News and analysis coverage of the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
The return of the Democratic National Convention has put the spotlight on Chicago, and the city has stepped up to show all it has to offer.
It's not necessary to have a ticket to the convention to take part in the excitement, as there are plenty of events happening outside of the United Center. There are free concerts in Daley Plaza, politically themed musicals at area theaters, and even comedians telling jokes to raise money for Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris.
Organizers of “Comics for Kamala,” a show coming to the Den Theater on Tuesday, felt “compelled” to participate in the current political moment, according to David Rosenberg, co-founder of Brand Up Comedy.
He added: “There is seriousness in what is happening now throughout the country.” “There's no humor, zero humor. It's all very stressful, and obviously the stakes are very high. We thought, can we bring some lightness? Can we bring a little lightness? Can we bring some joy to what's happening?”
There are plenty of other opportunities to have fun, experience local neighborhoods and places, and think about upcoming elections during convention week. Read on to learn about some of the events around town.
A week-long celebration at Daley Plaza
The city will host a week-long celebration in Daley Plaza during the Democratic National Convention.
The party will take place for five consecutive days in the heart of downtown, thanks to the city's “Celebrate Chicago in Daley Plaza” event, led by Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, and the Chicago Department of Business. Affairs and consumer protection. The schedule includes performances by house DJs, youth acrobats, drill crew members and more. There will also be cultural activities, as well as local cuisine and unique items made by local vendors. Monday through Friday, Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St. Free admission. Visit Chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca.html for the full schedule.
“Democratic” programming at Co-Prosperity
Co-Prosperity hosts “Democrazy: DNC Anti-Programming,” featuring panels, conversations and performances during the week of the Democratic National Convention. Participants in the sign making workshop made the “Gaza” sign pictured.
For those looking for an alternative way to engage in the political process, Co-Prosperity is hosting the “Democracy: Counter-Programming for the Democratic National Committee” conference. The event runs for two weeks during DNC week with panels and talks, as well as experimental theater and performances. Activists will discuss everything from immigration to prison abolition. Artists will perform unique pieces about the 1968 Democratic National Convention, artificial intelligence, and more. Tuesday through Friday, Co-Prosperity, 3219 S. Morgan St. Free admission. Visit coprosperity.org.
“Caricature of Kamala” at Dunn Theater
Over the past month, several groups have mobilized via video calls to raise money for Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign to become the next president of the United States. Comedians decided to get in on the trend, raising nearly $600,000 at a “Comics for Kamala” livestream in early August produced by Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., Brand Up Comedy and Stand Up NY. Now, “Comics for Kamala” begins a national tour with a stop in Chicago. The lineup of mostly local comedians includes Diana Ortiz, Chris Huggins, Kristin Tomei, Chad the Bird, Onji and Paul Mecurio. 5 p.m. Tuesday, The Den Theater, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave. Tickets: $29+. Visit thedentheatre.com.
“Obama the Musical” at Epiphany Center for the Arts
TJ Wilkins as Barack Obama in “44 – The Unofficial, Unauthorized Obama Musical (As Told Through Joe Biden's Hazy Recollection).”
As the Democratic Party prepares for a potentially history-making presidential election, some may want to reconsider another election. “44 – The Unofficial, Unauthorized Obama Musical (As Told Through Joe Biden's Hazy Recollection)” puts a satirical lens on Barack Obama's presidency. Joe Biden narrates the production, which includes humorous R&B and hip-hop numbers. At 2 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, at the Epiphany Center for the Arts, 201 S. Ashland Street. Tickets: $44-$129. Visit epiphanychi.com.
Recordings of “The Daily Show” in Chicago
The long-running Comedy Central program will respond to convention news live from the Windy City, Monday through Thursday. Jon Stewart will host the live episode on Thursday, either during or after Vice President Kamala Harris' acceptance speech. Other reporters will take the lead on the remaining shows, which will be taped in the late afternoon. Audiences may also hear some jokes about the city, said Jordan Klepper, a reporter who has worked in Chicago. “With any luck, you'll see us visit some of my old places and favorite places and try to make that part of the show as well,” he told the Sun-Times. Monday through Thursday, Atheneum Center for Thought and Culture, 2936 N. Southport Ave. Free admission. Visit 1iota.com
“Celebrating Bronzeville Culture” in Boxville
The vibrant sights, sounds, tastes and traditions of historic Bronzeville will be showcased at the event, which is part of “Next Stop: Chicago,” a citywide public art project highlighting infrastructural inequities. Attendees will be able to register to vote, enjoy food and beverages, shop retail products, and enjoy performances by R&B singer Zion Ali, gospel performances by The Bourne Family and blues artist Melody Angel. The proceedings of the Democratic National Convention will be broadcast live in a special viewing area. At 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Boxville Shipping Container Market, 320-332 E. 51st Street (CTA 51st and Green Line). Admission is free. Visit boxville.org.
“1776” opens at the Marriott Theater
If you want to get out of the city and away from discussions about the nation's future, you can drive an hour away to contemplate its birth. Opening Wednesday, the musical follows the mission of John Adams (Tyreke Welty Jones), Benjamin Franklin (Richard R. Henry) and Thomas Jefferson (Eric Hellman) to create the Declaration of Independence. Nick Bowling directs the production, which won several Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Wednesdays until October 13, Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. Tickets: $60+. Visit marriotttheatre.com.
“INTO ACT!ON 2024” festival at Resolution Studios
“Into Act! on 2024,” described as a “pop-up, nonpartisan festival of arts, culture and the power of voting,” will take place at Decision Studios during the Democratic National Convention.
The multi-day event is described as a “pop-up, non-partisan festival of arts, culture and the power of voting.” Attractions include everything from performances and yoga sessions to workshops and film screenings. On Thursday, the festival will include a viewing of Vice President Kamala Harris' acceptance speech, followed by a gala hosted by Eric Williams and the Silver Hall. From 17 to 22 August. Event times vary. Resolution Studios, 2226 W. Walnut St. Free admission. Visit intoaction2024.com.
