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Programs at the Center

The Obama Presidential Center is a place for gathering, learning, creativity, and community. Our programs and events invite visitors of all ages to explore the ideas and values that shape our democracy, and to discover how they can help bring change home.
Brandon Breaux, a Black man with a deep skin tone, stands over five seated students. On the table is an iPad and illustrations. He is wearing a mint beanie. Space art is on the wall in the background.

Music
Sports
Workshops
Talks
Exhibits
Tours
Gardening
Art

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You Are America

Come celebrate 250 years of American progress and get inspired to shape the future. Join us for a summer series of talks, films, and community events marking this historic milestone. From “We the People” to "We shall overcome" to “Yes We Can” ⸺ we decide what’s next.

Learn More
  • Artist Activations

    Experience art in action through talks, workshops, performances and installations.

  • Tours at the Center

    Take a deep dive into art, architecture, sustainability, and specific campus landmarks.

  • K-12 Civics & Democracy Education

    Education programs cultivating engaged, knowledgeable, and values-based citizens.

  • Forum Talks

    High-profile conversations with prominent voices exploring issues that matter, locally and globally.

  • Garden Gatherings

    Celebrate wellness and creativity in the Eleanor Roosevelt Fruit and Vegetable Garden.

  • Performances

    From energetic DJs and karaoke to classical music and boundary-pushing art, live performances bring the Center to life with moments of shared joy.

  • Teen Action Lab

    Hands-on programs for Chicago teens to get active, build skills, explore interests, and grow as leaders.

  • Program Accessibility Accommodations

    We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals to participate. If you require disability accommodations to participate in an event — such as ASL interpretation, CART captioning, sensory support or information about physical accessibility, etc. — we will do our best to accommodate.

June 19
A young boy wearing glasses and a baseball cap blows bubbles at an outdoor community event, framed by a blue graphic border.

Grand Opening Weekend Celebration (Fri.)

Fri, Jun 19 11:00am - 3:00pm John Lewis Plaza

Free

20
A young boy wearing glasses and a baseball cap blows bubbles at an outdoor community event, framed by a blue graphic border.

Grand Opening Weekend Celebration (Sat.)

Sat, Jun 20 10:00am - 5:00pm John Lewis Plaza

Free

21
A young boy wearing glasses and a baseball cap blows bubbles at an outdoor community event, framed by a blue graphic border.

Grand Opening Weekend Celebration (Sun.)

Sun, Jun 21 10:00am - 5:00pm John Lewis Plaza

Free

Count Me In
July 04
Children sit together outdoors at dusk, watching a performance with focused expressions as a crowd gathers behind them.

The People's Fourth

Sat, Jul 04 2:00pm - 7:00pm John Lewis Plaza

Free

Stay Connected. Be an insider.

Be the first to learn about upcoming programs, special events, and how you can get involved.
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