The RNC stands for the Republican National Convention. It is the forum at which the Republican Party officially nominates its candidates for President and Vice President. The party also makes key decisions about the party’s political platform. 

The RNC will take place from July 15-18, 2024. Events related to the RNC may occur before or after this period. You may see increased numbers of visitors throughout the Milwaukee metro area as we welcome media, law enforcement partners, RNC staff, volunteers and attendees during the RNC and a few days before and a few days after the event. 

The RNC activities will take place primarily at the Fiserv Forum, Baird Center (previously known as the Wisconsin Center) and Panther Arena. Smaller events will take place throughout the Milwaukee metro area. 

The City of Milwaukee is not involved in any partisan activities. Rather, the mission of the City is to keep City residents and visitors safe during the RNC, showcase the City of Milwaukee and promote area business and employment opportunities during the event. The City of Milwaukee employees are actively involved in certain planning logistics, including demonstration opportunities and permitting. 

​​​​​​The convention is expected to boost the local economy, creating employment opportunities in the hospitality sector and benefiting local businesses. It also gives Milwaukee a chance to show people across the country our city’s beauty, our amazing residents, and our robust and diverse businesses. People who plan other gatherings for trade groups, membership organizations, and entertainment events will see Milwaukee as an ideal location for future large activities, which would create local jobs in the coming years.

It is estimated that more than 50,000 delegates, media, law enforcement, staff, and visitors will attend the convention and related activities in Milwaukee.

The RNC is a credentialed event, so only those with preapproval have access inside the RNC facilities. Credentialed attendees include media, delegates, politicians, and volunteers. The RNC itself is not open to the general public. 

RNC events are being planned primarily by the non-partisan MKE Host Committee and the Republican National Committee. The MKE Host Committee is a nonprofit organization whose mission is described on their website. RNC security is overseen by the United States Secret Service, the Milwaukee Police Department, the Milwaukee Fire Department, the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office, and various local, state, and federal law enforcement partners. Other City of Milwaukee functions, including permits, demonstration opportunities and planning logistics are being planned by City of Milwaukee employees.  

The City of Milwaukee will provide official updates as they become available on this website and on its social media accounts, “Mayor Cavalier Johnson” or @MayorMKE. Information will also be provided by the MKE 2024 Host Committee, Visit Milwaukee, and local and national news.

The RNC is designated a National Special Security Event (NSSE), and as part of the NSSE structure, the United States Secret Service leads the design and implementation of security plan. The operational security plan for the 2024 RNC is currently in development. Potential impacts to the public will be communicated once the security plan is fully established.

A security perimeter is a multi-layered buffer surrounding a protected venue that is of sufficient size to mitigate a variety of threats. The perimeter typically includes law enforcement officers, physical barriers, and checkpoints.

The operational security plan for the 2024 RNC is complete. The United States Secret Service has released a comprehensive public impact map of the area affected by the operational security plan.

The security perimeters are outlined in the public security map. There will be a Vehicle Screening Perimeter, which is shaded in yellow on the public security map, and Pedestrian Restricted Perimeter, which is shaded in red on the public security map.

All perimeter restrictions for the areas around Henry Maier Festival Park will begin on July 14 at 5 a.m. CT.

For the areas near downtown Milwaukee, restrictions for the Vehicle Screening Perimeter will begin on July 15 at 2 a.m. CT. Restrictions for the Pedestrian Restricted Perimeter will begin on July 14 at 6 p.m. CT.

The Vehicle Screening Perimeter will be generally accessible to everyone. Pedestrians and bicyclists will be able to freely enter the Vehicle Screening Perimeter, while vehicles must enter through a vehicle screening point, which are marked as black circles on the map. Rideshares, taxis, and hot food delivery can continue as usual, drivers will just need to enter through the marked vehicle screening points.

The Pedestrian Restricted Perimeter is restricted to individuals with a documented need to enter, such as credentialed convention attendees and volunteers. Pedestrians must enter through a pedestrian checkpoint and will be subject to screening by security. Those pedestrian checkpoints will be outlined on an attendee-specific map distributed to convention attendees and other credentialed individuals.

All pedestrian checkpoints will be open 24/7 and ADA accessible. Personal vehicles, taxis, and hot food delivery will generally not be permitted to enter the Pedestrian Restricted Perimeter. Instead, convention attendees are asked to use the designated drop-off points, which will be marked on their attendee map.

