The Obama Presidential Center Announces Grand Opening Weekend Celebrations and Inaugural Campus Programming
The Obama Foundation announces initial programming for summer 2026, including musical performances, Chicago Public Library programming, and more.
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The Obama Foundation announced the first slate of programming at the Obama Presidential Center today, including free public activities during its Grand Opening Weekend, June 19-21. As part of the Foundation’s mission to inspire, empower, and connect visitors and reflecting the Obamas’ legacy from their time in the White House, programming at the Center will offer diverse experiences connected to arts and culture, civics and democracy, gardening and food, and sports and well-being.
“We are so excited to welcome our neighbors on the South Side, people across the city of Chicago, and visitors from around the globe to the Obama Presidential Center, starting with our free Grand Opening Weekend festival,” said Valerie Jarrett, CEO of The Obama Foundation. “These celebratory programs are only the beginning of the fun ways in which we will welcome visitors to campus. We will foster a spirit of civic engagement and joy. ”
Opening to the public on June 19, the Obama Presidential Center will kick off its public programming the same day with live performances, family-friendly activities, food, art, and storytelling across campus for a weekend festival through June 21. Activities will include:
- Live entertainment, including DJs, musical groups, and dance performances on the Plaza;
- Family-friendly activities throughout the campus, such as face painting, art making, and photo booths;
- Performances and programs featuring Obama Presidential Center commissioned artists;
- A variety of food available for purchase in our restaurant, cafe, and pop-up stations across campus;
- Storytime and hands-on activities at the Center’s Chicago Public Library branch;
- Sports and play stations at the Home Court athletic center led by Chicago’s professional sports teams and their mascots, including the Chicago Bears, Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago Fire FC, Chicago Sky, Chicago Stars FC, Chicago White Sox;
- Double Dutch performances and hands-on crochet jump rope making in Home Court;
- Drop-in interactive experiences in the Fruit and Vegetable Garden, in partnership with Urban Growers Collective, centered on growing food, holistic well-being, and multi-sensory explorations, for visitors of all ages;
- Talks in the Center’s auditorium, where attendees can engage with changemakers, thought leaders, and special guests about a variety topics including arts, culture, and democracy; and
- Guided and self-guided audio tours of campus.
The Grand Opening Week celebrations are a preview of programming that will bring the entire campus to life throughout the year and beyond, encouraging visitors to gather on their own, find inspiration, and experience renewal among the beauty of the landscape.
Other initial 2026 summer programming will include:
- Throughout July and August, the Center will welcome visitors and community members from across the city and beyond for its “You Are America” summer series of talks, films, and community events honoring the 250th anniversary of America. The series will kick off with a free Independence Day celebration “The People’s Fourth,” featuring live music, self-guided tours, and family-friendly activities across the campus.
- Summer Garden Gatherings will be hosted in the Eleanor Roosevelt Fruit and Vegetable Garden every other week from July 12 to September 20, in partnership with Urban Growers Collective.
- An all-ages celebration of President Obama’s birthday on August 4 with a karaoke DJ set will invite visitors to join the experience by singing classics from soul, R&B, and contemporary music.
- At Your Pace, the Center’s walk-run club led by Peace Runners 773, will encourage physical activity, healthy habits and social connection through guided wellness activities, designed by and for our South Side community. This walk-run club is a 10-week registration-based program for adults age 50 and older that will meet weekly Thursday mornings from August 6 to October 8.
- Talks, performances, and special program experiences will feature thought leaders, creatives, and Obama Presidential Center commissioned artists.
Beyond activities happening on the Center campus, The Obama Foundation will also continue its global leadership programs through the Obama Scholars, Leaders, and Voyagers programs and opportunity programs through Girls Opportunity Alliance, and My Brother’s Keeper Alliance programs.
Information about all Obama Presidential Center programming will be available on the Foundation’s website and event calendar and will be updated as programs are added. Visitors can also register to get information about programs by signing up for newsletters at obama.org.
