How to Watch Stevie Wonder, Bono, and Bruce Springsteen Perform at the Obama Presidential Center Grand Opening for Free
Forget about the canceled Freedom 250 concert; Barack Obamaand Michelle Obamahave something going on that's so much better! The Obama Foundation just released the lineup for the Obama Presidential Center Grand Opening Ceremony, and music fans won't want to miss this event.
How can you watch this once-in-a-lifetime event? We've got all the details fans need to know.
When and Where Is the Obama Presidential Center Grand Opening Ceremony?
The official dedication ceremony starts on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. CT and airs live from Chicago.
If you happen to live in the Chicago area (or are visiting), you can catch the in-person event on the big screen at Midway Plaisance Park. All attendees ages three and up must have a ticket to the Watch Party. Per the Obama Presidential Center's official information, the ticket request window has already closed.
Can fans without a ticket watch the Obama Presidential Center Grand Opening?
Yes! Anyone can live-stream the event from the Obama Foundation Grand Opening webpage. You can also catch the concert on the Obama Foundation's Facebook page and YouTube channel. Viewers can also look for national televised coverage of this historic event on C-Span.
Do viewers have to pay to watch the Obama Presidential Center Grand Opening Ceremony?
No. Provided you have access to an Internet connection, this live event is free to stream.
Who will perform at the Obama Presidential Center Grand Opening Concert?
The star-studded roster includes some of the most iconic acts from the music world:
- Bruce Springsteen
- Christina Aguilera
- Common
- Eddie Vedder
- Jennifer Hudson
- John Legend
- Marc Anthony
- The Roots
- Stevie Wonder
- Tems
- U2's Bono and The Edge
And of course, both former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama will speak at the opening ceremony.
Along with the musical performers and speeches by the former POTUS and former FLOTUS, the festivities will include special appearances by actress Marsai Martin and Valerie Jarrett, former Senior Advisor to President Obama/current chief executive officer of the Obama Foundation, as well as an invocation led by Pastor Joel Hunter and Joshua DuBois.
Tune in here on June 18 at 11:00 a.m. CT to watch!
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This story was originally published June 17, 2026 at 12:20 PM.