City of Chicago Announces All-Star Lineup of Hometown Performers for New Year’s Eve: Chance the Rapper, Shemekia Copeland, J. Ivy, DJ Mike Dunn and More

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CHICAGO - Today, ABC7, Dick Clark Productions, Mayor Brandon Johnson, the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) and Choose Chicago announced GRAMMY Award-winning artist Chance the Rapper's performance during Chicago's "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2026." The broadcast, also hosted by Chance, marks the city's historic debut as the program's featured Central Time zone location.

In celebration of Chicago's famous musical heritage, a diverse lineup of acts hailing from Chicago from blues to house and more entertains eventgoers from 9 p.m. to midnight. Chosen Few DJ legend and producer DJ Mike Dunn kicks off the festivities, with DJ Mike P, known for touring with rapper Juice WRLD, playing throughout the night. GRAMMY-, Peabody- and NAACP Image Award-winning poet and artist J. Ivy also performs, followed by Chicago blues vocalist Shemekia Copeland, before Chance the Rapper takes the stage for a special countdown performance to ring in the new year.

The festivities will take place along the Chicago Riverwalk at Wacker Drive from Wells Street to Lake Street, with the main stage located at Wacker and Franklin. A custom audio/visual projection program from ART on THE MART will be displayed from 7 to 9 p.m. before on-stage performances begin. THE MART will then transform into the backdrop for the 2026 countdown as fireworks are launched from bridges along the Riverwalk.

More information on Chicago's New Year's Eve programming, broadcast details and opportunities for public participation will be announced in the coming weeks at chicago.gov/NYE. "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2026" airs Wednesday, Dec. 31, live on ABC beginning at 7 p.m. CST and next day on Hulu.

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