Questions, answered

Race day

Where is the Chicago Ducky Derby, and is there an admission fee? The duck drop takes place off the Columbus Drive Bridge in downtown Chicago. The event is free to attend, and adopting a duck enters it in the race. The 2027 race date and duck drop time will be announced here soon. What is the Derby Festival? On race day the Derby Festival fills Pioneer Court (401 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611) with games and activities from sponsors and community partners, food trucks, souvenirs, photo ops and entertainment. The festival pauses briefly for the duck drop. 2027 festival hours will be posted closer to race day. What time are the winners picked? The race takes about 30 minutes. Winners are picked as soon as the first ducks cross the finish line. Are they real ducks or rubber ducks? Rubber ducks, of course! What happens to the ducks after the race? Volunteers and staff collect them along the river so no duck is left behind. Then they are washed and packed up for their next derby.