CHICAGO (CBS) – Anyone living in the South Loop or traveling there this weekend should observe extra safety measures as several streets will be closed in advance of the Democratic National Convention, which begins at 10 p.m. Friday.

McCormick Place may seem uninviting because of the fencing, but the DNC Host Committee welcomes everyone there next week.

Despite all the metal designed to keep people away, McCormick Place will apparently draw people in during the DNC.

“During the week, the DNC has all kinds of daytime programming planned, which they call ‘DemPalooza,’ or for fans of Tim Walz, ‘Coach-chella,'” Stephen Colbert said on his late-night show.

Colbert’s jokes aside, CBS News Chicago had a lot of questions about the four-day open invitation to “DemPalooza.”

“It really is meant to be a family-friendly event,” said Stephen Crano, communications manager for Choose Chicago, the city’s tourism arm.

Crano added that everyone is welcome to grab friendship bracelets and get a “Kamala Harris manicure” in the same building where political bigwigs will be holding important meetings.

“DemPalooza is for Chicagoans to attend and participate in this historic convention,” Crano said.

For months, Chicagoans have been told that the red, hard barrier outside McCormick Place was actually only intended for people with DNC tickets and credentials. And yet DemPalooza organizers said the public could register for their exhibit on-site, with no ID but an asterisk.

“I think you have to be patient to get through the security area,” Crano said.

Everyone who comes to DemPalooza will receive a wristband after going through the metal detectors. The U.S. Secret Service said attendees will also have to go through the pedestrian checkpoint at 24th Street and Michigan Avenue.

Anyone who wants to get close to the action should know the list of prohibited items. Of course, no weapons are allowed, but neither are balloons, selfie sticks and signs.

In addition, downtown businesses like Sugar Bliss Bakery are hoping to see increased sales from visitors taking a break from DNC activities. Tens of thousands of people are expected in town for the convention.

Chicagoans are also encouraged to celebrate the historic week. Some businesses, like Sugar Bliss, offer special discounts when customers mention the DNC. A full list can be found on the Choose Chicago website.