Friday | Few clouds early, otherwise…Plenty of sunshine. High 56F. (40s lakefront) Winds NNW at 10 to 20 mph. Friday Night | Partly cloudy skies. Low 37F. (colder suburbs) Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Saturday | Sunny, breezy and milder…. High 69F. Winds S at 15 to 25 mph. Saturday night | A few clouds from time to time. Low around 55F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph. Sunday | Mostly cloudy. Highs in the upper 70s and lows in the low 60s.
Spin to Break the Cycle
Date: Saturday, April 8th Time: First session at 8:00 a.m. Location: House of Blues, Chicago
From the website: On Saturday, April 8th, Spin to Break the Cycle takes over the iconic House of Blues Chicago uniting individuals, corporations and the greater Chicago community as together we help break the cycle and invest in the future of Chicago’s youth – creating stronger, safer, and healthier communities.
This high-energy spin (indoor cycling) event raises funds to support World Sport Chicago’s initiatives that leverage the transformative power of play and sport to mobilize communities to collectively make lasting change in their own community. Some of the city’s most recognized personalities, fitness instructors and organizations will enhance the excitement of the day in a spin event like none other.
Date: Friday, Saturday & Sunday Location: Guaranteed Rate Field
Macy’s Flower Show
Date: Through Sunday, April 9th Time: Friday & Saturday – 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Sunday – 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Location: Macy’s on State Street
Via the event website: Throughout the two weeks of Macy’s Flower Show, come enjoy a commemorative art installation representing the Chicago World’s Fair by Steven Crissey. The Chicago World’s Fair was meant to do far more than merely amuse the public; it ultimately showcased art, science, commerce and industry while creating a gathering place for people of all social classes. Steven Crissey is an American multimedia artist, focusing on design, painting and illustration, based in Chicago. To see more of Steven’s work, please feel free to follow him on Instagram at @coolsaysnev or check out stevencrissey.com.
Kids can learn the tricks of the trade for circus performers on Saturday at noon. Juggling, plate spinning, and other non-traditional skills to be learned on the ninth floor. Click here to RSVP your eight to 14-year-old.
Holi -The Festival Of Colors
Date: Saturday, April 8th Time:11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Location: Downtown Naperville
Fun with color! Downtown Naperville will be painted in rainbow for this peaceful event of bathing yourself, friends and strangers in color. The organizer’s website states, “People bury their hatchets with a warm embrace and throw their worries to the wind. Festival promotes friendship while offering an occasion to forgive and forget.We will supply bags of organic, safe, dry colors for a small donation of $ 2 each.”
The event is a festival in Hindu tradition that closes out the winter and welcomes the spring with love.
2017 NCAA Men’s Frozen Four Hockey Championship Game
Date: Saturday, April 8th Time: 7:00 p.m. Location: United Center
On Saturday, according to a press release from the Mayor’s office, there will be several events and a free Frozen Fest for fans which is open to the public. “Frozen Fest will be the place to be for all hockey fans young and old. The festival-within-a-festival will be packed with red carpet team arrivals, pep rallies, live music, giveaways, games, local food, special appearances and more. Frozen Fest will be outside the United Center in Lot C, near gates two and three off of Madison Avenue.”
Randolph Street between Franklin and Wells will be closed to remove a construction crane at the 151 N. Franklin Development. Randolph will be closed between Franklin and Wells Streets from 5 a.m. on Saturday, April 8th until 6:00 a.m. on Monday, April 10th.
Clinton Street between Fulton and Kinzie for Metra track maintenance. The closure will start at 4:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 8 and continue until 5 a.m. on Monday, May 10.
CTA Alerts and Route Changes
RED LINE Apr 7 – 8 11:00 p.m. on Friday to 5:00 a.m. on Saturday 95th-bound Trains Bypass Jarvis Thru Bryn Mawr Stations How does this affect my trip? 95th-bound trains will not stop at Jarvis, Morse, Loyola, Granville, Thorndale or Bryn Mawr 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 Berwyn and transfer to a Howard-bound train. For the full schedule of changes, visit http://www.transitchicago.com/weekend/
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
Visit http://www.wlup.com/loop-luau-2016/ for more info and tickets.
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 – 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
From Lollapalooza.com
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: 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.
From the website proudtorun.org: As part of Chicago’s Gay and Lesbian Pride Week activities since 1982, Proud To Run (PTR) is an annual 10K run & 5K run/walk along the lakefront, focused on celebrating pride in and raising funds to support the greater Chicago area LGBTQ community. In 2015 we had a record turnout of more than 1,700 registrants. Overall, more than 2,200 people participated in this year’s event by running, walking, volunteering and sponsoring.
The Proud To Run 10K run & 5K run/walk is organized by an all volunteer, community based board of directors.
The 47th Annual Chicago Pride parade steps off at noon on Sunday, June 26, from the intersection of Montrose and Broadway in Uptown, and ends near the intersection of Diversey Parkway and Sheridan in Lincoln Park.
