The Obama Foundation has announced plans for a large public watch party to celebrate the Grand Opening Ceremony of the Obama Presidential Center, inviting Chicago residents and visitors to take part in the historic moment on the South Side.
The free event will take place June 18 at Midway Plaisance, where attendees can watch a livestream of the ceremony in a picnic-style setting. The gathering will also feature a local art market, highlighting community vendors and organizations.
“This is an historic day for Chicago’s South Side as we welcome the world into our neighborhood,” said Valerie Jarrett, CEO of the Obama Foundation, emphasizing the significance of the moment for the community.
Guests can request up to four tickets through May 26, though space is limited and registration does not guarantee entry. The watch party will open at 9 a.m. with a live DJ and pre-ceremony activities. Organizers recommend public transit, as on-site parking will not be available.
The official Grand Opening Ceremony begins at 11 a.m. and will include performances and storytelling centered on the Foundation’s mission to inspire civic engagement and leadership. For those unable to attend in person, the event will also be streamed online.
The Obama Presidential Center will open to the public the following day, June 19, offering free access to the campus, exhibits, and programming, with additional celebrations continuing throughout the weekend.
Located in Jackson Park, the Center is designed as a global hub for leadership, education, and community engagement rooted on Chicago’s South Side.
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