CHICAGO RIVER DAY

What it is

Chicago River Day is a one-day, citywide cleanup on Saturday, May 9 (9am–12pm), organized by Friends of the Chicago River.

There are 60+ volunteer sites across the city along the river and its branches. You’ll register for a specific location, then show up and help remove litter, clear invasive plants, and clean up areas that don’t get regular maintenance.

It’s free and open to all ages.

How to register (important)

• You must register individually through the Friends of the Chicago River website (everyone needs their own waiver)
• You’ll choose your exact cleanup site when you sign up
• Registration stays open until sites fill up, and some will hit capacity
• Register by May 1 if you want to guarantee a t-shirt (they’re actually cute and people wear them all summer)
• If you register after May 1, bring proof of registration (email or screenshot) when you check in
• Walk-ups can sometimes be accommodated, but it’s limited and not something to rely on, especially at water-based sites
• Anyone under 18 needs a guardian to register/sign for them

Why it works with kids

They get a job and can actually help.

Buckets, gloves, grabbing things, throwing them away. It keeps them moving and engaged the whole time, and they can see the impact right away.

What to expect

• Check-in happens at your selected site right at 9am
• Supplies (gloves, bags, tools) are provided on site
• You’ll be working outdoors on uneven ground, near water, or in natural areas depending on the site
• The event runs 9am–12pm, but you can leave early if needed

Insider tips

• Bring kid-sized gloves if you have them. The provided ones can be big, and better-fitting gloves make this way more enjoyable for kids
• Bring hand sanitizer or wipes. You’re picking up trash and bathrooms are not guaranteed nearby
• Closed-toe shoes are required
• Dress for mud, brush, and weather. Long pants are a good call
• If you have a baby, this is a tougher one to manage solo. You’ll be bending down a lot. Either divide and conquer or look for a flatter, stroller-friendly site
• Some sites have water access or steeper edges, so keep a closer eye on younger kids depending on where you sign up

The vibe

Very community-driven. You’ll see families, local groups, and a lot of people who treat this as an annual tradition.

It’s a little scrappy, very hands-on, and you leave with a noticeably cleaner stretch of river behind you.