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Chicago Ducky Derby: How to watch live

By Dallas N. Thurman
FOX 32 Chicago
News
Published August 6, 2026 12:10 PM CDT
Published August 6, 2026 12:10 PM CDT

The Brief

    • More than 85,000 rubber ducks will race down the Chicago River today during the 21st annual Chicago Ducky Derby to benefit Special Olympics Illinois.
    • The free Derby Festival begins at 10 a.m. at Pioneer Court, with the duck race starting at 1 p.m.
    • Ducks can be adopted for $10 each through 12:30 p.m., with prizes including a Chevy Trax, $2,500 cash, and Cubs tickets for winning entries.

CHICAGO - More than 85,000 ducks will be dropped into the Chicago River as part of the 21st annual Chicago Ducky Derby, raising money for Special Olympics Illinois programs that support athletes statewide.

Chicago Ducky Derby

What we know:

The fun starts before the race with the Derby Festival at Pioneer Court (401 N. Michigan Ave) beginning at 10 a.m. Visitors can enjoy live entertainment, food trucks, games, and more.

The race begins at 1 p.m. at the Columbus Drive Bridge. You can adopt a duck starting at $10 each at chicagoduckyderby.com or in person at Pioneer Court until 12:30 p.m. today, or until they're sold out.

Every duck adopted helps fund Special Olympics Illinois programs that provide year-round sports, health and leadership opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities.

The top winners of the race will win prizes like an all-new Chevy Trax, $2,500 cash, and Chicago Cubs tickets.

The Source: The information in this story came from the Chicago Ducky Derby.

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