Posted on

2022 Chicago Pride Events: What to Know About This Weekend’s Chicago’s Pride Parade, Pride in The Park

2022 Chicago Pride Events: What to Know About This Weekend's Chicago's Pride Parade, Pride in The Park

One of Chicago’s biggest summer weekends is coming up, with the city’s Pride in the Park festival beginning Saturday, and the annual Pride Parade Sunday.

Both are expected to draw large crowds to the city, with music, events and more.

Here’s what to know about each event.

2022 Chicago Pride Parade: When and Where

Chicago’s 51st annual Pride Parade steps off Sunday at noon at Montrose Ave. and Broadway in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood and winds through the north side of the city. It ends in Lincoln Park near the intersection of Diversey Parkway and Sheridan Road., organizers say.

The busiest portion of the parade route tends to be in North Halsted between Belmont Avenue and Grace Street, according to organizers.

Here’s a map of the route.

“For the liveliest viewing spots, head to the Boystown section of North Halsted Street, between Belmont Avenue and Grace Street,” parade organizers say. “If you are seeking a less crowded area to view the parade, look for your viewing spots north of Irving Park Road, along Broadway or further along Broadway between Belmont Avenue and Diversey Parkway.”

Pride Parade Street Closures

Street closures begin as early as 8 a.m. Sunday and include Montrose, Irving Park and Wellington at Broadway and Addison, Grace and Roscoe at Halsted. 

Pride Parade Security

In terms of security Chicago officials say they are prepared, and have no known threats at this time. “We are expecting large crowds for the Pride Parade as we do every year, and I want to encourage everyone attending to safely enjoy the celebration throughout the day,” Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management said Tuesday during a press conference.

“Although there are no known threats at this time, each year Chicago public safety departments along with parade organizers adjust the already robust security plan to ensure the safety of personnel participants, spectators residents and all those in the area.”

During a press conference Wednesday, Chicago Police Supt. David Brown said “We’ve added more staffing to this year’s pride than we’ve had in the past. We’ve had more coordination with businesses and other stakeholders in the planning process for Pride Parade than we have in the past.

“We are obviously planning for the worst, hoping for the best,” he continued. “We have extraordinary dedicated resources to this year’s Pride — more than has ever been committed.”

Pride in The Park: When and Where

Pride in The Park, an outdoor music festival and immersive pride experience in Grant Park, also takes place this weekend, Saturday and Sunday.

Headliners include The Chainsmokers and Alesso, and performances include singer/songwriter Daya, rapper and television personality Saucy Santana, DJ and producer J. Worra, YouTube sensation Rebecca Black, as well as performances by RuPaul’s Drag Race Winners Shea Couleé, Monet x Change and Priyanka.

Here’s the full lineup for each day.

Pride in The Park takes place at Butler Field at Grant Park on Saturday from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Butler Field at Grant Park in downtown Chicago, at 100 S. Lakeshore Drive.

Single day tickets start at $45, and tickets for both days start at $95. More information can be found here.

Posted on

CHICAGO’S WEEKEND EVENTS INCLUDE THE TASTE OF RANDOLPH, PRIDEFEST, TASTE OF CHICAGO: PULLMAN, SUMMER SMASH FESTIVAL, JUNETEENTH EVENTS, AND MANY MORE CITYWIDE

With many festivals, athletic events, and simultaneous events throughout the city and along the lakefront this weekend, the Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) is advising residents and visitors to be aware of street closures, additional crowds, increased traffic and to plan accordingly. The City of Chicago will have citywide deployments to ensure the safety and security of the public. The OEMC will monitor weekend events and weather conditions citywide from the Operations Center and coordinate public safety resources with critical stakeholders.

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.

As a reminder, bridges will be lifted on Saturday, June 18 in succession from Ashland to DuSable Lake Shore Drive beginning at 8am for boats heading to the lake. Expect delays or seek alternate route.

