Welcome to Charlotte
Photos from the rainy city hosting the Democratic National Convention.
Read the rest of Slate’s coverage of the Democratic National Convention.
Goodbye Tampa, hello Charlotte. As Democrats and reporters descended on the rainy city, drag queens and reptiles served as a welcoming committee.
Richard Kalvar / Magnum Photos for Slate.
A sand sculpture of President Obama, created from sand trucked in from Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Richard Kalvar / Magnum Photos for Slate.
Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx speaks at a welcome reception at Discovery Place.
Richard Kalvar / Magnum Photos for Slate.
A woman attempted to put on a plastic raincoat in heavy wind.
Richard Kalvar / Magnum Photos for Slate.
Playing in the torrential rains, while wearing “make out not war” stickers.
Richard Kalvar / Magnum Photos for Slate.
Kicking off the Democratic National Convention with a Sunday Drag brunch at Hartigan's Irish Pub.
Richard Kalvar / Magnum Photos for Slate.
Drag queen Sarah Palin also made an appearance at the brunch, called "First Ladies United."
Richard Kalvar / Magnum Photos for Slate.
Jim Messina, center, campaign manager of the Obama re-election campaign, makes the rounds at the Italian-American Democratic Leadership Council welcome reception Monday.
Richard Kalvar / Magnum Photos for Slate.
A reptilian welcoming committee at Discovery Place Monday.
Richard Kalvar / Magnum Photos for Slate.
Early arrivals to the convention explored the sites of Charlotte, N.C. Here, a young girl is reflected in Niki de St. Phalle's sculpture "the Firebird."
Richard Kalvar / Magnum Photos for Slate.
Exploring Charlotte’s architecture fills the gaps between events.
Richard Kalvar / Magnum Photos for Slate.
Real flags are so 2008. A star-spangled LED display outside the Convention Center.
Richard Kalvar / Magnum Photos for Slate.
Security personnel have been brought in from North Carolina and neighboring states.
Related Photos: The Incredible Republican Hat and Pin collection
You can also get photos throughout the day by following Slate's new Instagram feed @slatemagazine.