2024 RNC Public Access Map - SECURITY PLAN FOR THE 2024 REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION

Temporary road closures in/around the security perimeters will be in effect beginning July 11 to accommodate the construction of security measures.

Impacted Area: Henry Maier Festival Park

Dates/Times of Impact: Sunday, July 14, 2024, from 5 a.m. – 11:59 p.m. CT

• N Lincoln Memorial Dr / N. Harbor Drive closed from E Clybourn St. and E. Erie St.
• Harbor closed At E Clybourn Street
• E Chicago St. Closed N. Jackson St. to N Harbor Drive
• E. Summerfest Pl closed from N. Jackson Pl to N Harbor Drive
• Interstate 794 Eastbound closed at the Jackson St. / Van Buren St. Exit
• Interstate 794 North/West closed at the Carferry Dr. Exit

Impacted Area: Downtown Milwaukee

Dates/Times of Impact: Sunday, July 14, 2024, from 8 p.m. CT – Friday, July 19, 2024, at 1 a.m.CT (time is approximate and subject to change).  

• W. Wisconsin Avenue between Old World 3rd/Martin Luther King Jr Drive & James Lovell Street
• W. Wells Street between Old World 3rd/Martin Luther King Jr Drive & James Lovell Street
• W. Kilbourn Avenue between Old World 3rd/Martin Luther King Jr Drive & N. 8th Street
• Kilbourn Avenue Exit tunnel from Interstate 43
• Kilbourn Avenue Entrance tunnel to Interstate 43
• W. State Street between N. 8th Street & Old World 3rd/Martin Luther King Jr Drive
• W. Juneau Avenue between N. 8th Street & Old World 3rd/Martin Luther King Jr Drive (Moderne Condo garage will be accessible to residents)
• Northbound I-43 offramp to eastbound & westbound Fond du Lac
• W. Fond du Lac Avenue/W. McKinley Avenue/E. Knapp Street between Interstate 43 and N. Water Street
• Old World 3rd/Martin Luther King Jr Drive, no northbound traffic past W. Juneau Avenue (the Aloft Hotel will be accessible to guests)
• Old World 3rd/Martin Luther King Jr Drive, no southbound traffic past W. McKinley Avenue
• N. Vel R. Phillips Avenue between W. Michigan Street & W. McKinley Avenue (the parking garage entrance on N. Vel R. Phillips Avenue immediately south of W. Michigan Street will be accessible to vehicles)
• N. 6th Street between W. Michigan Street and W. McKinley Avenue (the 5th Street Parking Garage will be accessible to residents of the 550 Ultra Lofts Building and guests of the Trade Hotel via 6th Street)
• N. James Lovell Street between W. Wells Street and W. Juneau Avenue
• Southbound Interstate 43 ramp for Fond Du Lac Avenue
• Eastbound I-794 Ramp for N James Lovell St.

Note: Westbound I-794 Ramp to Northbound I-43 Ramp will have intermittent closures as needed for bus traffic.

Those who live in the Vehicle Screening Perimeter will be able to access their home as normal. If driving a personal vehicle, they will just need to enter the perimeter through a vehicle screening point, which are marked as black circles on the public security map. There is only one residential building in the Pedestrian Restricted Perimeter, the 550 Ultra Loft Condos. Entry instructions for residents of this building are outlined in the following question. All Milwaukee residents are encouraged to review the public security map so they understand how these security measures could affect them and can plan accordingly.

Residents of the 550 Ultra Loft Condos will be able to access their residence via a pedestrian gate at the northeast corner of 6th Street and McKinley Street, which is marked by a blue square on the public security map. Residents will be asked to present identification and have their names confirmed on a list provided by the Building Management.

Residents will be able to park their vehicles in the garage attached to their building. They should enter through the vehicle screening point located at 6th Street and Vliet Street. When departing via vehicle, residents will need to depart to the north by exiting the vehicle screening point at 6th Street and Vliet Street.  Residents will not be able to travel eastbound on McKinley Street past 5th Street, westbound on McKinley Street past 6th Street, or southbound on 6th Street past McKinley Street.

Residents are permitted to have guests. They must enter through the pedestrian gate at the northeast corner of 6th Street and McKinley Street.  Residents will be required to meet their guest at the pedestrian access gate and escort their guest into the building.

Medical services, construction, and maintenance contractors will also be authorized to enter the building; however, the contractor vehicle may require screening at the Remote Delivery Site.

