Rubber Ducky Race (Duck Derby) 2024 in Chicago

Chicago Duck Derby, also known as the Rubber Ducky Race, is an annual fundraising event, during which approximately 50,000 rubber ducks are dropped down into the river at the Columbus Drive Bridge. The main objective of the event is to raise funds for the Special Olympics Illinois. Those who want to participate can adopt a duck for a fee and even receive a prize if their duck crosses the finish line first.

Adoption of Ducks

If you'd like to have a chance to win a prize while contributing to a good cause, you can do so by adopting a duck. Adoption requires paying a certain fee, which is your donation to charity. There are several donation options, including the Lone Duck, which includes one duck and costs $10, a Quack Pack with six ducks, valued at $30, and a Ducky Dozen, with which 12 ducks are entered into the race for $60. A Flock of Ducks package includes 24 ducks and costs $120, while the Diamond Duck Pack covers 240 ducks and costs $1,200.

Duck Drop

The highlight of the event is the splashdown of thousands of duckies into the Chicago River. It's an entirely separate event—hundreds of spectators gather along the river banks to watch the dump truck unload the ducks into the water. The Northman Beer & Cider Garden hosts a Splashdown Watch Party, which features live music, delicious drinks, and a great view of the annual ducky drop.

After the ducks are dumped into the river, the fun only continues. The excitement only increases as the public is eagerly waiting at the edge of their seats for one of the ducks to reach the finish.

Chicago Ducky Derby Festival

Apart from the race, the river banks will be filled to the brim with activities and entertainment. It takes place at North Michigan Avenue and features a plethora of games for all ages, foods offered by local vendors, and souvenir booths where you can buy a rubber duck of your own. You'll also have a chance to take wonderful snapshots with your family at some of the photo ops available at the venue.

Schedule

On Race Day, the Chicago Ducky Derby Festival begins at 10 am with lots of entertainment for the entire family. The festivities briefly pause during the Duck Drop. The Splashdown Watch Party at The Northman kicks off at 11:45 am. The main event, Duck Drop, takes place at 1 pm.

Special Olympics Fundraiser

The event is held in support of Special Olympics Illinois to fund the programming of the competition and help the community of athletes. Special Olympics Illinois provides training and competition for athletes with intellectual disabilities. Every year, more than $350,000 is raised during the Rubber Duck Derby and the amount continues to increase.

In 2017, the money was first used to fund Special Olympics Illinois, and the efforts have continued since then. The sponsor of the first rubber duck that crossed the finish line won an SUV.