🇲🇽 Traffic plans and caravans

Mexican Independence Day in Chicago

Mexican Independence Day is Sept. 16, but you've probably already started seeing the tricolored flag pop up more than usual. City leaders and organizers announced increased safety precautions for this weekend’s lineup of Mexican Independence Day celebrations. Mayor Brandon Johnson noted the police department “has been working to make sure that we’re protecting the rights of the residents of our city.”

• Last month, a group of Chicagoans filed police reports alleging abuse by federal agents.
• An elite Chicago police unit is now investigating the Border Patrol shooting of Marimar Martinez.

A 2024 report found that one in five Chicagoans identify as Mexican. But a year after Midway Blitz, city officials and organizers hope more Chicagoans celebrate Mexican heritage this year, without the fear of immigration enforcement.

The 55th Annual 26th Street Mexican Independence Day Parade is Sunday, starting from the Little Village Arch at 26th Street and Albany Avenue and making its way down 26th to Kostner Avenue. The parade is free. This year's theme is “United We Ride, Stronger Than Ever.”

The 87th Annual South Chicago Mexican Independence Day Parade runs south down Commercial Avenue from 87th Street to 100th Street on Sunday, too.

El Grito Festival returns to Grant Park Saturday and Sunday. The fest will include live music and mariachi, a Kombi dance floor, folklorico performances, and art activities for kids. Tickets range from $10 for children and $20 for one-day admission to $35 for two-day passes. The El Grito Civic Ceremony on Sunday is free.

• Last year, El Grito was cancelled after President Donald Trump announced plans to deploy federal troops.

Traffic plans: Public transit is highly recommended. Jackson Boulevard will be closed from Columbus Drive to DuSable Lake Shore Drive for El Grito Fest. The police department will enforce traffic regulations if needed. In case of additional closures, the following locations will serve as access points:

• Halsted/Washington
• Halsted/Madison
• Halsted/Jackson
• Division/LaSalle
• Roosevelt/Canal
• Taylor/Desplaines
• 18th/State
• 18th/Indiana

Caravans: Expect the car caravans to take over Chicago’s streets, particularly downtown. Avoid getting stuck in traffic and choose an alternative route, or pick up a Mexican flag at a street vendor in Little Village before the weekend and blend right in. 🇲🇽

Should Gunmakers Pay For Weapons Used in Shootings?

When someone is killed or injured by a gun, the manufacturer would have to pay into a state fund under a new bill coming before the General Assembly. Similar bills have been proposed elsewhere, but no state has passed it. Officials estimate gun violence costs Illinois about $20 billion per year. [Sun-Times]

Fewer Unhoused Chicagoans, Numbers Remain High

The number of Chicagoans living on the street or in city shelters dropped 12% between January 2025 and January 2026. The data comes from the annual “point-in-time” count, when volunteers go out to count how many people are unhoused on a given night. [WTTW]

• Check out this guide to combating housing insecurity [City Bureau]

Open House Chicago Lineup

One of the largest architecture festivals in the world returns Oct. 17 and 18 for its 16th year with over 200 sites to visit for free. New sites added to the lineup this year include the Bronzeville Black Metropolis National Heritage Area, Sears Sunken Garden, and Narrow Bridge Arts Club. [Chicago Architecture Center]

A Decade of Big Marsh Park. Plus, 40 years of Oprah

As Big Marsh Park prepares to celebrate ten years on the Southeast Side, the park has cut the ribbon on new bike features at the nearly 300-acre site. On today’s podcast, we discuss the park's history. Plus, Self-Care Awareness Month in Chicago and 40 years of Oprah. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

One Book, One Chicago

The Chicago Public Library’s “One Book, One Chicago” program is turning 25 and headed above the clouds. This year’s citywide read is Samantha Harvey’s award-winning “Orbital.” [Sun-Times]

• Speaking of books: Check us out at Printers Row Lit Fest on Saturday, where our host Jacoby Cochran will be in conversation with James Beard Award-winning Michael Gebert, author of “The Chicago Way: An Oral History of Chicago Dining.”