An extraordinary lineup of musical icons is set to grace the stage for the grand opening ceremony of the Barack Obama Presidential Center. The event, taking place in Chicago, features a diverse array of talent including Eddie Vedder, Bruce Springsteen, and U2 members Bono and The Edge.
The celebration, scheduled for June 18, 2026, will also feature performances by Christina Aguilera, Common, Jennifer Hudson, John Legend, Marc Anthony, Stevie Wonder, TEMS, and The Roots. For those unable to attend the festivities in person, a global livestream will be available at 11AM CT.
How Can I Catch the Opening Ceremony?
The event will feature speeches from both Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. The program includes an invocation led by Pastor Joel Hunter and Joshua DuBois, alongside guest appearances by Marsai Martin, Marty Nesbitt, and Valerie B. Jarrett. The Illinois National Color Guard, as well as representatives from the Guitars Over Guns and Uniting Voices Chicago organizations, will also participate.
The official livestream can be accessed at obama.org/grandopening. Additionally, a ticketed watch party will be held at Midway Plaisance Park in Chicago, where guests can view the ceremony on a large screen.
What Else You Need to Know About the Barack Obama Presidential Center
The new Chicago landmark is situated on the South Side, marking the location where the Obamas’ journey began. Spanning a 19.3-acre campus, the center functions as both a museum and a presidential public library. The museum is designed to explore the promise and power of democracy through the legacy of the First Family, featuring four levels of dynamic exhibits, presidential memorabilia, and interactive activities for visitors.
Beyond the grand opening, the center plans to host a variety of programs, including speaker series and musical entertainment, in the coming months.
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