Democrats invite public to off-site ‘DemPalooza’ convention events in Chicago

Vice President Kamala Harris aims to share the campaign trail vibes with the public in Chicago next week with free manicures, friendship bracelet making and campaign training at the city’s convention center.

The daytime programing, dubbed “DemPalooza” by party bosses, will take place at the McCormick Place convention center, about 5 miles from the United Center where more than 4,000 credentialed delegates will gather Monday through Thursday for nightly televised celebrations of their presidential ticket. No credential is required to pass through the security perimeter at the convention center, party officials said.

“It’s a party and everyone is invited,” said Roger Lau, deputy executive director of the Democratic National Committee.

The giveaways and celebratory atmosphere are a tactic Democrats and independent groups supporting them have been using this year to recruit volunteers and interest disaffected voters in the coming elections. Outside organizations have been experimenting with dance parties, concerts, free beer and birth control giveaways to engage voters, while the Biden-Harris campaign has used bracelet making and bingo nights to engage voters.

“DemPalooza” will take place alongside the regularly scheduled meetings of 33 Democratic Party caucuses and councils, events that are expected to draw elected speakers. Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) are scheduled to address different groups at the convention center, along with the governors of Maryland, New Mexico and Massachusetts. Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.), the youngest member of Congress, will stop by, along with Maryland Democratic Senate candidate Angela Alsobrooks, among others.

Unlike the arena events, which are open only to those with credentials, the off-site events are free, and open to the public from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. There will be a space for live podcast tapings, and other performances, the DNC announced.

The site will also be a location for Harris campaign officials to offer training and briefings to the public. Briefing titles include “Cultivating a Unified Vision: Embedding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Progressive Politics,” “Investing in Communities: Biden-Harris Infrastructure Success Stories,” and “Everything You Need to Know About Trump’s Project 2025 Agenda,” even though Trump has distanced himself from Project 2025, a policy planning effort by the Heritage Foundation.

The campaign will also offer organizing training for volunteers, which uses a smartphone app to encourage people to contact their friends and family. There will be an expo and vendor space, with a display called “All Things Chicago,” highlighting the city’s different neighborhoods. A DNC news release says attendees will be able to get a ‘Kamala Harris’ manicure, but does not describe what a ‘Kamala Harris’ manicure entails.

“We are bringing together thought leaders, advocates, grassroots supporters, and every day Americans who want to get involved in our democratic process ahead of the most consequential election of our lifetime,” DNC Chair Jaime Harrison said in a statement. “Every day at the McCormick Center, thousands of Democratic leaders from across the country will come together to network, train, share ideas, and activate voters and volunteers.”