Travel

Travel Note

REAL ID - Required for Travel as of May 7th, 2025

IF YOU ARE FLYING TO CHICAGO: A Real ID is a federally compliant state-issued license or identification card that meets specific security standards. These standards are established by the REAL ID Act of 2005, which aims to enhance the security of identification documents used for accessing federal facilities and boarding domestic flights. Identification: A Real ID will have a black or gold star in the upper right corner (or another state-specific symbol) to indicate that it is REAL ID-compliant. Alternatives: In addition to a Real ID, acceptable forms of identification for boarding domestic flights include a valid passport or a TSA-approved Trusted Traveler Program ID. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID or an acceptable alternative to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities.

Travel Note

TRAVEL NOTE - Chicago Blues Festival

Attention all travelers planning their travel to Chicago: The city has just announced the dates for one of its most popular events – the Chicago Blues Festival, which will be taking place from June 5th-8th. This exciting event will feature free concerts at Millennium Park at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion (near our venues for the ceremony and reception). Due to the festival's popularity, please plan ahead for your trip. Here are a few important things to consider: Hotel Bookings: Make sure to book your accommodations early. We’ve been informed that prices for hotels (including those blocked for our group) are likely to increase due to the event. Flights and Transportation: Flights and car rides may become busier and potentially more expensive, so we recommend booking as soon as possible to secure the best rates. Parking: If you're driving, please expect higher demand for parking around the Millennium Park area and plan accordingly. We will still have our blocked parking for the one floor of the garage near the reception, and will release that information soon.

Hotel

Palmer House a Hilton Hotel

Cut off date to book at this hotel is May 7th, 2025.

Hotel

Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk

Use the website linked to book at the Sheraton with our hotel block.

Hotel

Hyatt Regency Chicago

Reservations to book this hotel block ends on May 6th, 2025.

Flight

O'hare International Airport

One of the two major airports in the Chicago Land area. O'hare is the larger of the two, and the Blue Line (The L - Chicago train system) will bring you down to the city, rental cars are also available, and rideshare (uber and lyft).

Flight

Midway Airport

Midway Airport if the second of the two major airports in the Chicago Land area. It is smaller and has less flight options but you can find a good deal or two with this airport. The Orange Line (The L - Chicago train system) will bring you down to the city, rental cars are also available, and rideshare (uber and lyft).

Train

The L

If you are interested in "living like a local" while visiting you can take the Elevated Line also known as The L! We attached the CTA website if you'd like to find train lines, times and more information on how to use The L or other CTA transportation.

Travel Note

Map for the parks!

Here is a Google Map with specific locations for the big day! Keep in mind the Chicago Blues Festival happening in Millennium Park, there will be an influx of humans in the area. There are a few walking paths you can take to get to Cocktail hour and the Reception and they can be mapped on Google Maps.