Aug. 12, 2024 - The 2024 Democratic National Convention (DNC) is coming to Chicago this summer. The Village of Oak Park, given its proximity to Chicago, has been receiving questions as to how the community may be impacted by this national event.
Officials remind residents that whether you are in Oak Park or Chicago, if you see something, say something. Please report suspicious activity by calling 9-1-1.
Frequently Asked Questions:
When is the Democratic National Convention?
The 2024 DNC is scheduled to take place from August 19-22.
Where is the Democratic National Convention?
Events related to this year’s DNC are scheduled to take place at two venues within the City of Chicago. Daytime activities will occur primarily at McCormick Place (2301 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Dr., Chicago), with the Convention itself taking place in the late afternoon and evening at the United Center (1901 W. Madison St., Chicago).
What will the impact be in these areas?
Security zones will be established around both DNC venues, specific to both foot and vehicle traffic. In general, these zones will extend approximately two blocks out from each venue in each direction. Click here to view figures illustrating the exact footprint at each DNC venue.
Can anyone attend the Democratic National Convention?
Only credentialed delegates, media and guests can attend the convention in-person.
How will transportation be impacted?
Street closures around McCormick Place will begin the night of August 16, and around the United Center the evening of August 17. There will also be rolling street closures as DNC attendees travel between the two venues and the airports. Click here for additional information about street closures. Public transportation routes that travel near the venues will also experience modified routes and schedules. Click here for information about impacts to public transportation during the convention, including CTA, Metra and Pace.
How will the Village of Oak Park be impacted?
Many of residents travel into and out of the city on a regular basis for work or other events. Travelling in and around the Chicago area can be a challenge any day, so if travelling outside of Oak Park during the convention you should plan on additional travel time and consider alternate routes. There will also be a lot happening in the Village during this time, including Microbrew Review, the start of the 2024-25 school year and Thursday Night Out. Please plan accordingly.
Where can I find additional information?
Additional information about the above topics and more can be found at the City of Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communication website. Officials also suggest downloading the Chicago OEMC app to your smartphone and signing up for DNC Alerts by texting DNC to 2-2-6-7-8-7. The app is available through the Apple App and Google Play stores.
The Village will also provide any local updates on its social media pages (X | Facebook) and on the Village web site.
Finally, the Village of Oak Park maintains an alert system to notify residents when emergency situations occur. The system requires residents to register, but allows citizens to choose how they wish to be notified — by text, email and/or voice message. The system is intended for emergency notifications, not news or general information. To sign up, visit www.oak-park.us/notifyme. Anyone who would like to sign up, but lacks access to a computer can call 708.358.5489 to be added to the voice message alert list. For more information, email prepare@oak-park.us.