Getting Around

The Loop is the Center of Chicago... from which all streets and highways diverge. When referring to different districts, people usually refer to them in relation to The Loop.

BluesFest takes place right downtown in Grant Park, on the east side of the Loop, close to the lake. Driving in The Loop is... intense. Parking is even worse, especially during festival season.

If you want the real Chicago underground experience, enjoy a ride on the El—it is as classic as italian beef and polish sausages. You can enjoy unlimited rides (and save some cash) by purchasing 1, 2, 3-day passes for the CTA system.

We're working to ensure that all of our late-night locations are fairly close to an El-stop. Google Maps now has El-stops built in and will give you public transportation directions!

Flying in:

O'Hare International Airport - northwest of Chicago and The Loop, the Blue Line starts at O'Hare and will take you right into the Loop. Midway International Airport - southwest of the Loop and near Highway 55, there is an Orange Line stop at Midway which will also take you right into the Loop.

Taking the Train:

Several Metra and Amtrack lines coming into Chicago stop at Union Station. Metra trains also stop at the Ogilvie Transportation center (both are a block west of the River), or the Metra Randolph Street Station (just north of Millennum and Grant Park). The Loop is walking distance from these trains.

Parking:

Parking is not available on festival grounds, but there are several easily accesible garages nearby. The Millennium Park Garage can be accessed on Columbus between Randolph & Monroe from either north or south, the Monroe Street Underground at Monroe & Columbus, and the Grant Park Underground entrances located at Michigan & Madison and Michigan & Randolph. Visit chicagoparkingmap.com to locate parking near your destination.

View Chicago Underground Blues Experience in a larger map