Upwards of 750,000 people line the streets of the north side of Chicago for the event. Pets are welcome, but keep in mind that the rules still apply and open alcohol is not allowed on city streets.
Traffic Alert: Broadway CLOSED between Sunnyside and Diversey.
Date: Saturday, June 25
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Location: West Loop
Passion Pit headlines the historic annual block party that benefits area education and outreach programs. The event is in a parking lot on Morgan between Taylor and Roosevelt.
A bags tournament, food trucks and lots of alcohol attract the adult crowd to this 21+ event.
PHISH at Wrigley Field
Date: Friday, June 24 and Saturday, June 25
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Wrigley Field, Chicago
LivePhish.com will webcast live from Phish’s 2-Night Sold Out show at Wrigley Field this Friday & Saturday. Shows begin at 7:00 p.m. and there will be additional traffic in the area.
Date: Saturday, June 25 and Sunday, June 26
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Saturday and 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Sunday
Location: Evanston
From the official website: The festival takes place in downtown Evanston, just steps from the eponymous Fountain Square. It also features a popular children’s art tent with fun activities overseen by the acclaimed Evanston Art Center, food, and a soothing jazz-centric music lineup.
Saturday night enjoy a beer tasting with tickets for $25 that include 15 tastings.
Traffic Alert: Sherman at Clark Closed
Public Transportation – Purple Line CTA L Train to Davis
From TravelMidwest.com: The ramps connecting eastbound I-88 to northbound Farnsworth Avenue and northbound Farnsworth Avenue to westbound I-88 will be closed permanently for removal and detours will be posted. Traffic on eastbound I-88 exiting to northbound Farnsworth Avenue will be detoured via Diehl Road, Eola Road and Butterfield Road. Traffic on northbound Farnsworth Avenue entering westbound I-88 will be detoured via a similar route using Butterfield Road, Eola Road and Bilter Road.
Ramp closures and detours will also be put in place for the ramps connecting eastbound I-88 to southbound Farnsworth Avenue and southbound Farnsworth Avenue to westbound I-88 as work begins to reconfigure the ramps. Traffic for both these ramps will be detoured via Illinois Route 31 and Indian Trail Road. These ramps will reopen this summer.
Roadwork on Illinois 390 at I-290: On Saturday, June 25, one eastbound lane on Illinois Route 390 between Meacham Road and I-290 is scheduled to close at 9 p.m., followed by second lane closure at 11 p.m. to prepare for bridge beam placement.
At 1 a.m. on Sunday, June 26, a full closure of the ramp connecting Meacham Road to eastbound Illinois Route 390 and I-290 is scheduled and traffic will be detoured. The ramp is scheduled to reopen by 7 a.m. and all lanes are scheduled to reopen by 10 a.m. Sunday, June 26.
Meacham Road Ramp from TravelMidwest.com
Weekend CTA Travel Alerts
Cumberland station service impacts
BLUE LINE
Jun 24 – 25
10 p.m on Friday to 6p.m. on Saturday
Boarding Change, Delays Between Harlem (O’Hare branch) and Rosemont
Board/exit all trains on the Forest Park-bound side of the platform at the Cumberland station.
Trains in both directions will operate on the same track between Harlem (O’Hare branch) and Rosemont, resulting in minor delays.
Jun 25 – 26
6:00 p.m. Saturday to 6:00 a.m. Sunday
Boarding Change, Delays Between Rosemont and Harlem (O’Hare branch)
Board/exit all trains on the O’Hare-bound side of the platform at the Cumberland station.
Trains in both directions will operate on the same track between Rosemont and Harlem (O’Hare branch), resulting in minor delays.
PRIDE Parade
From the CTA: CTA offers convenient service for those attending the 2016 Chicago Pride Parade on Sunday, June 26. To avoid crowded areas like Belmont, attendees are advised to consider viewing the parade from areas like Broadway, south of Montrose — a short walk from the Wilson and Sheridan stations on the Red Line. For more information, tips and a map and information, visit our Chicago Pride Parade page.
RED, ORANGE, BROWN,BLUE LINES Sun, Jun 26 Increased Capacity/More Frequent Service Red Line: More frequent service will operate between 95th and Howard every 5 to 8 minutes from 9am to 7pm. Orange Line: Longer trains will operate between Midway and the Loop, 8am to 6pm. Brown Line: Longer trains will operate between Kimball and the Loop every 7 to 8 minutes from 8am to 5pm. Blue Line: Longer trains will operate between O’Hare and Forest Park from 8am to 11pm. Why is service being changed? Added service is being provided for the convenience of customers attending the 2016 Chicago Pride Parade.
LOOP ‘L’: ORANGE,GREEN, PINK, BROWN LINES Jun 24 – 27 10pm Fri to 4am Mon Trains Rerouted Downtown: Lake and Wabash Closed How does this affect my trip? Orange, Green, Pink and Brown Line trains will be rerouted on the west side of the loop.
