CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago officials are providing more details about this year’s “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest” event downtown.
This year marks the first time Chicago will be featured on the iconic national broadcast, synonymous with New Year’s Eve since 1972.
Chicago hotels are preparing for New Year’s Eve.
Chance the Rapper, DJ Mike Dunn, DJ Mike P, J. Ivy and Shemekia Copeland are set to perform on the main stage on the corner of West Wacker Drive and North Franklin Street in the Loop, starting at 9 p.m.
“It’s the greatest city in the world. So anytime I have an opportunity to perform in my city for my city for New Year’s, it’s incredible. Plus it’s a first; so I love making history,” J. Ivy said.
Chane the Rapper spoke with Val Warner ahead of Chicago’s New Year’s Eve event.
There will also be a custom audio-visual presentation projected from ART on THE MART that begins at 7 p.m.
The event will take place along the Chicago Riverwalk at Wacker Drive from Wells Street to Lake Street.
Chance the Rapper, who will also co-host the event, will take the stage for his countdown performance shortly before midnight.
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.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and other officials spoke Monday at the Office of Emergency Management and Communications.
Johnson said the festivities are getting the full force of government approach.
“Hosting Chicago’s New Year’s Eve celebration is a big moment for our city, and another opportunity to showcase the very best that Chicago offers to the entire world,” he said. “We’re confident that the measures that we’ve put in place have positioned us to have a successful event.”
In addition to a visible presence from Chicago police, the city is receiving help from federal law enforcement to make sure people can ring in 2026 safely.
That includes help from the Secret Service. It’s similar to coordination efforts during the marathon and the Democratic National Convention.
“Obviously, we can’t be every single place all the time, but we can put plans in place to bring down crime and make people feel a lot safer about using public transportation,” Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling said
Johnson said it will be one of the most memorable events in Chicago history.
“We are anticipating thousands of people from across the globe to gather downtown to celebrate Chicago’s inaugural countdown, and we are prepared to welcome and safeguard these crowds,” he said. “Since taking office, I’ve longed for the city of Chicago to be a year-round destination, making New Year’s Eve a thing in Chicago.”
“We’re looking for this to be an economic driver for the city for the winter season. And so it’s elevating the artistry that’s here in Chicago, but also hoping that people will make an evening of it, that they will support our hospitality partners, from restaurants to hotels,” said Kenya Merritt, acting Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events commissioner. “This event is rooted in what makes Chicago one of the most culturally vibrant cities in the world.”
Mayor Johnson and Snelling took time in particular to address underage kids and their parents.
“If you don’t know where they are, and they find themselves in a place where they’re breaking the law, we’re going to take action. And you’re going to have to come and get them,” Snelling said.
And in the wake of violent incidents involving crowds of young people, including a shooting on State Street after the city’s tree lighting, police will be enforcing the city’s underage curfew, requiring those under 18 after 10 p.m. to be accompanied by an adult.
Some barricades were going up Monday.
“I think everyone is excited for the celebrations this year. It’s a fun time in the city,” Cambrie said.
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 closed 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.
Metra will offer free rides on all trains arriving at or departing from Metra’s downtown stations after 6 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. Alcohol will be banned on all trains after 7 p.m. on New Year’s Eve.
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.
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