The McKinley Park neighborhood is celebrating the 189th anniversary of Chicago’s founding with its 3rd Annual Chicago's Birthday Party from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, The celebration will occur at the city’s geographic center in McKinley Park, located in front of St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 3658 S. Honore St., Chicago.
The event is free and open to everyone across the city. Attendees can enjoy refreshments, live cultural entertainment from local groups, access to community resources and the opportunity to connect with local leaders and organizations.
As part of the celebration, community members come together to sing Happy Birthday to Chicago in multiple languages, highlighting the city’s cultural diversity. Birthday cakes prepared by neighborhood bakers hold candles to blow out, and notable leaders and personalities will join the festivities
189 Years of History
The event aims to unite Chicagoans from all corners of the city at the historic intersection of 37th Street and Honore Street, said 12th Ward Alderwoman Julia Ramirez, a co-host of the event.
"As we celebrate 189 years of Chicago’s history, events like this remind us that our future is strongest when we move forward together," she said.
Community Groups Organizing
First held in 2024, the inaugural Chicago's Birthday Party came together through organizing by the McKinley Park News, St. Andrew Lutheran Church, the 12th Ward, the Midwest Asian Health Association, the Coalition for Better Chinese American Community and other local community organizations and members.
The tradition continued in 2025 with the support of dozens of local institutions and businesses, including major sponsors Swap-O-Rama and QTS Data Centers.
Business Sponsor Support
"Last year’s celebration featured incredible performances from Captain Chicago, a color guard, a local school band, and mariachi musicians," said Justin Kerr, publisher of the McKinley Park News and event co-sponsor. "It really felt like the whole city was represented on one stage."
With this year’s event approaching in March, community members, local organizations, and businesses are encouraged to get involved by volunteering their time or making a donation to support the event.
Details at McKinleyPark.org
"Community support is what turns this celebration into a true reflection of Chicago," said Bill Drew, Chief of Staff for the 12th Ward.
"We welcome everyone to come out to celebrate Chicago together on Wednesday, March 4th, 2026," said St. Andrew Lutheran Church Pastor Adam Gawel.
Full event details, including photos from the past two Chicago's Birthday Parties, can be found at mckinleypark.org, and information on how to donate and how contributions will be used is available at mckinleypark.org/donate.
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