Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Tems is set to take the global stage alongside music royalty, including Stevie Wonder, John Legend, Bruce Springsteen, and U2’s Bono and The Edge, for the grand opening ceremony of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago on Thursday, June 18, 2026. ​
The Obama Foundation officially announced the star-studded lineup for the highly anticipated dedication ceremony, which will take place at the center’s John Lewis Plaza in Jackson Park. ​The historic event, hosted by former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama, will bring together global leaders, artists, and changemakers to celebrate the values of civic engagement and hope that defined the Obama presidency. ​
The lineup blends legendary icons with contemporary global powerhouses. In addition to Tems and the headlining rock and soul legends, the ceremony will feature performances and appearances by Christina Aguilera, Jennifer Hudson, Common, Marc Anthony, The Roots, Eddie Vedder. ​While the June 18 dedication ceremony is an invite-only event, it will be heavily accessible to the public.
The ceremony will stream live globally beginning at 11:00 a.m. CT / 12:00 p.m. ET on Obama.org, as well as the Obama Foundation’s YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook channels. ​
Following the grand opening ceremony, the Obama Presidential Center which features a museum, library branch, athletic facility, and public plazas will officially open its doors to the public on Friday, June 19, coinciding with the Juneteenth holiday weekend.
