What to know about the Democratic National Convention

Workers prepare the United Center for the start of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) on August 15, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. The DNC runs from August 19-22. | Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Democrats will gather in Chicago for their once-every-four-years convention, beginning Monday. Here’s a rundown:

What is it?

National political conventions are large gatherings of party officeholders, candidates and allies. They meet every four years to officially nominate candidates for president and vice president; to adopt a party platform, the list of policy proposals most party members agree on; and to celebrate and network.

This year, Vice President Kamala Harris has already been officially nominated through a virtual roll call vote earlier this month. A ceremonial roll call is still expected to be a part of the convention, and Harris will officially accept the nomination.

When should I tune in?

The convention runs from Monday, Aug. 19 to Thursday, Aug. 22.

Major news networks and a host of streaming platforms will broadcast the nightly events — usually speeches from high-profile members of the party — live. The prime-time program runs from 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern Time on Monday and 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Full schedules for prime-time speeches have not been disclosed, but the vice presidential candidate usually accepts the nomination on Wednesday night and the presidential nominee’s acceptance speech closes out the convention on Thursday night.

Former presidents and presidential nominees are also likely to have speaking roles.

During the day, delegates and party officials will hold various events and meetings, only some of which will be broadcast or even open to reporters, as the convention doubles as a huge networking event for Democratic politicians, strategists, activists and others.

How can I watch?

Network and cable news TV stations generally air the prime-time programming from start to finish.

National Public Radio will also broadcast much of the convention.

Convention organizers will also be livestreaming the event on a host of platforms, including YouTube, X and TikTok. A full list of official livestreams is available here .

Where is the convention this year?

Chicago is hosting the Democratic convention for the 12th time, the most of any city.

The major addresses in the evening will be at the United Center, an arena that fits tens of thousands for the city’s professional basketball and hockey teams, concerts or other events.

Daytime activities will be more spread out, with locations at McCormick Place, about 6 miles southeast of the United Center, and the River North neighborhood, about 2 ½ miles to the northeast.

How many people will be there?

About 5,000 Democratic delegates, who have the formal duty of voting to approve the nominees for president and vice president, are expected to attend.

A total of about 50,000 people could be in town for the event, according to the city .

Will any celebrities be there?

The 2016 Democratic National Convention — the last in-person convention Democrats held, since they moved the 2020 version online in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic — that nominated Hillary Clinton featured celebrities including singer Katy Perry and screenwriter/actor Lena Dunham.

The Republican National Convention in July included appearances by musical artist Kid Rock and professional wrestler Hulk Hogan during prime time.

A full list of participants for the Democratic convention this year has not yet been shared, but that has not stopped some fans of major music acts from wishing they’ll see their favorites at the event.

Where can I find fair, fearless and free reporting about the convention?

Right here! And from your state’s newsroom, which you can find on this map. States Newsroom is sending multiple reporters to cover the convention and will have in-depth coverage of the major events and more.