Motorists in the areas where events are happening should be prepared for increased 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 Pridefest -Northalsted
Saturday, June 18 – Sunday, June 19, 11 a.m.–10 p.m.
The Chicago Pride Fest is held annually the weekend before the Chicago Pride Parade held along N. Halsted Street from Addison St. to Grace St. with upwards of 60,000 expected to attend. Event goers should be aware of the green pole makers with white numbers located on the light poles along N. Halsted used to reference location. No large bags/backpacks allowed, and all bags will be inspected prior to entry. For complete details, visit northalsted.com/pridefest

Taste of Chicago, Pullman
Pullman Park, 11101 S. Cottage Grove
Saturday, June 18, noon-8 p.m.
Taste of Chicago Pullman brings food vendors, music, and Chicago SummerDance to Pullman Park in the Pullman neighborhood. For complete details, visit TasteofChicago.us.

Gold Coast Art Fair, Grant Park
Saturday, June 18 – Sunday, June 19, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Butler Field in Grant Park is the location for the 64th Gold Coast Art Fair. Festival entrances to Butler Field are located on Monroe St. and Jackson Drive as well as Monroe and Columbus. For complete details, visit AmdurProductions.com/event/2022GoldCoastArtFair.

Taste of Randolph Street, West Loop
Friday June 17, 5–10 p.m.
Saturday, June 18 and Sunday, June 19, noon–10 p.m.
Commemorating the iconic street festival’s 25th Anniversary along Randolph Street in the West Loop from 900-1200 W. Randolph. Entertainment will feature Chicago house music, DJs and more. For complete details, visit starevents.com/event/taste-of-randolph.

Lyrical Lemonade Summer Smash 2022
Douglass Park – 1401 S. Sacramento Drive
Friday, June 17, 2–10 p.m.
Saturday, June 18 and Sunday, June 19, noon–10 p.m.
The Lyrical Lemonade Summer Smash is a three-day hip-hop festival in Douglass Park. All bags will be searched up entry, backpacks and bags with multiple pockets will not be permitted. For complete details, visit TheSummerSmash.com.
Street Closures:
• Full: Farrar Dr from 15th St to 19th St; 6/7/22-6/23
• Full: Sacramento Dr from 15th St to 19th St; 6/13-6/22
• Full: Farrar Dr from 12th Pl to 15th St; 6/16-6/19
• Full: Marshall Ave from 19th St to 21st St; 6/17-6/19
• Full: 19th St from California to Marshall Ave; 6/17-1/19
• Curb Lane: Sacramento Dr from 16th St to 19th St; 6/7-6/23
• Curb Lane: Ogden Ave from California to Kedzie; 6/17-6/19

ITAV Juneteenth Village Fest, Douglass Park
Saturday, June 18, noon–6 p.m.
First annual Juneteenth Fest held in Douglass Park on California Avenue from 12th Place to Ogden Ave. For complete details, visit itavschools.org/itavfest

Chicago Cubs, Wrigley Field
Thursday, June 16, 1:20 p.m. (v. San Diego Padres)
Friday, June 17, Saturday, June 18, & Sunday, June 19, 1:20 p.m. (v. Atlanta Braves)
To plan your visit to Wrigley Field, visit MLB.com/cubs

Sail Grand Prix, Navy Pier
Wednesday, June 15 – Sunday, June 19, noon–6 p.m.
On June 18 and 19, nine national teams will race F50 catamarans on Lake Michigan.Bag checks and wanding will occur at all entrances. For complete details, visit SailGP.com/races.

Navy Pier Fireworks
600 E. Grand Ave. (Navy Pier)
Saturday, June 18 at 10 p.m.
Beginning on Memorial Day weekend, Navy Pier will present fireworks shows each Wednesday and Saturday through Labor Day weekend. Wednesday shows begin at 9 p.m. and Saturday shows begin at 10 p.m. For complete details, visit NavyPier.org.

Public Transportation: As with any large–scale event, public transportation is encouraged and both CTA and Metra are providing additional service for the event. Public transit is the most affordable, convenient, and environmentally friendly way to get to and from summertime events. For more information, visit CTA and Metra.com.

