Chicago officials have announced street closures and safety preparations as the city prepares for Halloween weekend and trick-or-treating in the coming days.
Chicago police are promising extra police patrols around the city for various events, including the Arts in the Dark Parade, which steps off Saturday.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot called on residents to be vigilant.
"Our city and partner agencies are out there but they need your help," she said during a news conference Thursday. "Our residents have to be partners."
The city's Office of Emergency Management and Communications on Thursday announced street closures for Halloween events for the upcoming weekend.
The Arts in the Dark Parade kicks off at the intersection State Street and Lake Street on Saturday, lasting from 6-8 p.m., with assembly starting at 4 p.m. on Wacker Drive between State and Lake.
The following street closures will be in effect from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Saturday:
- State Street from Lake to Ida B. Wells
- Lake Street from Dearborn to Wabash
- Randolph from Wabash to Dearborn
- Washington from Dearborn to Wabash
- Madison from Wabash to Dearborn
- Monroe from Dearborn to Wabash
- Adams from Wabash to Dearborn
- Jackson from Dearborn to Wabash
- Van Buren from Wabash to Dearborn
Additionally, "La Carrera De Los Muertos," a 5K run and walk in Pilsen, will step off at 8 a.m. on Saturday at Benito Juarez Community Academy High School as part of local Day of the Dead festivities.
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The 3.1-mile Komen Chicago Race for the Cure will be held along the lakefront beginning at 7 a.m. Saturday, starting and finishing at Soldier Field.
On the North Side, the Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade is scheduled for 6 p.m. through 10 p.m. on Halloween itself, traveling north from the intersection of Halsted Street and Belmont Avenue to the intersection of Halsted Street and Brompton Street.
For the parade, Halsted Street will be closed from Belmont Avenue to Addison Street from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. A full list of parking restrictions and closures related to the parade can be found here.
In addition to official Halloween events taking place throughout the city, OEMC officials offered the following tips for those trick-or-treating or heading out on Halloween to celebrate:
- If you’re going out with a group, make sure the buddy system is being used.
- Trick-or-Treaters should carry a flashlight, glowstick or utilize reflective tape.
- Take a digital photo of your kids in the event of an emergency
- Make sure your child’s costume is safe i.e., fire retardant, mask with proper ventilation, easy movement, etc.
- Know who your children are trick-or-treating with and their contact information.
- Add a photo of your child to your Smart911 profile for first responders if they get lost.
- If you see any suspicious activity, call 9-1-1.
