In West Chicago

05/29/2026

🚧 Upcoming Street Closures: June 2–4 🚧
The City of West Chicago will host the Big Boy display event and Mosaic Market in downtown West Chicago next week. Visitors and residents should plan ahead for temporary street closures, increased traffic, and large crowds.

📍Wilson Avenue Bridge vehicular closure from Main Street to Spencer Street

🗓 Tuesday, June 2, beginning at 1:00 p.m. through Thursday, June 4 at approximately 10:00 a.m.

🚶 Pedestrian access to the bridge will remain open throughout the closure. Access will be limited to authorized vehicles only.

📍Main Street vehicular closure from Center Street to West Washington Street

🗓 Thursdays, June 4 – August 20, beginning at 11:00 a.m. through 9:00 p.m.

No parking will be available on Center Street and High Street along the detour route during event hours.

Turner Court will be accessible from Washington Street for residents and vendors only from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

One-way access will be reversed during the event. Residents will still be able to park in and access Turner Court parking lot.

🚫 Any vehicles remaining on posted streets after the indicated closure times may be towed at the owner’s expense.

🔗 Learn more:
https://westchicago.org/.../upcoming-street-closures.../

West Chicago Police Department

The City of West Chicago will be hosting the Big Boy display event and Mosaic Market in and around the downtown area next week. Visitors should be aware of the following temporary vehicular street closures and traffic impacts: Big Boy Display Event Vehicular Street Closure Wilson Avenue Bridge vehic...

05/28/2026

🚂 BIG BOY No. 4014 IS ALMOST HERE!

In just a few days, Union Pacific Railroad's legendary Big Boy No. 4014 will roll into West Chicago, bringing one of the largest and most iconic steam locomotives ever built to Illinois first railroad community.

Big Boy is expected to arrive Tuesday, June 2, with public display hours scheduled for Wednesday, June 3 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Larry S. Provo Union Pacific Center, 335 Spencer Street.

To help you plan your visit, the City of West Chicago has launched a dedicated Big Boy event webpage serving as the central source for event information, including:

📍 Parking and shuttle information
🗺️ Interactive maps
🍴 Local restaurants guide
🚋 Trolley stops and nearby activities
👨‍👩‍👧 Family friendly experiences
…and more!

Start planning your trip today and make the most of Big Boy’s visit to West Chicago.

🔗Learn More:

The countdown is on. In just a few days, Union Pacific Railroad's legendary Big Boy No. 4014 will roll into West Chicago, bringing one of the largest and most iconic steam locomotives ever built to Illinois' first railroad community. Big Boy is expected to arrive in West Chicago on Tuesday, June 2,....

05/27/2026

🌸 Did you attend Blooming Fest in West Chicago?

We want to hear from YOU!

Share your thoughts and let us know what you'd love to see in the future. Your feedback helps make each year better than the last!

The survey will remain open through June 19.

👉 Take the survey now:

The City of West Chicago wants to hear from you! Whether you're a longtime local, a fresh face, a business owner or just have an opinion, we want to hear your ideas. Help shape the future of our events. Share your thoughts and shape our town. Take the Survey

05/18/2026

🏛️ Happy International Museum Day! 🏛️

Today, May 18, we celebrate the places that preserve our stories, spark curiosity, and connect us to West Chicago’s rich history.

📍 Visit the Friends of the West Chicago City Museum at its temporary location on 200 Main Street.

🕙 Hours of operation:
Thursdays & Fridays: 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Missed the 3D train sculpture painting activity during Blooming Fest? 🚂
Stop by the museum to see one of the WeGo Full Steam Ahead trains now on display as part of this community art initiative celebrating West Chicago’s railroad heritage.

Continue your local history journey with a visit to the West Chicago Historical Society/Kruse House Museum at 527 Main Street.

📸 Experience history right here in West Chicago and help preserve our community’s heritage.

05/13/2026

🚧 Blooming Fest Street Closures Begin May 15 🌸

The City of West Chicago’s annual Blooming Fest takes place Saturday, May 16 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Visitors traveling to downtown for the event should note the following temporary street closures:

🚧 Galena Street between Main Street and Tye Court
Friday, May 15 at 10 a.m. through Saturday, May 16 at 7 p.m.

🚧 Main Street from Chicago Street to West Washington Street
Saturday, May 16 from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m.

🚗 Vehicles remaining on closed streets after the listed times may be towed.

➡️ Turner Court Access - Saturday, May 16
• Accessible from Washington Street for residents and vendors only from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• One-way traffic will be temporarily reversed during the festival.
• Residents will continue to have parking and access to the Turner Court parking lot throughout the event.

Plan ahead and we’ll see you at Blooming Fest! 🌷

👉 Learn more:

The City of West Chicago will host its annual Blooming Fest on Saturday, May 16 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors traveling to downtown for the event should note the following temporary street closures: Galena Street between Main Street and Tye Court Friday, May 15, beginning at 10 a.m. through Saturda...

