NASCAR Chicago: What you need to know

3 MIN READ – For the second year in a row, NASCAR street race history takes place this July in Chicago. The weekend long event includes a concert series, nightly NASCAR Cup Series races, and more. The 12-turn, 2.2-mile course utilizes some of the most iconic streets, landscapes, and scenery as an idyllic backdrop to the race events.

When and where will the NASCAR street races take place?

The NASCAR Chicago Street Race will take place July 6-7, on sections of streets that surround and are adjacent to Grant Park, specifically Columbus Drive, Jackson Blvd., Michigan Ave., Roosevelt Road, Balbo Drive, and DuSable Lake Shore Drive.

What can I do in the Loop during NASCAR weekend?

During the NASCAR Chicago Street Race Weekend be sure to experience the FREE and open to the public NASCAR Village. NASCAR Chicago Street Race announced that it will partner with Chicago Loop Alliance and JoRand (founded by local restauranteurs Victor Love and Mark Rand) to expand this year’s NASCAR Village, the free, public experience in Butler Field throughout race weekend. NASCAR Village – which is free with-or-without a Chicago Street Race ticket – will feature a wide array of Chicago restaurants, local retailers, official partners, and interactive NASCAR experiences from 8:45 a.m. to 8 p.m. on July 6, and 9 a.m. to the Checked Flag on July 7. Find more details here.

Whether you’re off to the races or just want to enjoy the Loop on a beautiful summer weekend, there’s always plenty to do downtown. Explore all the Loop has to offer here.

And for those looking to have a good time and save a buck – check our Loop Deals. Check out free stuff and other great discounts.

What streets will be closed for NASCAR?

The following traffic impacts, parking restrictions, and street closures will take place beginning Friday, June 10. Find full details and a road closure map here.

Pre-race activity in Grant Park

Monday, June 10: Ida B. Wells Dr. will close from Michigan Ave. to Columbus Dr. starting at 12:01 a.m. to allow for construction of the main viewing areas; and limited parking restrictions will be put in place along southbound Columbus Dr. between Jackson Dr. and Balbo Dr.
Wednesday, June 19 to Thursday, June 20: Temporary road closure from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. on northbound Michigan Ave. from Congress Circle to Jackson Dr.to allow for a pedestrian walkway to be installed while viewing structures are being assembled.
Wednesday, June 26 – Beginning at 8 p.m.: Northbound traffic lane closure on Congress Circle.
Thursday, June 27 – Beginning at 7 p.m. Curb lane closure of Columbus Dr. between Jackson Dr. and Roosevelt Rd.

Significant Street Closures

Thursday, June 27 – Beginning at 7 p.m. Closure of Jackson Dr. between Michigan Ave. and Columbus Dr.
Friday, June 28 – Beginning at 8 a.m. Closure of Balbo Dr. from Columbus Dr. to DuSable Lake Shore Dr. (intersection will remain open).
Friday, June 28 – Beginning at 7 p.m. Full closure of Balbo Dr. from Michigan Ave. to Columbus Dr.
Saturday, June 29 - Beginning at 7 p.m. Southbound lane closure on Columbus Dr. from Balbo Dr. to Roosevelt Rd.
Monday, July 1 – Beginning at 1 a.m. Closure of Columbus Dr. between Jackson Dr. and Roosevelt Rd. Closure of Jackson Dr. between Columbus Dr. and DuSable Lake Shore Dr.
Monday, July 1 – Beginning at 9 p.m. Closure of southbound DuSable Lake Shore Dr. between Randolph St. and McFetridge Rd. Reopening at 6 a.m. on Tuesday, July 2.
Tuesday, July 2 – Beginning at 6 a.m. Closure of Congress Circle and entrances at Michigan Ave., Van Buren St. and Harrison St.
Thursday, July 4 – Beginning at 9 p.m. Closure of westbound and eastbound Roosevelt Rd. between Michigan Ave. and DuSable Lake Shore Dr. Closure of northbound Michigan Ave. between Roosevelt Rd. and Jackson Dr.
Friday, July 5 – Beginning at 12:01 a.m. Closure of northbound and southbound DuSable Lake Shore Dr. between Randolph St. and McFetridge Rd. Closure of southbound Michigan Ave. between Roosevelt Rd. and Jackson Dr. Closure of the northbound lane of Indiana Ave. at 13th St. Closure on Monroe St. between Columbus Dr. and DuSable Lake Shore Dr.

Race Weekend Street Closures – Saturday, July 6 and Sunday July 7

Southbound DuSable Lake Shore Dr. from Randolph St. to McFetridge Dr.
Northbound DuSable Lake Shore Dr. from McFetridge Dr. to Randolph St.
Northbound Michigan Ave. from Roosevelt Rd. to Jackson Dr.
Southbound Michigan Ave. from Jackson Dr. to 8th St.
Monroe St. from Columbus Dr. to DuSable Lake Shore Dr.
Columbus Dr. from Roosevelt Rd. to Monroe St.
Roosevelt Rd. from DuSable Lake Shore Dr. to Michigan Ave.
Jackson Dr. from Michigan Ave. to DuSable Lake Shore Dr.
Balbo Dr. from Michigan Ave. to DuSable Lake Shore Dr.
Ida B. Wells Dr. from Michigan Ave. to Columbus Dr.
Congress Circle from Harrison St. to Van Buren St.
Northbound Indiana Ave. from Roosevelt Rd. to 13th St.
Post Place: Entrance and exit of Lower Wacker Dr.
Garvey Ct.: Entrance and exit of Lower Wacker Dr.

Reopening Schedule: The northbound section of DuSable Lake Shore Dr. is set to reopen on Monday, July 8 at 6 a.m. After the event, select streets will gradually reopen.

Priority Streets: The priority streets for reopening are DuSable Lake Shore Dr., Michigan Ave., and Columbus Dr. Other street closures will remain in place until the demobilization of the track wall, fence, and viewing structures is completed.

Demobilization: Street closures will continue until the track wall, fence, and viewing structures are demobilized. All NASCAR-related demobilization activities are expected to conclude by the end of the day on July 18.

Where can i purchase tickets?

You can purchase tickets for the two-day festival and race at NASCAR Chicago. Nightly concerts with all-star performers from Miranda Lambert to The Chainsmokers; family fun entertainment; exclusive viewing courses and more abound set against the background of one of the most iconic cities in the world. Learn more and purchase tickets here.