FAQ
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, Illinois. The event is FREE to attend, and it costs $10 to adopt a duck and enter the race!
- Date: Wednesday, August 7th, 2024
- Duck Drop: 1:00 pm
- Chicago Ducky Derby Festival: 10:00 am - 2:30 pm
- Chicago Ducky Derby Festival is located at Pioneer Court (401 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611)
- T-Shirts and Souvenirs will be available for purchase along Michigan Ave and in Pioneer Court.
- Splashdown Watch Party at The Northman (233 East Riverwalk, Chicago, IL 60601) begins at 11:45 am
Who does the Chicago Ducky Derby benefit?
The Chicago Ducky Derby is a signature fundraising event that benefits Special Olympics Illinois. Proceeds from your duck adoption go to support Special Olympics Illinois programming and impacts a community of over 24,000 athletes including traditional athletes, Young Athletes, Peer Partners and Unified Partners. Learn more about Special Olympics Illinois by visiting www.soill.org.
How much do ducks cost?
Single Duck: $10
Quack Pack: $30
Quackers Dozen: $60
Flock of Ducks: $120
Diamond Duck Pack: $1,200
What time will the winners be picked?
The ducks begin their race at 1:00 PM from the Columbus Drive Bridge. The race is approximately 30 minutes long. The winners will be picked as soon as the first ducks cross the finish line!
How will I know if my duck wins?
Prizes will be awarded in order to eligible entrants, as name appears on adoption form or online entry, whose entry number corresponds with the number on the first rubber ducks in order of finish.
Winners will be notified by telephone or email as indicated on the try form or information provided online at the time of adoption. The winner does not need to be present to win. Winners will be announced on the website at https://www.duckrace.com/Chicago/prizes as soon as all of the winners have been notified.
Where can I purchase a Chicago Ducky Derby t-shirt?
Chicago Ducky Derby t-shirts will be available for purchase at Duck Sales Events throughout the Summer and on race day. Chicago Ducky Derby t-shirts are also available for purchase online. Click here to purchase!
Can I adopt ducks on race day?
Yes, adoptions will be available the morning of the race until approximately until 12:30pm or until we sell out of duck adoptions.
Can I adopt a duck for my child?
Duck adoptions must be made in the name of an adult, age 18 or older.
Are they real ducks or rubber ducks?
Rubber ducks, of course!
What happens to all the ducks after the race?
Once the ducks are dropped into the river and race to the finish, they are collected by volunteers and staff throughout the river to ensure no duck is left behind! Once the ducks are collected, they are washed off and packed up to head to their next derby.
Once I adopt a duck, do I get to keep it?
Unfortunately, our ducks are very busy and need to head off to another derby after ours, so you won't be able to keep the race duck you purchased. However, if you'd like to take a rubber duck home, you can purchase a souvenir duck at some Duck Sales Events throughout the summer and on race day. Souvenir ducks will also be available for purchase online.
What is Chicago Ducky Derby Festival?
Chicago Ducky Derby Festival takes place from 10:00 am - 2:30 pm at 401 N Michigan Ave on Race Day. It includes games and activities provided by sponsors and community partners, food trucks, souvenirs, photo ops and entertainment! Chicago Ducky Derby Festival will take a brief pause from 12: 45 pm - 1:15 pm for the duck drop.
How do I become a sponsor?
If you would like to sponsor the Chicago Ducky Derby, please click here to fill out our sponsorship request form. Once the form is submitted, someone from the Chicago Ducky Derby team will contact you about our sponsorship opportunities.
How do I register a team?
If you are interested in registering for a team, please click here to fill out the sales team request form. Once your form is submitted, someone from the Chicago Ducky Derby team will contact you about the next steps.
How can I sign-up to volunteer?
We hope you can join us at the 2024 Chicago Ducky Derby, but we have limited volunteer spots for the event. If you are interested in volunteering at the event, please email chiduckyderby@soill.org with your name, email and phone number and a team member will get back to you as soon as possible.
Is my duck adoption tax-deductible?
Since the Chicago Ducky Derby is a raffle, your duck adoption is not tax-deductible. If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation, please click here to do so.
Other questions? Please submit an inquiry here or email us at chiduckyderby@soill.org.