Phish Fan's Guide To Chicago - Wrigley 2016

We are updating this page with new updates on top, so you may want to read from bottom up if you're so inclined.

6/25

11:00 am - Video of the night one highlight, the debut a capella cover of David Bowie's "Space Oddity", as well as last night's setlist via phish.net.

6/24

2:38 pm - You gotta eat right? Chicago is a food town. Chicago Eater recommends various restaurants in the area at varying price points and cuisines. Waited too long? Here's what to look for in the park (note: items typically offered only in the bleachers [Hot Doug's] will probably be MIA).

Just looking to get your drink on? There are dozens of bars on the streets of Wrigleyville. Fair warning: many of them have a fairly bro-ey vibe. Two that have traditionally passed the sniff test: the classic dive, Nisei Lounge, and a bit further of a walk, Sheffields, with an outstanding beer garden.

2:08 pm - Looking to round out the weekend without breaking the bank? Here are a few events we're tracking that are FREE.

1:49 pm - For those playing along at home, check out Sports World's Live Cams, which provide a live look at Clark Street North (looking at the front of the stadium) and South (a great look at the pre-and-post show crowds). This could be fun.

11:35 - Today's the day! In case you weren't aware, this weekend is a Phish poster nerds dream. Check out a number events and many of the posters that were created specifically for the occasion.

6/23

9:26 pm - Be prompt, looks like per @phish this show has an early start time and needs to be over by 11. Good news if you've got after show plans.

Attn Chicago! Friday & Saturday’s shows at Wrigley Field have an early 7pm show start time with a strict 11pm curfew. (1/2) — Phish (@phish) June 24, 2016

7:36 pm - The stage is going up people.

Photo via @WrigleyBlog.

3:39 pm - Phish has got a new light rig on this tour. Here's a video of it in action from Wednesday night's tour opener. Can't wait to see how this translates to the outdoor venue.

If you're planning on certain aftershows, here's two recent pieces that may be of interest.

10:41 am - There's plenty of music to see in Chicago before and after Phish (check out The Grid below), but one artist stands out for me. I'm confident that guitarist Steve Gunn didn't plan a Phish Eve show for his Schubas gig tonight, unlike many of the jammers who are trying to ciphon the Phish excitement. But it so happens that one of the most exciting guitarists currently performing is in town, and paired with the fine band Promised Land Sound. Those seeking a change of pace from jamband madness, but still want impeccable musicianship, and plenty of extended pyschedelic soloing, would be wise to check it out. Only about 25 tickets remaining as of an hour ago, so go get 'em.

Probably worth mentioning, too, that Phish aren't the only music legends in town this weekend. Albeit in suburban locations, both Bob Dylan & Mavis Staples (Ravinia, Highland Park on Friday) and Willie Nelson (RiverEdge Park, Aurora on Saturday), will make area appearances. Whoa.

6/22

9:11 pm - Minnesota tour opener is currently underway. Follow along here http://mixlr.com/sunsonisphere

A couple pieces advice about attending the Wrigley show, especially for out of towners.

1. Don't drive. Wrigleyville will be heavily congested and there are already limited spots. Public transpotation (Red line L, Addison stop) is your best bet. Plentiful cabs and Ubers can drop you a few blocks away for what is sure to be a fun walk to the ballpark.

Paid public parking is available, but don't expect a lot scene and do expect $$$$. Streets outside actual have sort of a "lot" feel on game days so there's that.

2. Brand new metal detectors were installed this season at all entrances. Be prepared to empty your pockets of phone, keys and other metal objects. This could delay your entry.

3. Did you know there are no "sections" at Wrigley -- only numbered aisles. If you have reserved seats, find the Aisle printed on your ticket. To one side will be numbered seats in the single digits, on the other in the triples -- these meet in the middle. This is always a source of much confusion, as those in what appears to be the same "section" may have have different numbers printed on their tickets.

11:52 am - Still making updates to The Grid thanks to your tips. Keep 'em coming.

Just thought I'd update you a bit on the ticket situation to this "sold out" show. There are still 1000s of tickets available on StubHub, many selling for as low as $11-$13. On the fence about coming out to the show? I wouldn't let costly tickets or lack thereof stand in your way. We explored the sketchiness of this ticket market in a previously published piece -- check it out.

9:20 am - There are some great contests we're running here on the site, but also a mega contest for Silver Wrapper Phish Weekend shows (Dumpstaphunk, KarlD, Dopapod) being worked with Grassroots Chicago. Check out their contest page for details.

Looks like this weekend won't be the first time Phish music is played at Wrigely. Recent Cubs call-up, catcher Willson Contreras is getting "Wilson" as his walk-up music. Reports from last night game indicate large crowd participation in the chant.

6/21

5:30pm - Have a spin through The Grid below and you'll notice plenty of after-shows and Thursday night pre-parties. Tough decision, but we might make it easy for you by giving you and a friend tickets to one of them for free. Check out our contest pages for:

2:45pm - Keep checking this space, we'll be updating it frequently throughout the weekend with information you need to know about the Phish shows and all the surrounding hoopla. Updates will go on top.

The weekend is shaping up to be a bit of a slightly toned down version of last year's GD50 Chicago weekend, with plenty to occupy fans before and after the shows. While the events grid below may be smaller than the Fare Thee Well equivalent, Wrigley has the advantage of being in a much more accessible spot than Soldier Field. Part of the venue's allure lies in the fact that it is located in a neighborhood reknown for nightlife -- in fact, much of the surrounding businesses exist solely cater to the crowds that flock there on gamedays.

Many of the activities you'll find here are walking distance or a quick train, cab or Uber away. Check out the map below and keep checking this space for updates on many of the events planned over the extended weekend.

Happy Phishing.

DARK BLUE = After Shows | ORANGE = Daytime Events Venues Listed From North to South On Map