While Mexican Independence Day in Chicago takes place on Wednesday, September 16, 2026—it’s never too early to start celebrating! Parades, festivals, and street closures will begin tomorrow, September 11, and will continue throughout the following week. Here’s everything you need to know in preparation for the holiday!
Chicago street closures for Mexican Independence Day
If you are planning to head to one of the parades, a special event, or local restaurants and establishments, the Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) suggests you take public transportation.
Vehicle access to downtown will be limited throughout the weekend, as many streets will be blocked off. The following locations will serve as access points if you need to get somewhere:
- Halsted/Washington
- Halsted/Madison
- Halsted/Jackson
- Division/LaSalle
- Roosevelt/Canal
- Taylor/Desplaines
- 18th/State
- 18th/Indian
Mexican Independence Day celebrations in Chicago
2026 El Grito 5K Family Run/Walk – Little Village
Sunday, September 13, 9 AM
The annual El Grito 5K begins at the corner of 26th Street and Kostner Avenue. Runners will head to Kedzie Avenue, where they will turn around and head back down 26th Street to Manual Perez Jr. Plaza.
For more details, visit El Grito 5K Family Run/Walk.
26th Street Mexican Independence Day Parade – Little Village
Sunday, September 13, 12 PM – 3 PM
As one of the largest parades in the Midwest, it’s the best place to celebrate Mexican Independence Day. The parade will uphold its tradition by starting at the historic Little Village Arch, located at the intersection of 26th Street and Albany Avenue. It will then proceed down 26th Street to Kostner Avenue.
Annual Mexican Independence Day Parade – Commercial Avenue
Sunday, September 13, 1 PM
If you prefer not to travel all the way to Little Village, you can enjoy another Mexican Independence Day Parade on the South Side of Chicago. The annual parade will begin at 1 PM. The parade route will proceed south along Commercial Avenue, starting from 87th Street and ending at 100th Street, disbanding between 101st and 103rd Streets.
