The 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago officially begins on Monday, and the speaker lineup includes big names in politics.
During the convention, there will also be numerous street closures on the West Side and along Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago, as well as several planned protests.
Here’s what to expect on the first day of the convention, how to watch, and more.
How long does the DNC in Chicago last?
The 2024 DNC in Chicago begins on Monday, August 19th and runs through Thursday, August 22nd, with speeches expected on four consecutive nights.
Where will the conference take place?
The congress will take place at two locations.
The main venue for the convention, where speeches are given and voting takes place, is the United Center on the city’s West Side. The building is home to the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks and was also the site of the 1996 Democratic National Convention.
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During the week, caucus and council meetings will also be held at McCormick Place, the city’s largest convention center. The building is located near Lake Michigan, south of Soldier Field and the city’s museum campus.
Schedule, speakers for day 1 of the DNC
While the full list of speakers has not yet been released, some of the Democratic Party’s biggest stars will be in attendance, including President Joe Biden, who will speak at the convention on Monday.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and First Lady Jill Biden will also deliver speeches on Monday.
The keynote speeches are expected to begin on Monday at 5:30 p.m.
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NBC News reported that Vice President Kamala Harris will be in attendance on Monday. President Biden and Vice President Harris are expected to appear onstage together after Biden’s speech.
Following their speeches on Monday, the Bidens will leave Chicago, NBC News confirmed.
According to the organizers, the theme for Monday is “For the people.”
Who else will speak at the DNC?
Former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton are expected to deliver speeches at the convention later in the week; Obama will speak on Tuesday and Clinton on Wednesday.
Former First Lady Michelle Obama and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker will also deliver speeches on Tuesday.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who has been selected as the vice presidential candidate, will speak at the party’s convention on Wednesday. Vice President Kamala Harris will formally accept the party’s presidential nomination on Thursday.
How to follow the DNC
All four plenary sessions of the Democratic National Convention will be streamed live on NBC Chicago’s website and mobile app, as well as in the player above.
The speeches will also be available on the NBC 5 Chicago News 24/7 streaming channel.
Viewers can also look forward to expanded coverage on Telemundo Chicago and the Telemundo Chicago app.
Streaming times (all times Central):
Monday: 5:15 p.m.–10:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 6-10pm
Wednesday: 6-10pm
Thursday: 6pm-10pm
Safety and road closures
More than a dozen law enforcement agencies will provide security throughout the convention. Coordinators responsible for security during the week include the Chicago Police Department, the FBI and the Secret Service.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker confirmed to NBC Chicago that about 150 members of the state’s National Guard will be in Chicago for the DNC this week, but stressed that they are on standby.
Numerous streets are currently closed around the United Center and McCormick Place. Fences have been put in place to largely block off restricted areas and other areas where security checks are required for incoming vehicles. A full list of these closures near the venues can be found here.
In addition, several heavily traveled streets in downtown Chicago will be closed, including Huron Street and Chicago Avenue between Michigan Avenue and Rush Street. Among other closures downtown, State Street will also be closed between Delaware Place and Walton Street.
Planned protests
Permitted protests are planned throughout the week, with the first taking place on Sunday. The permitted protests will be held in two Chicago parks, with the march route running north of the United Center, authorities said.
At least four different groups are expected to protest on Monday. Other groups may hold unauthorized protests. According to the Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communication, here’s what to expect on Monday:
- Applicant for permit: United States Palestinian Community Network
- 8:00 a.m. meeting | 9:00 a.m. start
- Route: Union Park to Park 578, via Washington to Hermitage, Hermitage to Maypole, Maypole to Park 578, exit Park 578 at Maypole, via Maypole to Damen, Damen to Lake, Lake to Union Park.
- Applicant for permit: Students for a Democratic Society at UIC
- 11:00 a.m. meeting | 12:00 p.m. start
- Route: Union Park to Park 578, follow same route as above.
- Permit applicant: Chicago Alliance against Racist and Political Repression
- 12:00 pm meeting | 2:00 pm start
- Route: Union Park to Park 578, follow same route as above.
- Permit applicant: Poor People’s Human Rights Campaign
- 3:00 p.m. meeting | 4:00 p.m. start
- Route: 3015 W Division St, east on Division to Damen, south on Damen to Maypole, east on Maypole to Park 578. Disband by 6 p.m. at Park 578.
Further approved protests are expected to take place on Thursday afternoon and evening.
“As I prepare as Mayor of the City of Chicago to host the Democratic National Convention, I have remained steadfast in supporting the diverse, multigenerational movements that brought me here through the exercise of my right to protest and First Amendment rights,” Mayor Brandon Johnson said in a press release. “We are focused on collaborative solutions and have extended that approach to our preparations for the convention to balance the need for security with our commitment to free speech.”
