Thousands attend Obama Center opening ceremony; center opens to public Friday | LIVE Updates

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Last updated: Thursday, June 18, 2026 7:27PM GMT
Former President Barack Obama speaks at opening of Chicago presidential center

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Thousands attended the Obama Presidential Center Grand Opening ceremony Thursday.

The center opens to the public Friday.

Here's what to know about the events.

Leah Hope Image
Jun 15, 2026, 7:07 PM

Road closures, parking restrictions in place ahead of Obama Presidential Center opening

The Obama Presidential Center opens soon, and there are openings and closings to navigate.

Monday, June 8 at 6 a.m. - Friday, June 19 at 6 a.m.
Blackstone, from Midway Plaisance to 60th St. - no parking both sides of the street.
60th St. from Dorchester to Blackstone.

Monday, June 8 at 6 a.m. - Monday, June 22 at 5 p.m.
60th St. from Dorchester to Stony Island - no parking both sides of the street.
60th St. from Blackstone to Stony Island EB

Monday, June 15 at 6 a.m. through Friday, June 19 at 7 p.m.
Midway Plaisance, from Dorchester to Stony Island EB and WB
Blackstone, from 59th St. to Midway Plaisance
Cornell, from Stony Island to 57th St.
Stony Island, from Midway Plaisance to 63rd St.
Stony Island, from 59th St. to 57th St.
59th St. EB, from Harper to Stony Island.

Monday, June 15 at 6 a.m. - Saturday, June 20 at 11:59 p.m.
Midway Plaisance, from Woodlawn to Blackstone.
Dorchester, from 59th to 60th St.

Wednesday, June 17 at 6 a.m. - Friday, June 19 at 6 a.m.
Woodlawn, from 59th to 60th St.
Midway Plaisance, from Ellis to Woodlawn.

Sidewalk restrictions
Monday, June 8 at 6 a.m. - Monday, June 22 at 5 p.m.
60th St. from Dorchester to Stony Island.

Monday, June 15 at 6 a.m. - Friday, June 19 at 7 p.m.
Midway Plaisance, from Dorchester to Stony Island.
Blackstone, from 59th St. to Midway Plaisance.
Cornell, from Stony Island to 57th St.

Monday, June 15 at 6 a.m. - Saturday, June 20 at 11:59 p.m.
Midway Plaisance, from Woodlawn to Blackstone.
Dorchester, from 59th St. to 60th St.

1 hour and 38 minutes ago

John Legend, Common perform 'Glory'

John Legend performs "Someday We'll All Be Free" by Donny Hathaway.

John Legend, Common perform 'Glory' with the United Voices of Chicago

Common joined to perform with the United Voices of Chicago choir to perform "Glory."

2 hours and 8 minutes ago

Eddie Vedder performs original song 'Better Believe'

Eddie Vedder performed an original song called "Better Believe."

WATCH: Eddie Vedder performs original song 'Better Believe' with Guittars over Guns non-profit

The song was created specifically for the grand opening ceremony.

He performed with teenagers part of the Chicago non-profit Guitars Over Guns.

2 hours and 27 minutes ago

Christina Aguilera sings rendition of 'What a Wonderful World'

Christina Aguilera sang a rendition of "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong.

WATCH: Christina Aguilera sings rendition of 'What a Wonderful World'
2 hours and 51 minutes ago

Chicago-native Jennifer Hudson sings 'The Star-Spangled Banner'

Chicago-native Jennifer Hudson sang the national anthem "The Star-Spangled Banner."

WATCH: Jennifer Hudson sings 'The Star-Spangled Banner,' 'The Impossible Dream'

Hudson also sang a rendition of "The Impossible Dream" from Broadway musical "Man of La Mancha."