Mayor's Office of Special Events

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. What items are prohibited from being brought onto festival grounds?
-Alcoholic Beverages
-BBQ Grills (Open Flames)
-Fireworks or Explosives
-Illegal Substances & Weapons
-Pop-up Tents/Canopies
-Beach/Picnic Umbrellas
-Flag Poles
-All Pets (except Service Animals)

Failure to comply with the above may result in entry being denied. All containers will be subject to search. Bicycles may not be ridden on festival grounds.

2. What are the major events the Mayor's Office of Special Events produces every year?

Snow Days Chicago, Mayor Daley's Kids & Kites Festival, Bike To Work Rally, Chicago Blues Festival, Chicago Gospel Music Festival, Chicago's Memorial Day Parade, Taste of Chicago, Race to the Taste, Chicago Country Music Festival, Chicago Criterium, Mayor's Cup Youth Soccer Tournament, Chicago Outdoor Film Festival, Venetian Night, Chicago Air & Water Show, Viva! Chicago Latin Music Festival, Chicago Jazz Festival, Celtic Fest Chicago, Halloween Franken Plaza, Halloween Happening, Banner Auction, Tree Lighting Ceremony at Daley Plaza, and Mayor Daley's Holiday Sports Festival.  

3. Is there an admission fee to get into the grounds of the lakefront festivals?

No, all city-sponsored lakefront festivals are free to the public. 

4. When was the first year for the Taste of Chicago?

The Taste of Chicago began in 1980 and took place on Michigan Ave. for one day.  

5. Where is the Taste of Chicago located?

Grant Park in downtown Chicago, bounded by Monroe on the North, Balbo on the South, Lake Shore Drive on the East, and Michigan on the West.  

6. Where is the Chicago Air & Water Show located?

Fullerton Avenue to Oak Street, with North Avenue Beach as the focal point.  

7. What are the hours of the Chicago Air & Water Show?

10am - 4pm.

8. Can I purchase tickets for the seating area at the Petrillo Music Shell for the lakefront music festivals?

No. The Mayor's Office of Special Events does not sell tickets to the seating area at the Petrillo Music Shell or the seating area at the Chicago Air & Water Show.

The seating area at the Petrillo Music Shell in Grant Park opens up at the start of each concert and is available on a first come first serve basis. Coolers, glass bottles, cans, and folding chairs are NOT allowed in the seating area at the Petrillo Music Shell. Video and audio recording is NOT allowed in any area of the Petrillo Music Shell.

9. What is the cost of the food tickets at the Chicago Blues Festival, Chicago Gospel Music Festival, Taste of Chicago, Chicago Country Music Festival, Viva! Chicago Latin Music Festival, Chicago Jazz Festival, and Celtic Fest Chicago?

Food tickets are $8 for a strip of 12 (a $2 surcharge) except at the Gospel Music Festival, vendors sell their food.

10. I want to sell items at your events. How can I do that?

There are only three ways that one can sell items at one of our events.
1.) We host art fairs at: Chicago Gospel Music Festival, Chicago Jazz Festival, Viva! Chicago Latin Music Festival, and Celtic Fest Chicago. Items are to be handmade arts and crafts related to the theme of the event.
2.) Sponsors are permitted to sell items at various events (this requires a cash commitment). For information on how to become a sponsor please visit our sponsorship page at .
3.) All event promotional items are sold at the event. This privilege is awarded following a competitive bidding process.

11. Where is the closest parking if I'm disabled?

Parking is not available on the festival grounds. The Millennium Park Garage on Columbus between Monroe & Randolph, the Monroe Street Underground at Monroe & Columbus, and the Grant Park Underground parking garage entrances located at Michigan at Madison and Michigan at Randolph are all fully handicapped accessible. At the lakefront festivals, there is a drop off point at the lakefront festivals for the disabled located on the South curb of Monroe Street just east of Columbus.

12. Where is there Motorcoach Parking in Chicago?

Go to www.choosechicago.com for information.

13. What kind of services are available at the lakefront music festivals for people with disabilities?

View the City of Chicago Summer Lakefront Festival Accessibility Policy.

14. Can I bring my dog with me into the lakefront festivals?

No. For your dog's protection and for the public's safety, all dogs are restricted from the festivals and you will be asked to leave the festival with your dog. (This policy is supported by the Anti-Cruelty Society.)

15. Can I bring a cooler into the lakefront music festivals?

Yes, but alcohol beverages are not allowed into the festival grounds. Coolers are not allowed in the seating area of the Petrillo Music Shell.

16. Can I bring a folding chair into the lakefront music festivals?

Yes, but folding chairs are not allowed in the seating area of the Petrillo Music Shell.

17. Can I bring a tent into the lakefront music festivals?

Personal tents and canopies are NOT allowed at any lakefront events.

18. Can I purchase souvenirs at the festivals?

Yes. Souvenirs are available at all the lakefront music festivals and the Chicago Air & Water Show.

19. When is the Independence Eve fireworks show?

The fireworks show takes place on July 3rd, during the Taste of Chicago.

20. Who do I contact to hold an athletic event along the lakefront?

Contact the Chicago Park District Permit Office at 312-742-5369.

21. What do I have to do to get a Jumping Jack at my block party?

You need to complete a Jumping Jack application and submit it to the Mayor's Office of Special Events. The application must be returned to the Mayor's Office of Special Events at least 10 days prior to the event. To request an application be mailed to you, call the Mayor's Office of Special Events at (312) 744-3315 or visit the Mayor's Office of Special Events in at City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle, Room 806. 

22. How can I volunteer at MOSE events?

We have volunteer opportunities available for our Chicago Criterium bike event.