The 2024 Democratic National Convention begins Monday, but DNC attendees and press are getting the ball rolling Sunday with a host of welcome events.
Though there won’t be any speeches on Sunday, the media filing center, where outlets write, conduct interviews, and broadcast live from, will open at 7 a.m. Central. The Democratic National Committee will host its Delegate Welcome Party on Sunday evening at the Navy Pier.
Furthermore, several protest groups, including pro-Gaza and pro-Israel activists, are expected to rally around the convention throughout the week. The first protest, “Bodies Outside of Unjust Laws,” organized by the Coalition for Reproductive Justice and LGBTQ+ Liberation, is scheduled to begin Sunday at 5 p.m. local time.
Official DNC events are being held at two venues: The United Center will serve as the core focus of the week, with the majority of programming and speeches held at the home of the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks. There, Vice President Kamala Harris will deliver her nomination acceptance speech Thursday night. President Joe Biden will also deliver an opening speech at the United Center on Monday night.
Several smaller profile events will also take place at McCormick Place, just east of Chicago’s Chinatown neighborhood, and other venues across the city.
The DNC security perimeter around McCormick Place goes into effect on Saturday at 7 p.m. local time with traffic restrictions.
Chicago has hosted the DNC 12 times and the Republican National Convention an additional 14 times, so the city is used to the fanfare, and traffic, associated with nominating presidential candidates.
Here’s a list of what to watch for on Sunday:
Morning
Media Pavilion and Press File opens — United Center
Afternoon
Muslim Delegates Dinner, hosted by American Muslim Democratic Caucus, Muslim Delegates and Allies, and Muslims for Democracy and Fairness — Palestinian American Community Center
DNC Black Caucus Worship Service — Apostolic Faith Church
Italian American Democratic Leadership Council honors Italian American Convention Delegates — St. Regis Hotel Chicago
Taste of Asia Reception, hosted by Philippine American Chamber of Commerce — Bridge 410
Gospel Musical for Democratic National Convention, hosted by Black Legislative Leaders Network — New Mount Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church
Night
DNC Delegate Welcome Party — Navy Pier
“Bodies Outside of Unjust Laws” protest, organized by Coalition for Reproductive Justice and LGBTQ+ Liberation — Michigan Ave toward Grant Park
Tennessee Delegation Welcome Reception — Hyatt Regency Chicago
Nebraskans in Chicago Welcome Reception — Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown
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DNC Opening Night Welcoming Party, hosted by Illinois Comptroller and Alderman — Carnivale
Official Maryland Celebration Welcome Reception — Lizzie McNeill’s
