On August 8, 2025, the Chicago River turned yellow as over 82,000 rubber ducks raced in the 20th annual Chicago Ducky Derby in a bid to raise nearly $600,000 for Special Olympics Illinois this year.
The day began with the Derby Festival at Pioneer Court, 401 North Michigan Avenue. From 10 AM to 2:30 PM, families enjoyed live music, food trucks, photo ops, and a dunk tank. It set the stage for the 1 PM duck drop.
For just a $10 donation, you can adopt a rubber duck to race in the river. Each duck gives you a chance at winning a Chevy Trailblazer, $2,500 in cash, or premium W Club Chicago Cubs tickets for
Pete Beale-DelVecchio, President and CEO of Special Olympics Illinois, in a statement said: “Each donation supports Special Olympics Illinois programming, which creates opportunities for growth, personal development, and connection through sports, health, and leadership programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities.”
After the race, the ducks were carefully retrieved and stored for next year’s derby.
