CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — For the first time in more than a decade, Chicago’s El Grito festival will return to downtown this weekend.
Organizers said “El Grito” refers to the rallying cry that ignited the Mexican War of Independence, and the two-day festival celebrates that tradition through a blend of food, music, art, education and communal pride. It'll be held at Butler Field in Grant Park on Sept. 14 – 15. The festival will be held in addition to the annual Mexican Independence Day Parade in Little Village.
Below, we’ve compiled a quick guide with what you’ll need to know ahead of the festival.
Is El Grito free to attend?
El Grito is not free to attend. Tickets may be purchased online , though will call tickets will also be available for purchase on Sept. 13 at the corner of Monroe Street and Columbus Drive. A general admission ticket for one day costs $10, and a two-day general admission ticket costs $18. VIP tickets are available, with one-day VIP tickets costing $100 and two-day VIP tickets costing $175. VIP ticket-holders will get access to a special entrance, a private lounge, air-conditioned restrooms and more.
It’s worth noting that children under the age of 11 will get in for free if they are accompanied by a ticket-holding adult. Each ticket-holding adult may bring two children under the age of 11 into the fest for free. All children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult with a ticket.
Where do I enter El Grito?
Entrance to the El Grito festival will be found on Monroe Street.
How long will El Grito run each day?
El Grito will run from 2 – 10 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.
How many people are expected to attend El Grito?
About 12,000 are expected to attend each day of the festival.
What will security look like at El Grito?
El Grito organizers said all attendees will be subject to a TSA-style search and pat-down from festival security. Attendees will be asked to empty their pockets, and bags will be searched prior to entry into the fest. K-9 teams will also be on the premises. Attendees have been encouraged to report any concerns to festival staff immediately.
In years’ past, vehicle caravans have filled downtown streets to celebrate Mexican Independence Day. Earlier this month, Chicago police leaders said the department will have “zero tolerance” for any such caravans. For their part, organizers said they “don’t have control of the caravans” and have encouraged attendees to use public transit, rideshare or park at the Millennium Park Garage.
Where is the best place to park for El Grito?
Millennium Park Garage and Millennium Lakeside Garage will offer discounted parking for El Grito attendees. A 12-hour parking pass can be purchased online ahead of the festival for $15 at the Millennium Park Garage and $14 at the Millennium Lakeside Garage, which makes for about a 15% discount.
If taking a rideshare, festival organizers said it’s best to request a drop-off near the intersection of Columbus Drive and Monroe Street.
How can I take public transit to get to El Grito?
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) should give Chicagoans multiple options for getting to El Grito. Every CTA train line provides service to downtown, with stops at either Madison Station, Monroe Station or Adams Station providing the closest access to the festival.
If you plan to take the bus, the easiest way to plan your trip will be to use the CTA trip planner tool online .
Is El Grito accessible to people with disabilities?
El Grito organizers said there will be ADA-accessible entrances, restrooms and viewing areas at the festival. Most of the festival is held on grass, but organizers said there are accessible paths all around Butler Park.
Officials encouraged anyone with a specific accessibility need to contact them at info@elgritochicago.com.
Are pets allowed at El Grito?
Pets are not allowed at El Grito, unless they are certified service animals. Animals that do not meet the definition of a service animal are not permitted at the event.
The Chicago Fire are offering discounted, $20 tickets for El Grito. How do I access the special offer?
At 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 14, the Chicago Fire will be hosting the New York Red Bulls at Soldier Field. The Fire have partnered with El Grito to offer special $20 tickets for Hispanic Heritage Night. Discounted tickets may be found online .
What kind of food and drinks will be available at El Grito?
Several food and drink vendors have signed on to participate at El Grito, including Tacos El Rey and J’s Bacon Hot Dogs. Expect to find tacos, tortas, street corn, churros, funnel cakes and hot dogs at the fest. As for alcoholic beverages, expect to find beer, wine and cocktails — including micheladas and piña coladas.
Who will be performing at El Grito?
Several local and national groups will be taking the stage at Butler Park for El Grito. Headliners include Los Sebastianes, which won the Latin Grammy for Best Banda Album in 2019, and Gerardo Coronel. Mariachi Monumental, which has performed for several Chicago sports teams and events, will also have a presence at the festival.
What items are prohibited at El Grito?
El Grito has an extensive list of prohibited items, which by-and-large matches what’s normally seen at Grant Park events. No outside food or drinks will be allowed in, and bags must be smaller than 13 inches by 17 inches. No professional cameras or video and audio recording equipment will be allowed, nor will any chairs, sleeping bags or tents.
A full list of prohibited items can be found online .
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