City of Chicago Shares Key Logistical, Safety Information for Upcoming New Year’s Eve Celebration

Chicago prepares for safe and accessible festivities surrounding the inaugural "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2026" Central Time Zone Broadcast.

CHICAGO - Today, Mayor Brandon Johnson, the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) and Choose Chicago announced new details regarding Chicago's New Year's Eve celebrations, including planned events, transportation options, road closures, safety precautions and amenities for residents and tourists who wish to attend the event in person.

The Chicago celebration's focal point is "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2026," headlined by Grammy Award-winning artist Chance the Rapper. This year marks the first time Chicago will be featured on the iconic national broadcast, synonymous with New Year's Eve since 1972.

A diverse line-up of Chicago artists, including local DJs Mike Dunn and Mike P, J. Ivy and Shemekia Copeland, will perform on the mainstage at the corner of W Wacker Drive and N Franklin Street starting at 9 p.m., following a custom audio-visual presentation projected from ART on THE MART that begins at 7 p.m. Bally's Chicago Casino will serve as the Presenting Sponsor for the live, in-person event.

Chance the Rapper, who will also co-host the event, will take the stage for his countdown performance shortly before midnight.

How to Attend
Opening at 5 p.m., event entrances are located on Wacker Drive at the corner of Wells or Lake Street. The event is free and open to the public, with no advance ticket registration required.

All guests will be required to pass through security checkpoints and will be subject to bag checks. 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 via big-screen displays along Wacker between Lake and Wells Streets. Fireworks will be launched from bridges between Orleans and Columbus Streets along the Riverwalk with the best vantage point from Upper Wacker Drive.

Due to related road closures, public transportation is recommended to reach the celebration. For safety and convenience, CTA trains and buses will be free from 10 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31, until 4 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 1.

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.

Wacker Drive from Lake to Wells and Orleans St. bridge will be closed beginning at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31, and the Chicago River will be closed to boat traffic from Franklin to Columbus from 11:30 p.m. to 12:15 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 1. Franklin St. from Lake St. to Wacker Dr. will close on Monday, Dec. 29, at 10 a.m. Additional street closures will go into effect on the following bridges on Wednesday, Dec. 31, at 11:30 p.m.

• Dearborn St. Bridge
• Clark St. Bridge
• LaSalle St. Bridge
• Wabash St. Bridge
• Columbus Dr. Bridge

New Year's Eve Safety Protocols
The City of Chicago and Chicago Police Department (CPD) are coordinating to ensure the celebration is safe and welcoming. Safety precautions include:

• Security checkpoints, including metal detectors, at both entrances.
• Re-entry permitted only through Security Checkpoints.

Mayor Brandon Johnson, CPD, the Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC), and other safety partners will offer a full safety and security briefing the week of the event. Attendees are encouraged to remain aware of their surroundings, follow posted guidelines and report any concerning activity to on-site personnel.

How to Watch from Home
"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. In partnership with ABC7 Chicago, portions of the Chicago program will be aired as part of the national broadcast, continuing the City's commitment to spotlighting its local artists, neighborhoods and cultural identity.

Viewers who wish to watch Chicago's program may watch a livestream of the event at chicago.gov.

For accredited press interested in covering the event, media credentials will be provided by DCASE. To submit a media credential request, visit the DCASE Press Room.

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