The City of Chicago’s Memorial Day Weekend Offers Multiple Events and Parades Citywide as the Unofficial Kick-off to Summer Friday, May 22 – Monday, May 25

Summer Safety Resource for Social Media, Newsletters, and More

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

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

To protect residents and communities citywide this summer, OEMC will convene daily with the Chicago Police Department and our partners to provide strategic oversight and a coordinated citywide deployment of public safety personnel and assets to enhance our ongoing collaborative efforts around crime and violence reduction.

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

Public Transportation: As with all busy weekends and large-scale events citywide public transportation is encouraged. Public transit is the most affordable, convenient, and environmentally friendly way to get to and from summertime events. For more information, visit CTA at TransitChicago.com and Metra.com.

Motorists in the areas where events are happening should be prepared for heavy traffic and possible reroutes. There will be some street closures in effect for larger events to ensure public safety. Traffic Control Aides (TCAs) will be on hand at select events citywide to direct flow and impacts from heavy traffic. Residents and motorists should be aware of the following large events:

Chicago OEMC App - Know Before You Head Out

For safety and preparedness this Summer, residents and visitors are encouraged to gear up and download the Chicago OEMC App. The public safety tool provides safety information, preparedness tips, emergency alerts, CHI Safe Walk, weather information, and more in the palm of your hand. Users will also have access to current events and forecasts, radar, and other weather-related information as well. The app is now available through the Apple App and Google Play stores or visit the website Chicago.gov/OEMC.

Sueños Chicago

Saturday, May 23, and Sunday, May 24, 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

The Sueños Chicago music festival returns to the Lakefront from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily in Grant Park on Saturday May 23 and Sunday May 24. With multiple festivals, concerts, athletic events, the opening of beaches and simultaneous events throughout the city and along the lakefront this Memorial Day weekend, the City of Chicago is advising residents and visitors to be aware of street closures, additional crowds and increased traffic and to plan accordingly. For complete festival information, visit SuenosMusicFestival.com/ 

Lakefront Beaches Open Friday, May 22 

City of Chicago beaches will open for the Summer on Friday, May 22. The Chicago Park District urges patrons to enjoy the beaches safely and responsibly and look for "No Swimming Allowed" signage that indicates that swimming is not sanctioned in that area. Visitors should consult the district's website or social media platforms to ensure water conditions are safe for swimming before heading out to the beach and only enter the water when a lifeguard is on duty. Swim hours are 11am to 7pm, daily, Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Swimming anywhere else along the lakefront is not permitted. For details and information on a beach near you, visit ChicagoParkDistrict.com. Below is the lastest summer safety message from Marvel's Ironheart. 

Soldier Field 10-Mile and 10K 

Saturday, May 23, 7 a.m. (10 Mile), 8:00 a.m. (10K) 

The Soldier Field 10 returns to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our Country on Memorial Day weekend. The annual 10 mile and 10K option will start with a pre-race playing of taps and a military salute. Both courses will take runners along Lake Michigan on the lakefront path before looping back to the finish ON the field at Soldier Field. There will be a post-race tailgate in the Stadium Green immediately following. For additional details, visit SoldierField10.com 

Memorial Day Parade (Dearborn from Lake to Jackson) 

Saturday, May 23, Wreath Laying Ceremony (Daley Plaza) at 11 a.m., Parade on State Street at Noon 

Chicago's Memorial Day Parade honors all men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country. They gave their lives to protect our nation's freedom. The Wreath Laying Ceremony is on Daley Plaza (50 West Washington Street) at 11 a.m. followed by the Parade at noon on State Street from Lake Street to Van Buren Street For additional details, visit Chicago.gov/DCASE. 

Belmont/Sheffield Music Festival 

Friday, May 22, 5-10 p.m., Saturday, May 23 and Sunday, May 24, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. 

The annual street festival happening on Sheffield Avenue, from Belmont Avenue to Roscoe Street in the heart of the Lakeview neighborhood (and just steps from the Belmont L station). For additional details, visit chicagoevents.com/event/belmont-sheffield-music-fest/ 

Navy Pier Fireworks 

Saturday, May 23 at 10 p.m. 

Beginning on Memorial Day weekend, Navy Pier will present a fireworks show each Wednesday and Saturday through September 5. Wednesday shows begin at 9 p.m. and Saturday shows begin at 10 p.m. For additional details, visit NavyPier.org/summer-fireworks 

Forever Mine Music Fest 

Saturday, May 23, 12:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m., Sunday, May 24, 12:00 p.m. - 10 p.m. 

A new Chicago festival celebrating early 2000s R&B and house music will be held at Union Park on Memorial Day weekend. Expect local congestion and traffic closures around Union Park over the weekend. foreverminefest.com/

Mayfestiversary 2026

Saturday, May 23, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sunday, May 24, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. 

Annual street festival in the Ravenswood Corridor located at between the Begyle Brewing and Dovetail Brewery. For details visit, mayfestiversary.com/

Chicago Fire vs Toronto FC (Soldier Field) 

Saturday, May 23, 7:30 p.m. 

The Chicago Fire will host Toronto FC at Soldier Field. Expect congestion near the stadium. For more details, click here: Chicago Fire FC vs. Toronto FC | Soldier Field  

Weather and Public Safety

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

OEMC will issue any alerts and notifications needed to keep residents and attendees up to date on weather conditions and emergencies. Sign up for NotifyChicago alerts at NotifyChicago.org. OEMC also issues TEXT alerts for lakefront notices and issues affecting businesses:

• CHILAKE: For lakefront notices, TEXT "CHILAKE" to 7-8-0-1-5

• CHIBIZ: For alerts affecting businesses, TEXT "CHIBIZ" to 6-7-2-8-3

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