05/09/2026

🚂 Happy National Train Day from West Chicago, Illinois’ first railroad community! 🚂

Railroads helped put West Chicago on the map, connecting people, industries, and communities while shaping the character of our City for generations.

And this year, our railroad story is taking center stage in a BIG way. 👀
On Wednesday, June 3, West Chicago will welcome Big Boy No. 4014 as part of Union Pacific Railroad’s 2026 tour. One of the most iconic steam locomotives ever built, Big Boy’s visit will be a once-in-a-generation experience for our community. 🚂💨

The celebration continues with a special train-themed Mosaic Market on Thursday, June 4 in downtown West Chicago featuring local vendors, food, music, and family-friendly fun. 🎶🛍️🍿

Today, we celebrate the history that built West Chicago and the excitement still ahead on the tracks.

More details are coming soon, so stay tuned. 👏

Something big is rolling into town… really big. The City of West Chicago is excited to share that Union Pacific Railroad's legendary Big Boy No. 4014, one of the largest steam locomotives ever built, will make a stop right here in West Chicago as part of its 2026 coast-to-coast tour. That's right....

05/08/2026

🎨 Explore Art in Downtown: West Chicago’s America 250 Summer Art Banner Exhibit!

👨🏽‍🎨 Discover creativity in full color as the City of West Chicago presents the 2026 Summer Art Banner Exhibit, a vibrant outdoor gallery featuring 26 original works by talented regional artists. The exhibit transforms Main Street and Turner Court into an open-air celebration of art and community.

This year’s theme, “Red, White, Blue / Rojo, Blanco, Azul,” reflects a festive and meaningful tribute to America 250.

🚶 Take a stroll through downtown, enjoy the banners, and cast your vote for the 2026 People’s Choice Award!

The exhibit is on display through the last week of August, so don’t miss this chance to celebrate art and creativity with the West Chicago Community!

👉 Learn more:

Discover creativity in full color as the City of West Chicago presents the 2026 Summer Art Banner Exhibit, a vibrant outdoor gallery featuring 26 original works by talented regional artists. Organized annually by the West Chicago Cultural Arts Commission, the exhibit transforms Main Street and Turne...

05/07/2026

🏗️ Make It in West Chicago: Work with the City

West Chicago is celebrating Small Business Week (May 3–9, 2026), recognizing the important role small businesses play in our local economy, and highlighting opportunities for businesses of all sizes.

From construction and infrastructure to everyday services, supplies, and professional expertise, there are many ways to get involved.

🏢💻 The City has also issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Website Design, Development, Hosting, and Support Services, a key project supporting a Citywide digital modernization initiative focused on improving accessibility, transparency, and resident experience.

🌟 Whether you are an established company or just getting started , the City is always looking to work with qualified businesses that can deliver quality work and value to the community.

💡 Getting Started Is Easier Than You Think

🤝 Learn how to view current bids, submit your business information, and connect with opportunities 👉

As part of National Small Business Week (May 3-9, 2026), the City of West Chicago is recognizing the important role small businesses play in our local economy and highlighting opportunities to connect with City projects and services. Doing business with the City of West Chicago might feel out of rea...

05/04/2026

🎉 Celebrate “Unity in Community” at the America 250 Parade! 🇺🇸

Join us to celebrate the 250th anniversary of America with a fun, high-energy parade showcasing local pride on Sunday, July 5, 2026.

🎺 The “Unity in Community” parade is organized by the Western DuPage Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by the City of West Chicago Government.

🚩 Kick-off time: 10:00 a.m.
📍 Route is approximately half a mile, beginning at the Turtle Splash parking lot, traveling along National Street to Arbor Avenue, and concluding at McConnell Avenue. ✨

👉 Want to participate?

Be part of this meaningful celebration! Community groups, nonprofits, businesses, performance groups, and families are encouraged to apply.

🗓 Application Deadline: May 24, 2026

🔗 Learn more & apply:

Join us to celebrate the 250th anniversary of America, with a fun, high-energy parade showcasing local pride on Sunday, July 5, 2026. The "Unity in Community" parade is organized by the Western DuPage Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by the City of West Chicago. The America 250 parade honors our sh...

03/23/2026

Now accepting vendor applications!

The West Chicago Mosaic Market is more than a market, it’s a vibrant weekly experience celebrating culture, creativity, and community on Main Street. ✨

We’re looking for local artists, makers, and food vendors to join a curated, high-energy marketplace featuring engaging “theme nights” that highlight different cultures through live music, interactive activities, and special programming, bringing unique energy and new customers each week. West Chicago businesses and residents receive priority during the month of March along with a 25% discount on vendor fees.

This market is a 12-week series taking place each Thursday 4:00pm-7:00pm from June 4 – August 20. Join for one date or all twelve, grow your business, connect with the community, and be part of something special.

Be part of the mosaic. Apply today:
https://bensidounusa.com/be-a-vendor/