlem and 63rd. Pink Line Trains will run between 54th/Cermak & Downtown
The Addison Street on the CTA Blue Line will be closed this weekend beginning at 10:00 p.m. on Friday to 4:00 a.m. Monday.
A bus shuttle will operate between the Addison and Belmont stations.
#DumpThePumpDay: On Thursday, ditch the car and take the CTA, Metra or Pace. Take a picture and share on social with hashtags: #DTPChi or #DumpThePumpSweeps, to be automatically entered into a drawing to win great prizes.
Riders can enter multiple ‘dump the pump’ photos however rules allow only one raffle entry per rider no matter how many photos are entered. This is sponsored by the Regional Transportation Authority.
Meteorologist Ray Stagich’s Forecast:
Temperatures will heat up into the 90s from Friday into Saturday before cooler air settles in on Sunday Saturday – Thunderstorms developing in the afternoon. Highs in the mid 90’s and lows in the upper 60’s. Sunday – Mostly sunny. Highs in the low 80’s and lows in the low 60’s.
White Sox Play at Home with Live WLS-AM 890 Pre-Game Broadcast
Date: Saturday, June 11, 2016
Location: U.S. Cellular Field, Section 112, Chicago
Time: 12:30 p.m.
Join Connor McKnight at the Xfinity Zone in Section 112 of U.S. Cellular Field before the game on Saturday, June 11 for the pre-game show LIVE beginning at 12:30 p.m.!
Date: Saturday, June 11 – Sunday, June 12
Time: Noon until 10:00 p.m.
Location: Logan Square, Chicago
“The street fest celebrates art made using recycled and found materials, and it features local artists, 12 eco-friendly workshops, and live music played by bands from all over the country. Special Events Management puts on a whiskey and wine tasting at the fest for attendees 21 and older.”
Traffic Alert: Milwaukee will be closed between California and Fullerton from Friday through Sunday night.
The Cure at UIC Pavilion
Date: Saturday, June 11
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: UIC Pavilion, Chicago
When they sold out their first concert scheduled for Friday, June 10, The Cure surprised fans with a second show on Saturday, June 11. Tickets are still on sale here!
Wells Street Art Festival
Date: Saturday, June 11 & Sunday, June 12
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Location: Old Town, 1200-1600 N. Wells St.
There is free admission, though a suggested $7 gate donation benefits the Old Town Merchants & Residents Association.
Iconic early-summer art extravaganza in the historic Old Town neighborhood features the works of more than 225 juried artists from across the nation.
Traffic Alert: Wells Street closed between Division on the south to North Avenue on the north.
Grant Park Blues Festival
Date: Friday, June 10 – Sunday, June 12
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Location: Grant Park, Chicago
From cityofchicago.org: The Chicago Blues Festival is the largest free blues festival in the world and remains the largest of Chicago’s Music Festivals. During three days on five stages, more than 500,000 blues fans prove that Chicago is the “Blues Capital of the World.” Past performers include Bonnie Raitt, Ray Charles, B.B. King, the late Bo Diddley, Buddy Guy and the late Koko Taylor.
Traffic Alert: Jackson Blvd is closed between Michigan and Lake Shore Drive for the festival.
Columbus is also blocked between Monroe and Congress.
Set-up for the Blue Festival from Wednesday through Friday.
Andersonville Midsommarfest
Date: Friday, June 10 – Sunday, June 12
Time: Friday, 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Location: Andersonville, Chicago
Although there is free admission, there is $10 suggested donation.
One of Chicago’s most legendary street festivals and Andersonville’s quintessential yearly celebration, Andersonville Midsommarfest, returns for its 51st year in 2016.
Traffic Alert: Clark Street closed between Foster on the south and Bryn Mawr on the north
Back of the Yards: 47th St closed between Ashland and Damen for the 26th Annual Fiesta Back of the Yards set up and festival. Closures beginning on Thursday at 7:00 p.m. through 5:00 a.m. on Monday. The festival begins Friday at 5:00 p.m. and runs thru 10:00 p.m. Sunday.
Lower Wacker Drive westbound between State and Lake there is construction work blocking the right lane blocked for Riverwalk construction.
Blue Line: Trains in both directions will operate on the same track between Irving Park and Logan Square, resulting in minor delays nightly 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. the next day.
The Addison station on the Blue Line will temporarily close. A bus shuttle will operate between the Addison and Belmont stations.
Red, Blue, Brown, Pink & Orange Line Alert: Extra capacity is being provided for customers attending the 2016 Blues Festival, Rib Fest, and Spring Awakening events.
Metra’s $8 Weekend Pass
From Metrarail.com: Unlimited rides on both Saturday and Sunday. Can be used in conjunction with Metra’s Family Fares. Not valid for travel on the South Shore (NICTD).
Kids can ride Metra trains for free with their families Memorial Day through Labor day as part of an expanded Family Fares program. More information here.
Hiawatha Service offers new Saturday night round trips starting May 21 and running through September 3, 2016. With the start of the new schedules, Train 343 will depart Chicago at 11:10 pm, and Train 344 will depart Milwaukee at 10:40 pm. Trains 329 and 330 will operate only on weekdays during this three-month period.