Trade Hotel guests driving a personal vehicle should enter the Vehicle Screening Perimeter via the vehicle screening point located at 6th Street and Vliet Street. After the guest’s vehicle is screened, they will be directed to park in the 5th Street Parking Garage.  After parking, the guest should cross 5th Street and enter the Trade Hotel via the entrance located just east of the intersection of 5th Street and Juneau Street.

Trade Hotel guests arriving via taxi or rideshare should direct their driver to enter the Vehicle Screening Perimeter via the vehicle screening point located at 6th Street and Vliet Street.  After the vehicle is screened, they should direct their driver to drop them at the pedestrian checkpoint located at the pedestrian gate located at the northeast corner of 6th Street and McKinley Street, which is marked by a blue square on the public security map. After entering via the pedestrian gate, Trade Hotel guests should walk south on 5th Street and enter the hotel via the entrance located just east of the intersection of 5th Street and Juneau Street.

Trash services, mail, and package delivery will continue for all locations in both the inner and Vehicle Screening Perimeters, though services will shift slightly to occur overnight or in the early morning hours.

Those who work in the Vehicle Screening Perimeter will be able to access their workplace as normal. If driving a personal vehicle, they will just need to enter the perimeter through a vehicle screening point, which are marked as black circles on the public security map.

All businesses that fall within Pedestrian Restricted Perimeter have been reserved for exclusive use by convention attendees and volunteers. If you work for a business that falls within the Pedestrian Restricted Perimeter, we recommend reaching out to your employer for further information.

We encourage affected business owners to proactively share the above map with their customers in order to allow for advance planning. As a business owner, we appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to develop a plan that minimizes disruptions while still creating a safe and secure environment for all. 

All personal vehicles will be able to enter the Vehicle Screening Perimeter, you will just need to enter through a vehicle screening point, which are marked as black circles on the public security map.

Personal vehicles are generally not permitted to enter the Pedestrian Restricted Perimeter. There is only one residential building in the Pedestrian Restricted Perimeter, the 550 Ultra Loft Condos. Residents of this building will be able to park their personal vehicles in the garage attached to their building. Please see the question relating to residents of the 550 Ultra Loft Condos for more information.

All Milwaukee residents and visitors are encouraged to review the public security map so they understand how these security measures could affect them and can plan accordingly.

Bicycles and small scooters will be permitted to enter the Vehicle Screening Perimeter and are generally not required to enter though a vehicle screening point. Bicycles and small scooters will not be able to enter the Pedestrian Restricted Perimeter. Please obey local law enforcement and city codes with regards to the use or disuse of bicycles on the sidewalk.

Taxis, rideshares and hot food delivery will be permitted in the Vehicle Screening Perimeter, drivers will just need to enter through a vehicle screening point, which are marked as black circles on the public security map. 

Taxis, rideshares and hot food delivery will generally not be allowed to enter the Pedestrian Restricted Perimeter. Instead, individuals are asked to use the designated drop-off areas, which will be marked on their attendee maps. 
 

All deliveries entering either security perimeter must go through the Remote Delivery/Commercial Vehicle Screening Site located at 9th Street and St. Paul Avenue (adjacent to the Department of Natural Resources Building at 1027 W. St. Paul Avenue, Milwaukee, WI). The Remote Delivery/Commercial Vehicle Screening Site will be open starting Sunday, July 14, at 8 pm CT and continue operations until the conclusion of the event on Friday, July 19 at approximately 2 a.m. CT. Transportation Vans equipped with a wheelchair lift/ramp will not need to go through the Remote Delivery Site for processing.

Upon completion of the screening process, all delivery vehicles will be sealed and escorted by law enforcement directly to the vehicle screening point on 6th Street and Michigan Street for delivery. If vehicles arrive at the checkpoint with a broken seal, they will be required to return to the Remote Delivery/Commercial Vehicle Screening Site to be re- screened. After a seal check and any additional security sweeps deemed necessary by checkpoint personnel, the driver will be escorted by law enforcement and permitted to proceed to their respective delivery location.

An event of this size may cause disruptions to the city. The United States Secret Service, working with its law enforcement and public safety partners, makes every effort to anticipate and minimize any disruptions while still creating a safe and secure environment for all.

There will be Temporary Flight Restrictions in the Milwaukee area leading up to, and during, the convention. These will include unmanned aerial systems, or drones. Additional details on flight restrictions will be shared once available.

Residents and visitors should expect some parking restrictions in/around downtown Milwaukee and Henry Maier Festival Park. A comprehensive list of parking restrictions will be shared here once available. Click any image below for an enlarged PDF version.

