What you need to know about the Democratic National Convention

(Reuters) -The Democratic National Convention, beginning on Monday, will celebrate the nomination of Kamala Harris as the party's presidential candidate.

The four-day event is expected to draw thousands of people to the city in a show of enthusiasm for Harris' surprise ascent to the nomination after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race. 

While it will be like a party inside the convention hall, the streets outside are expected to be heavy with protesters frustrated with the Democratic administration's support of the way Israel is carrying out its Gaza offensive.

Here's what you need to know: 

WHAT IS THE CONVENTION?

The two major U.S. political parties hold a convention each presidential election cycle to officially nominate their candidates and adopt a party platform. Democrats already officially nominated Harris last month in a virtual vote of delegates due to concerns about ballot access in states with early deadlines.

At the Republican National Convention last month in Milwaukee, Donald Trump was officially nominated and introduced his pick for vice president, JD Vance, a U.S. senator from Ohio.

    WHEN AND WHERE IS THE DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION?

The convention will run Aug. 19-22 in Chicago's United Center. The public speeches and main stage events will run from around 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. local time (2200 to 0300 GMT) each night.

HOW CAN YOU WATCH?

The prime-time events will be broadcast on all major networks; streaming services including Hulu, Paramount Plus, Peacock and Max; the DNC YouTube and X channels and various news websites.

WHO ARE THE SPEAKERS? 

Biden will kick off the convention on Monday night with a bittersweet keynote speech that will serve as a goodbye of sorts for a politician who just weeks ago was expected to accept his renomination as his party's presidential candidate. 

Former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton will have marquee speaking slots as well. 

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Harris' running mate, will introduce himself to Americans on Wednesday night, and Harris will end the convention on Thursday with one of the biggest speeches of her political career. 

Monday will focus on the Biden administration's policy accomplishments; Tuesday will contrast Trump's and Harris' visions for America; and Wednesday will emphasize the importance of protecting individual freedoms.

Thursday's program, highlighted by Harris' acceptance speech, is titled, "For Our Future."

WHAT ABOUT PROTESTS?

Thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters plan to gather during the convention, demanding that the U.S. end its aid to Israel amid the ongoing Middle East conflict.

The March on the DNC, a coalition of over 200 organizations from all over the country, plans to hold two demonstrations during the event. Those events are expected on Monday and Thursday.

WHAT ABOUT TRUMP?

Trump and Vance will spend the week counter-programming the Democratic convention with a tour of battleground states, including Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, North Carolina, Arizona and Georgia.

The Republicans have announced their own themes, similar to the ones they laid out during their convention last month. Monday's events will focus on the economy; Tuesday's on crime and public safety; Wednesday's on national security, and Thursday's on immigration.

(Reporting by Heather Timmons and Joseph Ax; Editing by Jonathan Oatis and Howard Goller)