Mexican Independence Day 
Events and Access Points
September 11 through September 16

Dear Neighbors, 

The City of Chicago is preparing for Mexican Independence Day with multiple citywide events and parades beginning Friday, September 11, and continuing through the official holiday on Wednesday, September 16. Major sanctioned events include El Grito Chicago and the 26th Street Mexican Independence Day Parade in Little Village.

The Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) is activating the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to monitor events taking place citywide. The EOC will coordinate resources and responses to emergencies throughout the city.

                                Downtown Traffic Management Plan

The Chicago Police Department will enforce traffic regulations, and uniformed Chicago Police Officers will be visible and present to ensure safe celebrations.

Residents may experience increased traffic in the downtown area. If traveling to and from the area, plan accordingly and allow extra time. In extreme circumstances, street closures limiting vehicle mobility in the Central Business District and diversions to control traffic flow may be necessary.

If closures are implemented, access may be limited to residents, employees, deliveries, emergency services, and others with a need to enter the affected area. If you are a resident driving in to attend an event or have reservations in the impacted area, please plan to provide proof of your reservation or address (i.e., ticket, electronic confirmation, or other documentation). These procedures will not apply to pedestrians.

The following locations will serve as access points:

Please note: OEMC issues alerts and notifications to keep residents and attendees up to date on weather conditions and emergencies. 
• Sign up for NotifyChicago alerts at NotifyChicago.org
• CHILAKE: For lakefront notices, TEXT “CHILAKE” to 7-8-0-1-5
• CHIBIZ: For alerts affecting businesses, TEXT “CHIBIZ” to 6-7-2-8-3

RNRA “I Love River North” Happy Hour

at F1® Arcade Chicago

September 29th (Tuesday)

Attention RNRA Members – Before you order tickets, see your Property Manager for a Special Promo Code with $10 Discount. Discount can be only applied at the time of registration, not after. This discount is available only to residents of RNRA Member properties

• $40.00 Advanced Tickets (Before member discount)
• $50.00 – At 5:00 p.m. on day of event (Before member discount)

Ticket Price includes two drink tickets and delicious appetizers. Individuals will have an opportunity to “sample” simulators in a free 3.5 minute session on a select amount of machines near our event room. Simulator tickets for full racing sessions will also be available for purchase at F1 the night of the event or in advance at https://f1arcade.com/us/chicago

Don’t forget to stop at the RNRA Raffle Table where we will be raffling off gift cards to F1® Arcade so you can continue the experience! Other prizes will be listed soon!

• Gift Certificate to F1® Arcade Chicago – (several)
• $250 Gift Certificate to Chicago Chop House
• $500 Value – One night stay for 2 in a deluxe room at The Godfrey Hotel Chicago ($300 value) and
  $200 Voucher for Food & Beverage at the I | O Rooftop Lounge

Raffle Tickets will be sold at the event: $10 each or 3/$20!

All proceeds benefit RNRA neighborhood advocacy. RNRA is a 501(c)(3) non profit. $5.00 from each ticket will be donated to Healthy Schools Campaign.

ABOUT F1® ARCADE CHICAGO

BAR, DINE, RACE

F1® Arcade Chicago is bringing high-speed excitement to the windy city!

Now open in River North at the old Rock Bottom Brewery, get ready to gather your crew, sip on handcrafted cocktails (or mocktails), and take the wheel in a state-of-the-art Formula 1® simulator for an adrenaline-fueled adventure like no other. Whether you’re a casual fan or a die-hard racing enthusiast, F1® Arcade Chicago delivers the thrill of the track in an electrifying social setting.

Get ready to race, refuel, and reignite your competitive side.

PICK YOUR RACE MODE

Simulators are top-of-the-line, designed to emulate the thrills of F1® racing. Team up or go head to head. Hop on with your friends or family and experience the excitement and the full-motion of a Formula One® car as you drive around the world’s most iconic tracks.

$5.00 from Every Happy Hour Ticket will go toward

$5.00 from each ticket will be donated to Healthy Schools Campaign whose mission is to ensure that all children have access to healthy school environments where they can learn and thrive. Healthy Schools Campaign (HSC), a Chicago-based nonprofit organization working at the national, state and local levels, is dedicated to helping schools provide students with healthy environments, nutritious food, comprehensive health services, access to healthy green outdoor spaces, and opportunities for physical activity and play. Their approach is strategic and comprehensive. HSC draws from its on-the-ground work with a broad set of stakeholders in Chicago Public Schools and districts across the country to advocate for programs and policies that support the long-term health and success of public school students.

Last week, Governor JB Pritzker signed Senate Bill 3484, which establishes regulations on micromobility transportation that include age requirements, speed limits, and rules on where they can be operated. The bill creates new statewide standards for high-speed electric bikes (pedal-assist) and scooters, electric motorbikes, and electric unicycles and skateboards. I am pleased that Governor Pritzker, with the strong-hearted support of Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, has enacted this common-sense legislation to regulate these devices and protect pedestrians, drivers, and non-electric bikers.

In 2025, I secured a commitment from Lime, one of the city’s scooter rental vendors, to install technology in all new devices to detect riding on sidewalks. Additionally, I have drafted legislation that requires the registration of Class 3 electric bikes (capable of 28 mph+) in the City of Chicago. The ordinance was introduced in the Committee on Pedestrian and Traffic Safety, and you can view it here.

Strict and strong enforcement is necessary to address this issue. Enacting the Class 3 electric bike classification will make enforcement easier for the Chicago Police Department and Chicago Park District. I will also continue to advocate for designating CPD officers to patrol and stop e-bikes and motors in critical areas, such as along the Lakefront Trail.

Reckless e-scooter riding puts pedestrians in harm’s way and turns the public way into an unsafe environment. Together, with this new legislation, I am optimistic that city and state officials can work together to put an end to this irresponsible behavior and protect pedestrians from the unchecked danger that micromobility transportation can pose when left unregulated.

CLICK HERE for more information on Be the Bridge and to apply.  See chart below with positions.

Consider applying for opportunities with Be the Bridge.  And, if you live in River North, consider joining the RNRA Public Safety Committee too representing RNRA as an 18th District CAPS Community partner. Click here for a link to submit a Volunteer Application and a representative from RNRA will get in touch with you.

The RNRA Public Safety Committee meets every other month. We ask our comiittee members to attend Beat Meetings, 18th District Council Meetings, Coffee with the Commander, and engage in CPD Caps activities like those noted In CPD’s “Be the Bridge”. We especially need volunteers for Court Advocacy, Youth, Older Adults and Faith Based CPD Committees.

There are multiple community leader opportunities available!

Help Shape the Future Next Superintendent of Chicago Police Department

Your Voice Matters!

1. Take the short survey (scan the code below) – What do you want to see in the next Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department?
2. Join a listening session – Let your voice be heard!

September 2, 2026 (Wednesday) – 6:30 p.m.

DePaul College Prep

3300 N. Campbell Avenue

Chicago, Illinois

September 10, 2026 (Thursday) – 6:30 p.m.

Virtual Session

Join RNRA for a A. Montgomery Ward Park Clean-up on Saturday October 3 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.   The park is located at 630 N. Kingsbury (Kingsbury & Erie).   Supplies provided (gloves, and trash grabber)  Registration Required.  CLICK HERE to print a copy of the flyer.