Pole Markers/Location Identifiers: Residents are reminded to be aware of the numbers attached to the poles throughout the Grant Park area and from 1200 DuSable Lake Shore Drive to 6600 DuSable Lake Shore Drive. These location identifiers help to reference a location within the park to share with friends, family and first responders if there is an emergency.

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 a weather 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. OEMC also issues TEXT alerts for lakefront notices, issues affecting businesses or COVID-19 updates:

• 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
• COVID: Get COVID-19 updates by TEXTING “COVID19” 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) and Instagram (chicago_oemc_911).

About OEMC
Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) oversees several functions that support public safety and provides assistance to residents 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The OEMC manages the following operational areas for the city: 9-1-1 call taking and dispatch; the 3-1-1 call center; emergency management; and traffic management. The OEMC coordinates with departments citywide, including the Chicago Police Department and Chicago Fire Department, in addition to various other local, state, and federal agencies as it relates to public safety planning and coordination for everything from large-scale special events to public safety emergencies and disasters.

# # #

 

Posted on

Man Killed, CPD Officer Hurt During Chaotic Series of Events on Chicago’s South Side

Man Killed, CPD Officer Hurt During Chaotic Series of Events on Chicago's South Side

It was a chaotic afternoon on Chicago’s South Side, as a person was killed in a shooting in Back of the Yards, while a police officer was injured after a carjacker sped away from another scene in West Englewood.

According to Chicago police, the incident began in the 5100 block of South Elizabeth at approximately 3:25 p.m.

At that scene, a 21-year-old man was standing outside when a vehicle approached and a person began firing shots at him.

That man was struck in the torso, and was taken to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Following that shooting, the vehicle fled the scene and ultimately crashed in the 1900 block of West 57th Street, according to police.

Three of the four suspects that were in the car were taken into custody by police, but a fourth was able to steal a vehicle from a nearby motorist, police said.

An officer attempted to take the suspect into custody, but he was struck by the vehicle as the suspect fled the scene. He was taken to an area hospital, where his condition had stabilized.

That final suspect was ultimately taken into custody near the Dan Ryan Woods a short time later, police said.

Charges are pending in the case, and Chicago police are continuing to investigate.

Posted on

Events Celebrating Chicago’s First Black Mayor Harold Washington, on His 100th Birthday

Events Celebrating Chicago's First Black Mayor Harold Washington, on His 100th Birthday

Friday would have been the 100th birthday of Chicago’s first black Mayor.

April 12, 1983, Harold Lee Washington was elected the first African American mayor of Chicago. He was also the first mayor to bring a vote for LQBTQ+ protections to the council floor.

A trailblazer in many communities and nicknamed ‘The People’s Mayor,’ Washington soon became one of the most celebrated mayors in the city’s history.

NBC Chicago Commemorates Harold Washington’s Life and Legacy on His 100th Birthday

In honor of Washington’s birthday, organizers with The Harold Washington Foundation and The People’s March Inc. are organizing several events across the city. The events, according to a press release, are “efforts is to keep Mayor Harold L. Washington’s legacy alive by promoting Black-in-Black Love and encouraging an end to the violence in all of Chicago’s 77 communities.”

Here’s a Look at Friday’s Harold Washington Celebrations:

9 a.m.: Community Breakfast Giveaway at The Community Breakfast Giveaway at Harold Lee Washington Park at 5200 S. Hyde Park Blvd.

1 p.m.: Car caravan and peace parade in Washington’s honor. The parade begins at at Washington Park Field House, located at 5531 South King Dr.

The caravan will end with a prayer vigil at Oak Wood Cemetery, 1035 E 67th St., — the final resting place for Mayor Washington.

5-7 p.m.: Community reception with food and music at Harold Lee Washington Park

To join the car caravan or to support and/or become a member of The Harold Washington Foundation, visit The Harold Foundation or call 312-671-2773.