Chicago City Wire

The Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) is urging Chicago residents to remain vigilant and prioritize safety during Halloween festivities across the city. With several large events scheduled, officials emphasize the importance of being alert in crowds and reporting any suspicious activity to 9-1-1.

Motorists and trick-or-treaters are advised to pay close attention to traffic conditions in neighborhoods. In addition, public transit users should be aware that from 4 a.m. on Saturday, October 25, until 2 a.m. on Monday, October 27, Brown, Green, Orange, and Pink CTA Loop elevated lines will be temporarily closed at all Loop stations due to a linecut. Red and Blue Line service remains unaffected. Free shuttle buses will be available for those impacted; further details can be found at TransitChicago.com.

The city will host multiple Halloween-themed events:

- The Upside-Down Parade in Washington Park begins at noon on Saturday, October 25. Assembly starts at 10 a.m., with the parade proceeding northbound on Russell Drive from Best Drive to Morgan Drive. More information is available at ArtsintheDark.com/Upside-Down-Parade/.

- The Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade takes place Friday, October 31. Activities begin at 6:30 p.m., with the parade starting at Halsted and Belmont at 7:30 p.m., ending with an awards show near Halsted and Cornelia by 8:30 p.m. Details can be found at northalsted.com/main-events/haunted-halsted-halloween-parade/.

- Carrera de los Muertos (Race of the Dead) is set for Saturday, November 1 in Pilsen. The event starts at Benito Juarez Community Academy at 8 a.m., with street closures expected in nearby areas such as Blue Island Avenue and Laflin Street. Event information is available through unochicago.org/la-carrera.

Residents are reminded of the national "If You See Something, Say Something" campaign encouraging people to report suspicious activities immediately to law enforcement or onsite security personnel.

For those attending lakefront events or visiting Grant Park, OEMC reminds individuals to note pole markers—green signs with white numbers—along DuSable Lake Shore Drive and other locations from Oak Street to Foster Avenue. These markers assist first responders in quickly locating individuals during emergencies when calling 9-1-1.

OEMC collaborates with public safety partners to monitor weather conditions throughout these events. Residents are encouraged to check forecasts before leaving home and follow instructions from authorities if conditions change unexpectedly.

"OEMC issues alerts and notifications needed to keep residents and attendees up to date on weather conditions and emergencies."

Further information about emergency preparedness can be accessed via the OEMC website Chicago.gov/OEMC or through their social media channels on Facebook (@coemc), Twitter (@ChicagoOEMC), Instagram (chicago_oemc_911), Bluesky (@chicagooemc.bsky.social), and Threads (@chicago_oemc_911).

Chicago’s OEMC manages essential public safety functions including emergency dispatch services around the clock. It coordinates closely with city departments such as police and fire services as well as regional partners for special event planning and disaster response efforts.

"In 2025, the OEMC marks 30 years serving the residents of the City of Chicago."

###