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NASCAR Chicago Street Race: Loop Events, Traffic Impacts & Tips

Posted  7 days ago

5 MIN READ -- Whether you're visiting the Loop for NASCAR or you're a local looking to plan the perfect weekend, we've got you covered. From can't-miss events to traffic updates, here’s everything you need to know about what’s happening in the Loop during NASCAR weekend.


Free Family-friendly fun 

Make it a family affair at the Front Porch Lounge and Loop Ink on Monroe Street—right outside the NASCAR Chicago Street Race gate. Enjoy live music, temporary tattoos, puppets, and family-friendly fun all weekend long on Saturday, July 5 and Sunday, July 6. These activities happening outside the NASCAR Chicago Street Race gate are free and open to the public. For the full line-up see below. 

Navy Pier Fireworks 

Looking for a scenic way to wrap up your Saturday night after the NASCAR races? Catch the Navy Pier fireworks at 10 PM—they light up the whole city! Some of the best views are from Buckingham Fountain, the Lakefront Trail, or on the water with a sunset fireworks cruise from Shoreline Sightseeing.

Runway Meets Race day

Motorsports meet streetwear this summer as Columbia College Chicago’s School of Fashion teams up with NASCAR for a design-driven collaboration during the 2025 Chicago Street Race weekend. 
Eighteen student designers—juniors, seniors, and recent alumni—will debut original looks in a live pop-up fashion show and judged competition at Buckingham Fountain (301 S. Columbus Dr.) on July 5 at 4:45 p.m., immediately following the final race. The one-of-a-kind collection draws inspiration from the grit, speed, and spectacle of race day, fused with the bold aesthetic of Chicago Street fashion. This collaboration also includes: 
  • A livestream of the runway shows on the School of Fashion’s Instagram (@columfashion)
  • Interactive fan voting via QR codes displayed on-site and on NASCAR Chicago’s Instagram (@nascarchicago), with top three designers competing for prizes: $1,500 (first place), $1,000 (second), and $500 (third) 
  • Display of the top three garments at NASCAR’s official merchandise booth and across social platforms 

Traffic impacts 

The City of Chicago and NASCAR officials will begin to close streets on Thursday, June 19 at 12:01 a.m. to prepare for the 2025 NASCAR Chicago Street Race, which takes place July 5–6. All businesses and residences will remain accessible during course set up, race weekend and the break-down. Learn more here. 

For complete details, residents can download the community brochure, maps, street closure information, FAQs, parking restrictions, and more at nascarchicago.com/localinfo/ or email NASCAR directly at info@nascarchicago.com.

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