Get your Floaty Toys for the Summer Float Party, Early Bird Tickets Available
2022 Summer Float Party revelers.
Get Early Bird Tickets Now
Early Bird tickets are available now until May 9 for 2023 Summer Float Party taking place Sunday, July 23. Get your inner tubes, floating loungers, and inflatable swim toys and join Friends of the Chicago River and 300 floating friends to celebrate the river’s renaissance. With laughter and joy, we will float the North Branch of the Chicago River from River Park to Horner Park in Chicago.
Be a Spirit Team Captain
This year, you can embody the spirit of the river by becoming a Spirit Team Captain and lead a team of up to four individuals on an enthusiastic float to raise funds to support the mission of Friends of the Chicago River to improve and protect the river for people, plants, and animals. Apply by June 4 to become a Spirit Team Captain.
Why a Float Party?
The Summer Float Party is possible because over the last 40 years, the health of the river system is dramatically improved due to the advocacy and efforts of Friends of the Chicago River, the City of Chicago, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District and so many more partners, stakeholders, and committed community volunteers. Our success can be measured by species of fish; miles of river-edge trail; a flourishing riverfront economy; and people in, on and along the water—including floaty toys.
Summer Float Party in the News
Watch highlights from the 2002 Summer Float party and get a glimpse of the 2022 Sumer Float Party on CBS 2 news.
The Details
Check in starts at 10:30 a.m. at River Park, 3000 W. Argyle St., in Chicago and the first wave of floaters starts at 11:30 a.m. Floaters depart from the boat launch at west River Park and drift downstream to Horner Park, enjoying the sunshine, watching wildlife, and admiring the ever improving health of the Chicago River system. An after party will take place from 1-4 p.m. at Horner Park, 2741 W. Montrose Ave.
Become a Sponsor
Friends of the Chicago River is deeply grateful to the 2023 Summer Float Party sponsors and partners who make this event and so much more of our critical work possible. Thank you to all of our amazing sponsors and partners. If you are interested in learning more about how to be a sponsor, contact Annie Hanrahan, Development Director, at ahanrahan@chicagoriver.org.
