Performances

The People's Fourth

Spend July 4 outside at the Obama Presidential Center, rooted in the energy of the South Side. As the start of the You Are America series, this afternoon program brings together live music, performances, and activities across the John Lewis Plaza. DJ Hot Rod, Mucca Pazza, and Melody Angel perform throughout the day, with a mix of sets and transitions between acts. Whether you come with friends, family, or on your own, it’s an easy way to be part of the day and share time with others. Please note: This event does not include Museum admission.
Event Details
Sat, Jul 04 • 2:00pm - 7:00pm John Lewis Plaza
Admission
The campus is open to public on July 4 and activities are first-come, first-served. Please note Museum admission is not included.
Children sit together outdoors at dusk, watching a performance with focused expressions as a crowd gathers behind them.

Details

This July 4, gather at the Obama Presidential Center for a day of music and community as we celebrate 250 years of American progress and get inspired for what's next.

See full schedule of activities (Opens in a new tab)

Spotlight Stories

Spotlight Stories offer 15-minute tour experiences focused on specific campus landmarks.

Fruit and Vegetable Garden
11:30 a.m. | 2 p.m. | 4 p.m.
Learn about design, sustainability, and the power of rooting community in nature. Meet your guide at the Eleanor Roosevelt Fruit and Vegetable Garden.

Julie Mehretu and Alison Saar
10:30 a.m. | 1 p.m. |  3 p.m.
Join an immersive look at two new art installations: Julie Mehretu's Uprising of the Sun and Alison Saar's Torch Song . Meet your guide at the Women’s Garden.

Martin Puryear: Bending the Arc
 10:00 a.m. | 11:00 a.m. | 12 p.m. | 1:00 p.m. | 2:30 p.m. | 3:30 p.m.
Learn about this monumental sculpture calls upon a famous quote popularized by Martin Luther King Jr. as an example of how individual people working together can inspire great change.

Performances on the Plaza

DJ Hot Rod
 2 - 3:15 p.m.
DJ Hot Rod maintains a vibrant atmosphere on the Plaza.

Mucca Pazza
 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
 Witness marching band traditions and street theater spectacle with rock and roll sensibilities.

Melody Angel
 5 - 6 p.m.
Melody Angel brings deep-rooted Chicago blues traditions and raw, soulful storytelling to our plaza.

DJ Hot Rod
 6 - 7 p.m.
 DJ Hot Rod maintains a vibrant atmosphere on the Plaza.

Sports & Play

Let’s Play
 2 - 6 p.m. | Home Court
Catch DJ Will the Thrill on the Main Court for interactive sports and art activations with House of Chelsea B and 40+ Double Dutch.

Mindful Movement
 2 - 3:30 p.m. | Picnic Area behind Home Court
Unwind with Peace Runners 773 in this reflective afternoon featuring a 30-minute yoga practice followed by a self-paced walk through Jackson Park.

Anytime Activities

The Screening Room
 2 - 7 p.m.  | Elie Wiesel Auditorium
Preview films featured in the Obama Presidential Center Museum and learn about the mission to inspire, empower and connect people to change their world.

Face Painting
 2 - 7 p.m. | John Lewis Plaza
Enjoy face painting by Kids Wow Show

Bubble Art
 2 - 7 p.m. | Fruit & Vegetable Garden
Chicago Bubble Show

Food & Beverage
Food and beverage will be available for sale at Tafari’s Kitchen and the Cafe as well as in the Plaza and Fruit & Vegetable Garden.

Please note programs and activities are subject to change.

Performers

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    DJ Hot Rod

    Rodney Washington, known as DJ Hot Rod, is a Chicago-based DJ and radio personality known for breaking artists like Juice WRLD, Chance the Rapper, Dreezy, and Tink. A longtime voice on WGCI and Power 92.3, he’s deeply rooted in Chicago’s hip-hop scene and community work.

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    Mucca Pazza

    Mucca Pazza is a Chicago-based ensemble formed in 2004, blending marching band tradition, street theater, and rock-and-roll energy. Known as a marching band that thinks it’s a rock band, the group brings an unmistakable sound and high-energy spectacle to every performance.

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    Melody Angel

    Melody Angel is a South Side Chicago vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter known for blending R&B, rock, folk, and funk with a foundation in Chicago blues. Dubbed “the future of the blues” by the Chicago Reader, she carries on the legacy of her relative, blues icon Otis Rush.

Plan Your Visit

John Lewis Plaza

Named in honor of late civil rights leader Congressman John Lewis, the John Lewis Plaza is a lively and animated outdoor space that welcomes visitors to the Center. The Plaza–which serves as an entry point for the Forum, Museum, and Library buildings–is a dynamic hub built to foster the spirit of community that was central to the legacy and work of Congressman Lewis.

Good to Know

Explore helpful resources regarding transportation, accessibility services, and on-site amenities before you arrive.

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