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CHICAGO (WLS) — Excitement is building in Chicago as city officials unveil more details about this year’s “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest,” which promises to be a highlight of the downtown festivities.
For the first time, Chicago will be prominently featured in the iconic New Year’s Eve broadcast, a national tradition that has been ringing in the new year since 1972. This marks a significant milestone for the city, bringing its vibrant energy to a wider audience.
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch
A stellar lineup is set to entertain audiences with performances from Chicago’s own Chance the Rapper, along with DJ Mike Dunn, DJ Mike P, poet J. Ivy, and blues singer Shemekia Copeland. The main stage will be located at the bustling corner of West Wacker Drive and North Franklin Street in the Loop, with the festivities kicking off at 9 p.m.
Adding to the evening’s allure, a custom audio-visual spectacle will be projected onto ART on THE MART, starting at 7 p.m., offering a captivating prelude to the musical acts.
In a special highlight, Chance the Rapper will not only perform but also co-host the event, leading the much-anticipated countdown to midnight with his charismatic energy. It promises to be a night to remember as Chicago steps into the national spotlight in a celebration of music and community.
Event entrances at Wacker and Wells or Lake streets will open at 5 p.m.
The event is free, and no tickets are required.
All guests will be required to pass through security checkpoints and will be subject to bag checks, city officials said.
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For security reasons, guests are permitted to bring only bags sized 12″x6″x12″ or smaller through the checkpoints.
To protect public safety, gates will close once the event reaches capacity.
Additional viewing opportunities of the evening’s performances and the midnight fireworks display will be available on big-screen displays along Wacker between Lake and Wells.
Fireworks will be launched from bridges between Orleans and Columbus streets along the Riverwalk with the best vantage point from Upper Wacker Drive.
Wacker from Lake to Wells and the Orleans bridge will be closed beginning at 10 a.m. Dec. 31, and the Chicago River will be closed to boat traffic from Franklin to Columbus Drive from 11:30 p.m. to 12:15 a.m. on Jan. 1.
Franklin from Lake to Wacker will close at 10 a.m. Dec. 29.
Additional street closures will go into effect on the following bridges at 11:30 p.m. Dec. 31: Dearborn Street Bridge, Clark Street Bridge, LaSalle Street Bridge, Wabash Street Bridge and Columbus Bridge.
Public transportation is recommended to reach the celebration.
CTA trains and buses will be free from 10 p.m. Dec. 31, until 4 a.m. Jan. 1.
But attendees can reserve discounted parking at Millennium Garages for the New Year’s Eve Celebrations.
Visit Millennium Garages to pre-purchase parking online and save up to 20% off daily and extended stay rates.
“Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2026” airs Dec. 31, on ABC beginning at 7 p.m. and the next day on Hulu.
