Backward River Festival: Damen Silo City

The Freshwater Lab at the University of Illinois Chicago invites you to reclaim your water and foster a sense of joy and possibility through music, performance and community connection. Meet us where the legendary Damen Grain Silos tower over the South Branch of the storied Chicago River.

Free and open to the public.

Celebrate the efforts and achievements of environmental justice advocates and artists.

Learn about the history of the silos and their current state.

Enjoy knowledge-sharing and performances on the main stage.

Imagine alternatives for the silos while considering the impact of demolition on residents.

Engage with the river and each other through curated activities and art installations.

Connect in meaningful ways with representatives from community-based organizations.

Backward River Festival: Damen Silo City will be the final event of a program supported by the University of Illinois Presidential Initiative for Arts and Humanities in which The Freshwater Lab hosted cultural events along the South Branch of the Chicago River: a two-day festival in October 2021 at Park 571; an activation event in September 2022; and a celebratory launch event in June 2023.

For event details including artist lineup, community expo participants and schedule of activites, visit .

Getting there

Brace yourself! The festival grounds are not easy to find. But that’s the point. We’re trying to bring attention and love to a neglected public riverfront park. By attending, consider yourself an official co-conspirator.

The festival will take place on the west side of Canalport Riverwalk Park.

The best address to use for drop-off, pick-up, rideshares, etc. is 1901 W. 29th St., Chicago, IL 60608 (the FedEx Ground facility across from the west side of the park). The west side entrance of the park is directly across from the sign that reads “ENTER: Anthony Marano Company” on 29th St. This is the closest entrance/exit to the festival grounds.

You may also enter Canalport Riverwalk Park via Ashland Ave. on one of two paths: north Ashland Ave. entrance or south Ashland Ave. entrance (though they’re very close to each other). Once in the park, walk along the riverwalk to the west side of the park. The best address to use if you drive to the festival and park on Ashland Ave. is 2900 S. Ashland Ave., Chicago, IL 60608.

Parking

Street parking is available on Ashland Ave. between the Ashland Avenue Bridge to the north and W. Marketplace Access Rd. to the south. The best address to use if you drive to the festival and park on Ashland Ave. is 2900 S. Ashland Ave., Chicago, IL 60608. The use of public transportation is encouraged where possible. The CTA Orange Line and the Ashland, Archer and Damen Ave. bus lines have stops very close to the park.

Safety and accessibility

We are committed to fostering a festival environment that is inclusive, safe and accessible to everyone. We do not tolerate any harassment based on race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, body size, appearance, age or national origin.

River access
For your safety, do not enter the water or launch watercraft onto the river. Exercise extreme caution along the river’s edge especially in areas where there are no safety barriers present.

Accessibility
To request accommodations, email [email protected].

COVID-19
If you are sick, stay home. Wear a mask in public if you are at high risk for illness or are sick. For more information and updated guidance, visit cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses.

Notice of filming and photography

Photographers and/or news media may be present at this event. Participating and being present during the event gives the University of Illinois Chicago the right to use photographs or video/audio recordings taken of you during the event for educational or promotional purposes and for sharing with external news media. If you do not wish to appear in photographs or be recorded, please avoid this area at this time or contact an on-site staff member or volunteer.

The Freshwater Lab at the University of Illinois Chicago is an initiative to communicate Great Lakes water issues to the general public, create tools to visualize the current state and future scenarios of water sources, engage unaffiliated groups in water planning, and train a new generation of Great Lakes leaders. As we focus on the Great Lakes basin, we also reach outward to build relationships with water stewards from other parts of the world.

Host or Publisher Freshwater Lab at UIC