What to eat, see and do while attending the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago
A guide for politicians and the politics-obsessed, descending on the city from around the country for the event that starts Aug. 19.
By Aug 8, 2024, 5:00am MDT
The Democratic National Convention blows into town Monday, Aug. 19, for four jam-packed days of politicking, newly energized as Kamala Harris takes center stage. Out-of-towners have so many options we’ve rounded up standout DNC-themed cultural events, plus recommendations for what to eat and fun neighborhoods to visit.
Live in Chicago? Get a jump on the party Friday, Aug. 9, at a Q&A with Gordon Quinn, one of the founders of Kartemquin Films; Andrew Davis, director of The Fugitive; and Rich Moskol, the former head of the Chicago Film Office. They’ll discuss the challenge of political filmmaking at FACETS in Lincoln Park (1517 W. Fullerton Ave.; doors open at 7 p.m., $10).
Eat your way around Chicago
When in Chicago, eating well is practically required. Start with this list of classic summertime treats — ice creams galore, a negroni slushy — perfect for cooling off in August. If you try only one thing, we recommend the signature stack from Original Rainbow Cone (locations in Streeterville and in Wicker Park, a 10 minute drive from the United Center). For late night bites after a long day of talking shop, check out Lilac Tiger or Quartino. Early risers should get one of the best breakfast sandwiches in town from Spinning J or Kasama.
Staffers at the Chicago Sun-Times, who collectively have probably eaten at every worthwhile joint in the city, put together their list of best Chicago restaurants for DNC attendees.
And, finally, fans of the FX drama The Bear could fill their week eating only at restaurants mentioned in the show. Lou Mitchell’s (iconic Chicago diner), Jim’s Original (Polish sausage) and D’Amato’s Bakery (glorious Italian subs) are all within a 10-minute drive of the United Center.
Gaze upon Chicago’s iconic skyscrapers
You may know about the architectural boat cruise offered by the Chicago Architecture Center, but did you know about its Walk Through Time tour? A chronological look at the city’s redevelopment after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, the tour focuses on the evolution of skyscrapers near the Chicago River in the Loop. The CAC also hosts guided neighborhood walks, including the Frank Lloyd Wright Historic District in Oak Park (including transportation from a downtown pickup location).
If you go: The Chicago Architecture Center is offering the 90-minute A Walk Through Time tour every day of the convention. Tickets are $30.
Relive the history of the DNC in Chicago
The Chicago History Museum, located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood, about a 15-minute car ride from downtown, timed its new exhibit “Designing for Change: Chicago Protest Art of the 1960s–70s” to coincide with the DNC. The show displays the political art — buttons, posters, fliers, signs and more — that represents this era of protest and change in America. The museum also offers a walking tour of Chicago’s history of the Democratic National Conventions, including those that nominated Lincoln and FDR. Led by Chicago History Museum’s exhibition director Paul Durica, this special tour kicks off from 191 N. Wacker Dr., close to downtown, on Saturday, Aug. 24, at 10 a.m. (tickets $25 for non-members).
If you go: General admission tickets to the Chicago History Museum (1601 N. Clark St.) are $19 for adults and include all exhibitions. Nearby R.J. Grunts (2056 N. Lincoln Park W.) is a winning choice for lunch (burgers, beer, chopped salad).
Check out a new mural by art star Jake Troyli
On the side of a building near Garfield Park, a new mural by Jake Troyli, one of the city’s most exciting emerging art stars, is so fresh the paint may still be drying as the DNC gets underway. The 30-foot-tall artwork was funded by Gertie, a local culture organization that raised more than $400,000 to fund public art installations and events all over the city timed to capitalize on Chicago’s moment in the political spotlight. Part of a suite of projects called “Next Stop: Chicago,” Troyli’s eye-popping contribution will be officially unveiled on Wednesday, Aug. 21, at Heart + Craft on Lake, an arts festival that will feature live music, food and a panel with community leaders.
If you go: The mural is at the SkyArt building at 3450 W. Lake St., about a 10-minute car ride from the United Center. Heart + Craft on Lake, also at 3450 W. Lake St., is on Wednesday, Aug. 21. Admission is free.
