Walk for BPD Chicago 2026:
Event Day Guide
We can't wait to see you on Sunday, October 4! Here's everything you need to know before you go. Save or bookmark this page so it’s easy to find on event day.
Know Before You Go
Date: Sunday, October 4, 2026
Location: Jackson Park, Groves 19A & 19B
Registration Opens: 9:15 a.m. CT
Opening Ceremony: 10:00 a.m. CT
Walk Begins: 10:45 a.m. CT
Walk Distance: Approximately 1.2 to 1.5 miles (final route coming soon)
The event will take place rain or shine.
Location
Jackson Park, Groves 19A and 19B
The best way to find the event site is by coordinates:
41.781079, -87.576901
If you'd rather use an address:
Google Maps: 5700 E Hayes Dr, Chicago, IL 60649
Apple Maps: search "Hayes and Lake Shore Drive Lot, Chicago"
All Maps: search “Jackson Park, Chicago” and use the below driving directions
Driving directions
The parking lot entrance closest to Groves 19A/19B is only accessible when heading west on E Hayes Drive. You cannot turn into the lot from the eastbound side.
Coming from Stony Island Avenue (from the west):
Head east on E Hayes Drive. Turn right onto S Richards Drive. Continue on E Marquette Drive. Turn left onto S Coast Guard Dr/Lake Short Dr. Turn left onto E Hayes Drive. Make your first right into the parking lot. Groves 19A and 19B are directly north of the parking lot. You’ll see the Emotions Matter registration tent and volunteers in purple Emotions Matter t-shirts.
Coming from DuSable Lake Shore Drive:
Exit onto E Hayes Drive heading west. Make your first right into the parking lot. Groves 19A and 19B are directly north of the parking lot. You’ll see the Emotions Matter registration tent and volunteers in purple Emotions Matter t-shirts.
Getting There
By Metra: Take the Metra Electric Line to the 63rd Street station, then walk about 15 minutes east into the park.
By CTA bus: Routes 6 (Jackson Park Express), 15 (Jeffery Local), 28 (Stony Island), and 63 (63rd Street) all serve the Jackson Park and 63rd Street Beach area.
By CTA train: Take the Green Line to Cottage Grove, then transfer to the 63 bus heading east.
By car: Self-park metered parking is available in several lots throughout Jackson Park, including one directly at Hayes Drive and Lake Shore Drive near Groves 19A/19B. These lots are not reserved for our event and spaces are first come, first served. We recommend arriving early to find a spot.
Metered rates are approximately:
$4.07 for 1 hour or less
$9.18 for up to 4 hours
$15.25 for up to 9 hours
To pay, select your parking duration at the Pay By Plate machine and enter your license plate number. No ticket or permit needed.
Arrival and Check-In
9:15 a.m. Registration opens
9:30 a.m. Emotions Matter info table, poster making, and light refreshments
10:00 a.m. Opening ceremony with speakers
10:45 a.m. Ribbon cutting and walk begins
Look for the Emotions Matter registration tent and volunteers in purple Emotions Matter shirts.
Restrooms
Public restrooms are located within a short walk of the event area, including near the Jackson Park Driving Range and 63rd Street Beach. While these facilities are typically open during park hours, availability is managed by the Chicago Park District and cannot be guaranteed.
Walk Route
The walk route is being finalized with the Chicago Park District. The walk will be approximately 1.2 to 1.5 miles. The route follows the lakefront and begins and ends at Groves 19A and 19B. Volunteers and signage will be posted along the way to help guide you, and you're welcome to turn around and head back at any point.
We'll update this page with the final walk route once confirmed.
What to Bring
We recommend bringing:
Comfortable walking shoes
Water bottle
Hat and sunglasses
Sunscreen
Umbrella or poncho if rain is forecast
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring family and friends?
Absolutely! Family and friends are welcome to join us. Please note that everyone attending the event must register and have their own ticket. Tickets may be purchased in advance or at the registration table.
Can I bring my dog?
Leashed dogs are welcome in most of Jackson Park, including along our walk route. Please clean up after your pet.
What if I can't walk the whole distance?
You're welcome to turn around at any point along the route and head back to the Groves.
Is the event rain or shine?
Yes. In the event of severe weather, we'll post updates on our Instagram and email registered participants.
Can I register the day of the event?
Yes, you can register online via the GiveButter campaign page or at the registration table. We encourage registering in advance to help us plan for attendance.
Where do I pick up my t-shirt?
Once you check in at the registration table, volunteers will direct you to the t-shirt table to pick up your shirt.
Can I upgrade my ticket or buy a shirt after registering?
Yes. If you'd like to upgrade before the event, email us at info@emotionsmatterbpd.org and we'll help you out. You're also welcome to do so at the registration table on event day. Shirts are subject to availability.
What if I get lost or can't find the event on the day of?
We'll share a day-of contact number here closer to the event so you can reach us directly if you're having trouble finding us. In the meantime, look for Emotions Matter volunteers purple shirts near Groves 19A and 19B.
Is parking free at the event?
No. Jackson Park has several self-pay metered lots near the event site and spots are not reserved for our event. We recommend carpooling, using public transit, or arriving early to find a spot. See our Getting There section above for current rates.