Milwaukee County Transit System administrative offices will remain open and buses will operate during their normal hours of service. However, many routes will be impacted. In addition to those downtown, connecting routes will be affected. Bus stop locations will also change. Temporary bus stop signs will be posted outside of the security perimeter, especially at major intersections, to direct riders to their nearest bus stop. Riders are asked to plan for delays and factor in a little extra time for travel. MCTS will provide a comprehensive list of known service changes closer to the start of the convention on www.RideMCTS.com. 

Throughout the duration of the convention, MCTS encourages riders to stay up to date on detours and service changes by checking the Umo App on their mobile phone, visiting RideMCTS.com/Alerts, and following MCTS social media accounts at @RideMCTS.
 

Milwaukee County Transit System’s Transit Plus vans will be able to enter the Vehicle Screening Perimeter for scheduled drop-offs only. Paratransit riders should download the My Transit Manager app on their mobile phone to track their trip in real-time. Anyone visiting Milwaukee County for the RNC who is paratransit-eligible in their home community can request ADA visitor status by calling 414-343-1701 at least one day prior to arrival. Paratransit riders will be subject to the same security screenings as others, so plan for extra travel time when scheduling your ride. MCTS will provide a comprehensive list of known service changes closer to the start of the convention on www.RideMCTS.com. 

Areas affected by maritime restrictions are shaded by red stripes in the public security map. More information on maritime restrictions can be found at:

Impacted Area: Milwaukee River

Dates/Times of Impact: Sunday, July 14, 2024, from 8 a.m. CT - Friday, July 19, 2024, at 1 a.m. CT (estimated/subject to change)

• No commercial or recreational vessel traffic will be permitted on the Milwaukee River between Cherry Street. and Michigan Street. Road bridges on the Milwaukee River in this area will remain in the down position.
• All vessels docked within the maritime security zone may remain stationary while the restrictions are in place. Pedestrian screening is not required to access stationary boats within the maritime security zone.
• Privately-owned vessels that are docked at the registered owners’ places of domicile within the maritime security zone on the Milwaukee River between Cherry St. and Michigan St. may transit the river so long as their vessels do not require the raising of road bridges.
• Prior to departure from the dock and re-entry into the maritime security zone, the private vessel owner must contact the US Coast Guard on Channel 16 to request an escort. If a privately-owned vessel that is docked within the maritime security zone departs the maritime security zone, it will be subject to screening prior to re-entry into the maritime security zone.
•  

Impacted Area: Waters in the vicinity of Henry Maier Festival Park and Lake Shore Park

Times/Dates of Impact: Restrictions will be in place at the following coordinates from Saturday, July 13, 2024 at 8 a.m. CT - Sunday, July 14, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. CT (estimated/subject to change).

• Starting at 43-02.276N, 087-53.705W, then northeast to
• 43-02.311N, 087-53.319W, then south to
• 43-01.601N, 087-53.323W, then west to
• 43-01.560N, 087-53.717W, then north to origin, including the Lakeshore State Park Inlet and Discovery World Lagoon

Entry into, transiting, or anchoring within this security zone is prohibited unless authorized by the Captain of the Port Lake Michigan or a designated representative.

Yes. The City of Milwaukee will support and protect your rights of free speech during the RNC. To accommodate speakers, the City will provide organized speaker’s platforms with ample space, audio equipment and a podium a short distance from Fiserv Forum and the Baird Center. Speaker’s area timeslots have been assigned to those that signed up through the online portal, and participants have been emailed a time and location.

One official speaker’s platform will be located on the north side of the RNC venues, as indicated on the map below. This platform will be situated on Dr. M.L.K., Jr. Drive near McKinley Avenue. The City will set up a stage with a microphone and speakers on the east half of MLK Drive.

This location is directly across from the fence line to the inner perimeter and offers close proximity to the delegates’ bus depot, the Fiserv Forum, and the Deer District Plaza. Space for assembly will be available in Haymarket Square Park, with additional space created by the closure of MLK and Vel R. Phillips between McKinley Avenue and Vliet Street.

Official speaker’s platform time slots will be assigned in 30-minute increments, allowing for 20 minutes of speaking and time to enter and exit the platform. These time slots will be available between 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. each day of the RNC.

Official North Speaker's Podium

The official speaker’s platform, located on the south side, also serves as the starting point for the official parade route, as depicted in the provided image. Staging for the parade will occur on the east side of Zeidler Union Square Park.

