Lots Of Fun, But Lots Of Traffic In Chicago This Weekend
CHICAGO (CBS) -- The lineup of sports and music events, along with neighborhood festivals, will provide no shortages of things to do over the weekend, but it also means a traffic nightmare.
The Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) is advising residents and visitors to be aware of impacts to motorists and pedestrians.
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Among the biggest events downtown:
The Copa America: The third of four soccer matches (Argentina v. Panama) begins at 8:30 p.m. tonight at Soldier Field. Motorists should expect backups from the I-55 construction project and seek alternate routes. Uber/Lyft will drop off and pick up fans at Columbus, between Balbo and Ninth Streets.
Chicago Blues Fest: The music festival runs today through Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., at Grant Park. Street closures are in place on Columbus from Monroe to Congress and Jackson from Michigan to Lake Shore Drive. All streets will be open to traffic by 6:00 a.m. on Monday. For public safety, attendees are reminded to be aware of the numbers attached to the poles throughout the Grant Park area to help them reference their location to friends, family and first responders if there is an emergency.
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Spring Awakening Music Festival: The five stages of performances move this year to Addams/Medill Park, located at 14th and Loomis Streets. The event runs today through Sunday, 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. CTA has added extra buses for the event. Paratransit/Uber/Lyft drop off will be 15th Street and pick up location will be in the Costco Parking Lot located at 14th and Ashland
America's Cup Chicago: For the first time, Chicago is hosting the first stage of competition in the Louis Vuitton America's Cup World Series, which is a racing circuit featuring the best sailors in the world competing on 45 foot catamarans. Residents, motorists and boaters should anticipate increased pedestrian and boating activity at Navy Pier and along the lakefront. The event runs today through Sunday, 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Navy Pier
Other events this weekend include Sox home stand against the Kansas City Royals at US Cellular Field, Ribfest Chicago, Printers Row Lit Fest, Old Town Art Fair, Wells Street Art Festival, Andersonville Midsommarfest, Fiesta Back of the Yards, The Cure concert at UIC Pavilion, Remix Chicago and the University of Chicago Convocation Ceremony.
Public transportation is highly recommended for traveling to and from various events over the weekend. For CTA service and re-routes, visit www.transitchicago.com.
