With summer in full swing, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is ramping up service and reminding residents and visitors that trains and buses remain the best—and most affordable—way to get to concerts, festivals, games, and more across the city this July.
From the West Fest in West Town to big-name concerts at Soldier Field and Wrigley Field, the CTA is encouraging riders to skip the traffic and parking hassles by using public transportation. Riders can save money by purchasing unlimited ride passes, including a 1-Day Pass for $5 or a 3-Day Pass for just $15.
Here’s a look at how the CTA is getting riders to and from major summer events, and what service changes to expect.
Neighborhood Festivals
West Fest – July 18–20
Held on Chicago Avenue between Wood and Damen, West Fest kicks off Friday, July 18 at 5 p.m. and continues Saturday and Sunday at noon.
Closest CTA bus routes:
- #50 Damen
- #66 Chicago (rerouted during the event)
Tacos y Tamales Festival – July 18–20
Pilsen’s popular food and culture festival takes place on Blue Island Avenue between Wolcott and Ashland.
Closest CTA bus routes:
- #9 Ashland
- #X9 Ashland Express
- #21 Cermak
- #50 Damen
- #60 Blue Island/26th (rerouted during the event)
Riders can check up-to-date schedules and detour details at transitchicago.com/schedules.
Concerts and Sporting Events
United Center: Phish – July 18–20 at 7:30 p.m.
- Rail: Green Line to Damen or Ashland stations; Pink Line to Ashland
- Bus: #20 Madison, #50 Damen, and post-event #19 United Center Express
Soldier Field: Blackpink – July 18 at 8 p.m.
- Rail: Red, Orange, and Green Lines to Roosevelt
- Bus: #146 Inner Lake Shore/Michigan Express
Wrigley Field: Cubs vs. Red Sox (July 18–20) and Cubs vs. Royals (July 21–23)
- Red Line: Addison station is just steps from the ballpark
- Purple Line: Sheridan stop (Loop-bound trains before weekday games)
- Yellow Line: Transfer at Howard to Red Line; extended service until midnight for night games
- Additional service: #152 Addison before and after games
- Nearby routes: #8 Halsted, #22 Clark, #36 Broadway, #80 Irving Park, #151 Sheridan
Navy Pier Fireworks
- Sat. July 19 at 10 p.m. and Wed. July 23 at 9 p.m.
- Best bus options: #29 State, #65 Grand, #66 Chicago, #124 Navy Pier
Lakefront and Beach Service
CTA’s expanded beach service runs daily through mid-August on the following routes, operating between approximately 9 a.m. and 9:30 p.m.:
- #35 31st/35th
- #63 63rd
- #72 North
- #78 Montrose
Temporary Green Line Disruptions
Weekend Suspension: July 18 at 10 p.m. – July 21 at 3:30 a.m.
- No service between Garfield and Ashland/63rd
- Shuttle buses replace trains between these stations and connect to the Red Line at 63rd
Construction at Halsted Station: July 21 at 4 a.m. – July 22 at 4 a.m.
- Ashland/63rd-bound trains will bypass Halsted
- Riders should use #63 bus or transfer at Garfield station
Extended and Improved Bus Service
The CTA has increased service and added late-night options on five routes:
- #4 Cottage Grove – More Sunday service and overnight trips extended to 95th/Dan Ryan
- #18 16th/18th – Evening service extended to 10:30 p.m.
- #66 Chicago – More weekday service and overnight service extended west to Austin
- #147 Outer DuSable Lakeshore Express – Now runs until 11:30 p.m. daily
- #157 Streeterville/Taylor – Weekday service extended to 9:30 p.m.
Tips for Riders
To avoid delays and plan your trip with confidence, CTA recommends downloading the Ventra app, which features trip planning powered by Google Maps and allows users to manage fare payments.
For real-time updates, detours, and service changes, visit transitchicago.com, or call 312-836-7000.
Whether you’re heading to the beach, a concert, or a ballgame, the CTA is your ride to summer fun in Chicago.