Ready or not, the Democratic National Convention is here. We’re talking about the four-day event, how it’s affecting everyday Chicagoans, and ways to try and avoid the convention altogether.
Brace Yourself for Traffic Changes
DNC security perimeter of the United Center. (City of Chicago)
The security perimeter around the United Center will affect roads from Washington Boulevard to south of Adams Street and from Paulina Street west toward Hoyne Avenue.
DNC security perimeters of McCormick Place. (City of Chicago)
Around McCormick Place, watch for changes from 18th Street to 24th Place and from Michigan Avenue east toward the train tracks.
If you take any of the following buses, your commute is rerouted:
- No. 1 Bronzeville/Union Station
- No. 3 King Drive
- No. 4 Cottage Grove or X4 Cottage Grove
- No. 20 Madison
- No. 21 Cermak
- No. 50 Damen
- No. 126 Jackson
Metra is running extra trains and shuttle buses from O’Hare to Union Station. However you’re getting around on the city’s trains and buses, we recommend downloading the Transit app.
Expect Protests
Organizers from across the country are coming to Chicago to protest on a national stage on a wide range of issues. Some protests are set to start with rallies at Union Park before marching toward the United Center, according to the Sun-Times.
- Today: Coalition to March on the DNC at noon
- Wednesday: Chicago Coalition for Justice in Palestine at 4 p.m.
- Thursday: Coalition to March on the DNC at 5 p.m.
Headed to a demonstration? Brush up on your rights.
Who’s Speaking?
Among others, President Joe Biden and former President Barack Obama are expected to take the stage.
Vice President Kamala Harris is set to accept the nomination Thursday and running mate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is to speak Wednesday.
Gov. JB Pritzker, who was on the VP shortlist, is expected to speak as well as other high-profile local Democrats like U.S. Sens. Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth and Rep. Lauren Underwood, NBC Chicago reported. Mayor Brandon Johnson will likely address the convention, too.
Sign-Up for Texts
Text DNC to 226787 for live traffic, street closures, and emergency updates from the city. And join the Sun-Times group chat about all things DNC. Ellery Jones has already been texting, and we’re obsessed.
People walk by a sign for the Democratic National Convention at the United Center. (Justin Sullivan / Getty)
Politics Doesn’t Stop at Convention Doors
If you didn’t score tickets to the Stephen Colbert or Jon Stewart late show tapings in Chicago, you’re not alone. Luckily, there’s still plenty of other ways to partake in the DNC hype.
Other live shows include a live taping of Crooked Media’s “Lovett or Leave It” at the Vic Theatre Friday and a special election edition of “The Complete History of America (Abridged)” at the iO Theater this week.
Join Mike McMains for a tour highlighting presidents from Illinois and Shermann “Dilla” Thomas for South Side neighborhood tours. If you want to learn more about the city and its history, check out these audiobooks.
Plus, you can join a watch party at Soldier Field Thursday as Harris gives her keynote address. Or watch from home on one of the local news channels or the convention’s official livestream.
Want Nothing to Do With the DNC?
It’s not too late to get out of town for the end of it: Milwaukee, Louisville, Cleveland, and Nashville aren’t that far away. Plus, you know we always have a lot to do on the City Cast Chicago events calendar.