Watch former presidents sing and dance
44: The Obama Musical is a satirical retelling of President Barack Obama’s life story from the perspective of sitting President Joe Biden with appearances from politicians and pundits galore. Written by Eli Bauman, a former Obama campaign volunteer (and pro writer for television), the musical features a moonwalking Joe Biden, a rapping Mitch McConnell and a singing Barack Obama. 44 will be staged at The Epiphany Center for the Arts, just a 15-minute walk from the convention venue. Bonus recommendation: There’s even more politics-themed theater happening in Chicago during the DNC.
If you go: 44: The Obama Musical runs from Aug. 7-17 at the Epiphany Center for the Arts (210 S. Ashland Ave). Tickets start at $44.
Visit a new exhibit about the Black Panther Party
Formerly the Church of the Epiphany, Epiphany Center for the Arts has a new exhibit about the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party. Makes sense because the church was an important meeting location for the group. Preserving the Heritage of the Black Panther Party In Illinois will take viewers through the journey of the party in Chicago, starting with the 1968 Democratic National Convention. Journalist Leila Willis, whose parents were members of the party, curated the exhibit – viewable by appointment only.
If you go: Gallery hours for Epiphany Center for the Arts (201 S. Ashland Ave.) are by appointment on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Email art@epiphanychi.com to schedule.
Attend a live podcast taping of Lovett or Leave It
The Crooked Media podcast, hosted by speechwriter-turned-comedian Jon Lovett, will be at the Vic Theater for a night of laughs and “uncategorizable gay chaos.” The show takes place the day after the convention ends, so expect banter about everything that happened during what will surely be a news-filled week. The Vic Theater in Lake View is a 20-minute ride to the Belmont stop on the Red Line train from downtown.
If you go: Lovett or Leave It at the Vic Theater on Friday, Aug. 23. Tickets start at $35.
Catch a free midweek concert at the Museum of Contemporary Art
The MCA’s summer concert series highlights musicians from all over Chicago. During the week of the DNC, Sistazz of the Nitty Gritty will play at the museum’s Anne & John Kern Terrace Garden. While at the MCA, don’t miss the major exhibition of more than a hundred works by the contemporary American painter and sculptor Nicole Eisenman.
If you go: Exhibits at the Museum of Contemporary Art (220 E. Chicago Ave.) have a suggested entry of $19 for residents, $22 for visitors. Entry for Sistazz of the Nitty Gritty is free but has a capped capacity; reserving a Fast Pass is recommended.
Sample Chicago dance in Millennium Park
Divination: The Dancing Souls of Black Folk will showcase the rich history of Chicago dance on Saturday, Aug. 24 at the Frank Gehry-designed Jay Pritzker Pavilion. The program runs three-plus hours, so bring a picnic and settle into a DJ set and performances from 10 dance companies from across the city.
If you go: The show runs from 5:45 to 9 p.m. on August 24 at Jay Pritzker Pavilion (201 E. Randolph St.). Admission is free but RSVPs are recommended.
Laugh your face off at Rachel Bloom’s one-woman show
Comedian Rachel Bloom is bringing her off-Broadway production Death, Let Me Do My Show to Steppenwolf Theatre, which happily runs through the week of the DNC. Known for Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, Bloom “will in NO way explore the pandemic and all the tumultuous events that ensued in her personal life” in this new musical comedy.
If you go: Death, Let Me Do My Show runs Aug. 14-24 at Steppenwolf Theatre Co. Tickets start at $59.
Explore one of Chicago’s neighborhoods
There are roughly 178 neighborhoods in the city of Chicago, so why not live like a local for a day? Feel like eating some of the best Persian food in the city while scoring thrift gems? Albany Park might be your vibe. Bronzeville, on the near South Side, has some amazing architecture and even better soul food. Bridgeport, seat of the Richard J. Daley dynastic empire, has great views of downtown from Palmisano Park and historical churches.
Sofie Hernandez-Simeonidis is a digital producer on WBEZ’s Arts & Culture desk.
