The Geek is an idiot, who gets a lot of parking tickets, and knows how to fight back.
It's another weekend of street festivals and fun summer events, which of course means street closures, traffic backups and parking headaches. The Parking Ticket Geek has the lowdown on what areas to avoid driving and tips on where to park if you plan to attend any of these events.
Here's what's going on, places to avoid driving and parking advice.
EVENT: Venetian Night
WHERE: Saturday evening only--Downtown, along the lakefront
CLOSURES: Possible minimal street closures according to CDOT (I think Lake Shore Drive may be closed during the fireworks).
A beautiful, classic Chicago event. Sailboats decorated with beautiful lights followed by fireworks after 9 PM. Awesome!
Bring your kids, but not your car. They city is expecting over a half million people. Take public transportation and enjoy yourself.
EVENT: Taste of Lincoln Ave.
WHERE: Lincoln Park
CLOSURES: Lincoln Ave., between Fullerton and Wrightwood
A long time Chicago street festival that, with it's tremendous amount of beer vendors, always produces large numbers of inebriated, Lincoln Park assholes drunk dancing to crappy caucasian-rock music. Vomit!
The only good thing I can say for this festival is the organizers have been very proactive in informing local motorists of the impending street closures. I saw orange fliers on area cars warning drivers when they had to move their cars to avoid being towed. Good job guys. But I still hate your fest.
Parking already sucks in Lincoln Park under normal circumstances. Take away three or so blocks of metered parking and parking is even more painful. So I cannot endorse driving to this event.
Traffic will suck, because closing down Lincoln Ave. will totally jam up traffic in Lincoln Park. Avoid Lincoln Ave. around Lincoln Park at all costs this weekend.
EVENT: Wicker Park Fest
WHERE: Uhhhhhh...Wicker Park.
CLOSURES: Milwaukee Ave., from North Ave. to Wood St.
Decent indy music, hipper neighborhood, less annoying people hanging out. I say go!
Parking is not terrible over there, but it's not great. Again, when you close down two or three blocks of metered parking, you may face some problems. The CTA Blue Line stops right there too. Personally, I would drive. Parking shouldn't be terrible.
On the other hand, with Milwaukee Ave. closed, traffic is going to be seriously messed up around North Ave., Damen & Milwaukee. If you're not going to the festival, stay the hell away.
EVENT: Chicago Criterium
WHERE: Grant Park
CLOSURES: Sunday only: Jackson and Balbo, and/from Michigan to Columbus.
A big bike race, taking place along the streets listed above, starting at 7 AM. Traffic will be goofy in the morning and early afternoon.
Have a fun weekend everyone!
Venetian Night photo courtesy/copyright Goatling's Flickr page.
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