The Backward River Festival

Join us as we bring to life The Backward River—a digital storytelling project from the Freshwater Lab at the University of Illinois Chicago that sheds light on who benefits from the Chicago River, who bears the burden and how differently it is experienced, depending on where you live in the city.

Together we will uplift the voices and narratives of those whose lives and communities have been disrupted as private interests manipulate the river—even reversing its flow—to their will, and reimagine what’s possible in moving forward with the Chicago River.

Enjoy knowledge-sharing and performances on the mainstage hosted by The Hoodoisie.

Connect to the river and each other through curated activities and engaging art installations.

Visit the community expo for meaningful exchanges with representatives from community-based organizations.

This event is free and open to the public.

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.

Accessibility

To request special accommodations, submit questions or provide feedback, email thefreshwaterlab@gmail.com.

COVID-19

In accordance with University of Illinois Chicago, City of Chicago and CDC, masks are required at the Backward River Festival except when actively eating or drinking. We strongly encourage everyone to be fully vaccinated or have a negative COVID-19 test no more than 72 hours prior to attending.

Getting there

The Eleanor Boathouse at Park 571 is located at 2828 S. Eleanor St., Chicago, IL 60608. Limited street parking is available as well as a small parking lot adjacent to the park. The use of public transportation is encouraged where possible.

Notice of filming and photography

Photographers and/or news media may be present at this event. By participating and being present during the event, you give the University of Illinois at 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.

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.