The parade route is as follows:

• It will commence at Zeidler Park on Michigan Avenue.
• Proceed north on 2nd Street.
• Turn east on Wisconsin Avenue.
• Head south on Plankinton Avenue.
• Move west on Clybourn Street.
• Travel north on 5th Street.
• Cross adjacent to Vel R. Phillips Plaza.
• Finally, it will turn south on Vel R. Phillips Avenue and conclude near the west side of Zeidler Union Square Park.

Vel R. Phillips Plaza, situated along the southern fence line of the inner perimeter, offers viewing access to the Baird Center, which hosts RNC events and the media filing center. Parade start times will be staggered approximately 20 minutes apart, with time slots assigned between 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. each day of the RNC.

Official South Parade Route and Speaker's Platform Map

Yes. The City of Milwaukee will support and protect your rights of free speech during the RNC. To accommodate parade participants, the City will provide organized parade routes with ample space and traffic restrictions. Parade times have been assigned to those that signed up through the online portal.

Many groups are interested in demonstrating in the same areas at the same time. The speaker’s platforms and parade routes are intentionally within sight and sound of the RNC and provide premier access to demonstrate safely. Obtaining a permit helps ensure your demonstration will not be interrupted by another group. It also allows the City to have the necessary medical and public safety resources on hand to keep the members of your demonstration safe. Additionally, it allows ambulances and other public safety vehicles the opportunity to plan ahead so that road closures or other traffic restrictions due to your demonstration do not impede them from getting to people in need of help.

Please refer to the City’s Special Events Permits website for information about obtaining special event permits. City Ordinances and all other laws, rules and regulations will still be in effect citywide during the RNC.

Information about demonstrations that deviate from the planned route or occur without a permit will be updated via social media. Follow the Mayor’s official Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts at “Mayor Cavalier Johnson” or @MayorMKE. Businesses in the downtown area are asked move signs, flags, tables, flower pots, or any other non-fixed objects inside. 

Absolutely! One of the benefits of the RNC is that we expect that many restaurants, food trucks, and street vendors will be busier than normal during the RNC feeding delegates, visitors, the media, and visiting law enforcement officers. However, we also expect restaurants will be open for regular business. We suggest you call ahead to see if you should make a reservation. Some restaurants may have special events booked during certain times during the RNC. 

As with any other time of operation, mobile food vendors must carry a current mobile food dealer license, base license, and meet all food safety requirements and physical unit requirements. If you are licensed outside of the City of Milwaukee, a Mobile Sellers Permit issued by the City of Milwaukee is required. Food trucks must follow the posted parking sign requirements for their space. All trucks are expected to return to their licensed service at least once every 24 hours. In addition to current regulations, potential impacts to food truck parking due to the security perimeter will be communicated to the public once the security plan is finalized.
General information on license requirements and parking can be found here: Food Trucks.

General information on food safety and physical unit requirements can be found here: Mobile Food Establishments.
 

Businesses are encouraged to sign up at the MKE 2024 Host Committee vendor connection tool where MBE, DVB, WBE, SBE, or DBE certification can be noted.

Booths or stands selling food must operate in an area recognized by the Milwaukee Health Department as an area used in conjunction with the event and obtain a Temporary Food Dealer License. 
Individuals selling merchandise other than food must obtain a Mobile Seller’s License.
Applications for both licenses are available at www.milwaukee.gov/licensespermits. 
 

Due to a recent state law change, businesses in the City of Milwaukee holding a Class “B,” “Class B,” and “Class C” license, as well as producers’ full-service retail outlets and production premises, may remain open until 4:00 a.m. The City of Milwaukee may designate a retailer or producer as ineligible or disqualified for the extended closing hour. The state law change does not affect the hours during which a retailer or producer may make sales for off-premises consumption.

Pursuant to Wisconsin State Statute S. 9137(1), businesses holding class B tavern licenses may operate until 4 a.m. from July 15 to July 18.

Yes.

For all businesses outside of the security perimeter, permitted outdoor cafes should continue to operate, but we do ask that you keep strictly within the limits of the permit. Unpermitted cafes will not be allowed. Please contact the License Division for information on how to request an extension of your premises or hours. For businesses that may fall within the security perimeter, the United States Secret Service has begun outreach efforts to communicate with you directly on how your operations might be impacted.

General information about relevant licenses (e.g., street vending, expanding your premises, extending your food or beverage service hours, food truck vending, etc.) can be found at the License Division website.

General information about building code rules (e.g., expanding your occupancy) can be found at Department of Neighborhood Services Permits website.