The Chicago arts are worth showing off. “Celebrating Chicago at Daley Plaza” will be a week of events in the Loop to celebrate the city’s culture, diverse communities and cuisine all during the Democratic National Convention.
The plan was announced Friday by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection and Mayor Brandon Johnson. The celebration runs Aug. 19-23 in Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St.; more information at Chicago.gov/DCASE. The DNC runs Aug. 19-22 at the United Center and McCormick Place and is expected to draw some 50,000 out-of-town visitors.
Aug. 19: “Street Symphony: The Soulful Artistry of Chicago’s Street Performers,” plus food trucks.
Noon – 12:30 p.m.: Cafe Rocker
1 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.: Dovydas
2 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.: Red Star Ramblers
3 p.m. – 7 p.m.: DJs and house music personalities
Aug. 20: Chicago Vintage Festival from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., with dozens of vintage and handmade vendors. Also an Indigenous / First Nations mapping event from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., presented by the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative, followed by a special SummerDance schedule:
4:30 p.m.: Creative activity
5:30 p.m.: Instruction by Gopi Engineer of Meher Dance (Bhangra and Bollywood)
6 p.m.: Music by Funkadesi
Aug. 21: “Chi-Town Stars: Youth in Da Spotlight,” plus food trucks.
12:30 p.m. – 1 p.m.: DJ Jukie Da Kid
1 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.: Jesse White Tumblers
1:20 p.m. – 1:35 p.m.: South Shore Drill Team
1:40 p.m. – 2:10 p.m.: Mariachi Aguilas de Benito Juarez
3 p.m. – 7 p.m.: DJs and house music personalities
Aug. 22: Extended farmers market from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with seasonal produce, flowers, prepared foods and Chicago-made products.
Noon – 1 p.m.: DJ Dreea playing reggae, house, R&B and hip hop
4 p.m. – 7 p.m.: Heart of Chicago Soul Club with women DJs spinning Motown, doo-wop and soul
Aug. 23: “40 Years of House: A Celebration of Chicago Music,” plus food trucks.
Noon – 1 p.m.: DJ 1/11
1 p.m. – 2 p.m.: DJ LipGloss
2 p.m. – 3 p.m.: DJ T-Rell
3 p.m. – 7 p.m.: DJs and house music personalities