Taste of Chicago and the Windy City Smokeout are Set to Begin on Wednesday, July 8

CHICAGO: The Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) is advising residents, to stay vigilant and to enjoy the Taste of Chicago and the Windy City Smokeout beginning on Wednesday, July 8 and through the weekend safely and responsibly. The OEMC will monitor all weekend events and weather conditions citywide from the Operations Center and coordinate public safety resources with critical stakeholders as needed.

Report Suspicious Activity: If You See Something, Say Something. The city reminds the public to be aware of their surroundings and to report suspicious activity. If you notice something suspicious, notify onsite security or call 9-1-1. If You See Something, Say Something™ is a national anti-terrorism public awareness campaign that emphasizes the importance of reporting suspicious activity to law enforcement authorities.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to download the Chicago OEMC app before heading out. The app is a great tool to receive alerts, safety tips, the weather forecast, street closures, event information and more. The app is available through the Apple App and Google Play stores or visit Chicago.gov/OEMC

Traffic Control Aides (TCAs) will be on hand at the Taste of Chicago, Windy City Smokeout and events citywide to direct flow and impacts from traffic.

Taste of Chicago - Grant Park

Wednesday, July 8 - Sunday, July 12, 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

The City of Chicago's iconic Taste of Chicago returns to its traditional summer home in July, bringing one of the city's largest and most anticipated festivals back to Grant Park for five days celebrating Chicago's food, music, culture and creativity. Held over five days in Grant Park, the FREE admission Taste of Chicago will feature dozens of food vendors, nationally recognized musical performances, local artists, family attractions, culinary demonstrations and interactive programming throughout the festival grounds. For complete details, visit TasteofChicago.us

Street Closures around Grant Park

• Columbus from Monroe to Balbo
• Ida B. Wells from Columbus to Semi Circle
• Jackson from Michigan Avenue to Lake Shore Drive
• Columbus from Balbo to Roosevelt
• All streets will reopen to traffic on Monday, July 13, at 11:59 p.m.

Windy City Smokeout - United Center

Wednesday, July 8-Sunday, July 12

Windy City Smokeout, the country music and BBQ festival will return to the grounds of the United Center. The festival is in Parking Lot C (1901 W. Madison St), entrance to the festival is at Madison and Wood Streets. Event Times: Wednesday, July 8. 4-10 p.m.; Thursday, July 9 and Friday, July 10, 2-10 p.m.; Saturday, July 11 and Sunday, July 12: 1-10 p.m.

For public safety, all attendees will be subject to a full and complete search prior to entry. This includes walking through a magnetometer and bag check upon entering the event site. Attendees may be subjected to additional screening, such as a pat down. Persons that refuse to comply with the search policy will be refused entry into the event. For all security details, including allowed and prohibited items, visit WindyCitySmokeout.com/faqs

Street Closures around the United Center

Through Tuesday, July 14 at noon

• Warren: from Wood to Damen (two lanes)
• Madison from Damen to Wood
• Wood from Madison to Warren
• Washington from Wood to Wolcott (south curb lane)

Wolcott from Warren to Washington

Traffic Control Aides (TCA's) will be on hand to direct flow and impacts from heavy traffic. For additional details visit WindyCitySmokeout.com.

Pole Markers/Location Identifiers: For public safety on the lakefront and in Grant Park, residents are reminded to be aware of the numbers attached to the poles throughout the Grant Park area, along various points on the lakefront path and on DuSable Lake Shore Drive from 5700 North to 6600 South to help them reference their location along the lakefront and within the park if you call 9-1-1 in an emergency. OEMC call takers and dispatchers will be able to provide the location for first responders. The pole markers can also be used between friends and family members as a meeting point if you become separated. For additional details click HERE.

Public Transportation: As for any large-scale event, public transportation is encouraged, and both CTA and Metra will provide additional service for the event. Public transit is the most affordable and convenient way to get to and from the NASCAR Chicago Street Race. For more information, visit CTA at TransitChicago.com and Metra.com.

Weather and Public Safety: OEMC will monitor events through a collaboration with public safety partners. OEMC advises Chicagoans to be aware of weather conditions and to follow instructions and heed all warnings from public safety officials. Residents are encouraged to check the weather before heading out. For the most up-to-date information, please tune into local media or download the Chicago OEMC app.

OEMC issues alerts and notifications needed to keep residents and attendees up to date on weather conditions and emergencies.

• Sign up for NotifyChicago alerts at NotifyChicago.org
• CHILAKE: For lakefront notices, TEXT "CHILAKE" to 7-8-0-1-5
• CHIBIZ: For alerts affecting businesses, TEXT "CHIBIZ" to 6-7-2-8-3

For additional information on emergency preparedness information, visit the OEMC website at Chicago.gov/OEMC. Follow the Office of Emergency Management and Communications on Facebook(@coemc), Twitter (@ChicagoOEMC), Instagram (chicago_oemc_911), Bluesky (@chicagooemc.bsky.social) and Threads (@chicago_oemc_911).