Chicago DNC 2024 security fences coming down, streets reopening as officials celebrate success

On the eve of the DNC, the who's who of the Democratic Party in Illinois gathered for a final luncheon near McCormick Place, focusing their efforts on launching Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz to victory.

"I've got to ask you, are you ready for the fight? Are you ready for the fight?" said Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker. "So that in about 81 days, we'll all get to say the two words that we've been waiting 248 years to say in this country, 'Madame president!'"

DNC kickoff events are being held Saturday as protesters from across the country start to arrive in Chicago.

The first of two permitted demonstrations will happen on Sunday afternoon in the Loop.

The permitted protest will take demonstrators from Michigan to the Logan Statue by East 9th Street into Grant Park. The protest is called the March for Bodies Outside Unjust Laws.

The protest will begin near Michigan and Wacker and is set to begin at 5 p.m. on Monday.

READ MORE | First permitted protest to begin in the Loop on eve of Democratic Convention

Some streets will be closed in downtown Chicago near hotels where Democratic National Convention delegates and attendees will be staying, as well as for various parties and events, OEMC said.

Barricades have been set up near the Park Hyatt Hotel on Saturday.

Barricades have been set up near the Park Hyatt Hotel on Saturday.

Residents and visitors should expect heavy traffic and limited vehicular access to the following streets on the following days:
-N. Wabash from E, Chestnut to E Delaware Place from Sunday, August 18 through Wednesday, Aug. 21
-E. Huron Street from N. Michigan to N. Rush from Sunday, August 18 through Friday, Aug. 23
- E. Chicago from N. Michigan Avenue to N. Rush Street from Sunday, August 18 through Friday, Aug. 23
-E .Delaware Place from N. State to N. Rush on Tuesday, Aug. 20
-N. Rush from E. Delaware Place to E. Walton on Tuesday, Aug. 20
-E Walton from N State to N Rush on Tuesday, Aug. 20.
-N State from E Delaware to E Walton on Tuesday, Aug. 20.

Ahead of the Democratic National Convention, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker hosted a welcome luncheon.

The event, called "Thank You Illinois," began at 11:30 a.m. Saturday on the Near South Side.

The luncheon is being held near the McCormick Place, which is one of two convention sites along with the United Center on the West Side.

Community leaders, politicians and volunteers were thanked for their contributions in setting up the DNC.