6:15 AM
The Frosty 5k
An easy-pace run along the lakefront for whoever wants it. All paces, no drop policy — you finish where the jump starts.
Events
Same time. Same ledge. Every Friday.
Free to everyone, every week, rain or shine. RSVP so we know how much coffee to bring — or just show up unannounced. We love that too.
7:00 AM
The Plunge
One countdown, everyone in. Off the ledge or down the steps — both count. Out in a minute, grinning for the rest of the day.
7:15 AM
Coffee & the colony
Third Rose Coffee pours while everyone dries off, warms up, and meets someone new. This part is the actual point.
Upcoming Fridays.
FridaySep 4, 2026
The Weekly Plunge
6:15 AM 5k · 7:00 AM plunge · coffee after
Lincoln Park Chess Pavilion
North Avenue Beach
FridaySep 11, 2026
The Weekly Plunge
6:15 AM 5k · 7:00 AM plunge · coffee after
Lincoln Park Chess Pavilion
North Avenue Beach
FridaySep 18, 2026
The Weekly Plunge
6:15 AM 5k · 7:00 AM plunge · coffee after
Lincoln Park Chess Pavilion
North Avenue Beach
FridaySep 25, 2026
The Weekly Plunge
6:15 AM 5k · 7:00 AM plunge · coffee after
Lincoln Park Chess Pavilion
North Avenue Beach
RSVP opens a pre-filled email booking form to hello@frostyfridays.co — but the door has no lock. Showing up unannounced is a proud Frosty tradition.
FAQ
Questions, answered.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer?+
You should be comfortable in open water — the jump is off the concrete ledge and you climb out on a ladder. Plenty of people dip from the steps instead, and watching from the ledge with a coffee counts as showing up too.
What should I bring?+
Swimmers (that's Australian for a swimsuit), a towel, warm layers for after, and shoes you can walk on concrete in. We handle the coffee and the countdown.
Where exactly do you meet?+
The Lincoln Park Chess Pavilion ledge, by North Avenue Beach in Chicago. The 5k crew sets off at 6:15 AM, everyone jumps together at 7:00 AM.
How do I RSVP?+
Hit RSVP on any Friday above — it opens a short email booking form to hello@frostyfridays.co so we know how much coffee to bring. Or don't. It's free and open to absolutely everyone, and showing up unannounced is a proud Frosty tradition.
Can I bring a friend? A dog?+
Bring three friends. Dogs are welcome on the ledge — they tend to have better sense than us about the jumping part.
I'm not in Chicago. When is Frosty Fridays coming to my city?+
That's the plan — Chicago is chapter one. Follow @frostyfridays_ for new city announcements, or email hello@frostyfridays.co if you want to help start your shoreline's chapter.
This Friday. 7:00 AM.
Bring swimmers, a towel, and whoever needs a better start to their day.
RSVP by email