Chicago’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve: What to Know Before You Go

This [New Year’s Eve in Chicago](https://secretchicago.com/chance-the-rapper-new-years-rockin-eve-chicago/) is set to go down in history, as the Windy City prepares to host its first-ever edition of [Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve](https://secretchicago.com/dick-clark-new-years-rockin-eve-chicago-2025/). The celebration will feature musical performances, fireworks displays, and a live broadcast with some star-studded hosts. Whether you’re planning to head downtown to get in on all the action, or watch from the comfort of your own home, here’s everything to know ahead of the big night! Who is hosting Chicago’s New Years Rockin’ Eve broadcast? --------------------------------------------------------- Mayor Brandon Jonson and The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events will present the first-ever local edition of *Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2026. * Chicago-native and Grammy award-winning hip hop artist Chance the Rapper will serve as the live broadcast host for the event. Where will New Year’s Rockin Eve Chicago take place? ---------------------------------------------------- The festivities are going down along the Chicago riverwalk, with a main stage located at Wacker and Franklin. A special projection from ART on the MART will be displayed at the adjacent Merchandise Mart from 7 to 9 p.m. The fireworks show will launch from the riverwalk bridges, coinciding with the countdown to midnight 2026. What musical performers will take the stage? -------------------------------------------- [Chance the Rapper](https://secretchicago.com/cta-chance-the-rapper-enjoy-the-ride-campaign-2025/) will headline the New Years Rockin’ Eve stage, along with several other native Chicago acts. Is admission free? ------------------ The celebration is free and open to the public, with admission beginning at 5 p.m. Several designated entrance and exist points will be set up for the duration of the event. * Wacker Drive – west of Wells and * Wacker Drive – east of Lake Street What items are guests allowed to bring into the event? ------------------------------------------------------ All guests must pass through security checkpoints and undergo bag inspections in order to enter the event. To ensure everyone’s safety, the city will only permit guests to bring bags 12x6x12 inches or smaller into the grounds. Gates will close once the event reaches capacity. What streets will be closed during the event? --------------------------------------------- Street closures are already underway in preparation for the festivities. Here’s a look at which streets will close and when, according to the mayor’s office: * Monday, December 29, at 10 a.m. + Franklin St. from Lake St. to Wacker Drive for event set-up. * Wednesday, December 31 – Thursday, January 1, 2026, at 4 a.m.\ * + Wacker Dr. from Lake St. to Wells St. and the Franklin/Orleans Bridge closes at 10 a.m. for event set up. Note: Gates to the performance area at Wacker and Franklin open at 5 p.m. * Wednesday, December 31, at 5:30 p.m. + Single sidewalk closures on Clark, LaSalle, Dearborn, Wabash and Columbus bridges. * Bridges Closures for Fireworks on December 31 at 11:30 p.m. + Orleans/Franklin\* (reopens at 4 a.m.) + LaSalle Street Bridge + Clark Street Bridge + Dearborn Street Bridge + Wabash Street Bridge + Columbus Street Bridge All bridges will reopen by 12:30 a.m. on January 1, 2026. * Thursday, January 1, 2026, 3 p.m. + All remaining street closures reopen after breakdown and load out. What’s the best way to get there? --------------------------------- We recommend catching a ride to the event via the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). The CTA is **offering free rides from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.** on NYE. Riders can take the Orange, Green, Pink, Blue, and Brown lines to Clark/Lake for easy access to the celebration. Source: https://secretchicago.com/chicago-nye-know-before-you-go/