Obama Birthday Party, Plenty to Celebrate [PHOTOS]

President Barack Obama had plenty to celebrate on Wednesday, with three birthday-themed parties in Chicago.

The president, who officially turns 50 on Thursday, took part in a Democratic National Convention video teleconference, a musical fundraiser and an intimate dinner, all in the span of three hours.

"I am beaming in from Chicago. We're having a little birthday celebration in my hometown. But I just want to say thank you to all of you. I can't think of a better group of folks to spend my birthday with," the president said at the DNC video conference, his first event.

During the video teleconference, Obama took questions that streamed in from campaign and birthday-themed house parties across the country.

The musical fundraiser at the historic Aragon Ballroom in Chicago was attended by more than 1,000 people and featured performances by R&B signer Jennifer Hudson, Herbie Hancock and OK Go. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Obama's former chief of staff, also came out to celebrate with the president.

Following the show, close to 100 guests attended a private dinner with the president. Seats fetched $35,800 each, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Birthday celebrations will continue on Thursday, first with an afternoon party hosted by his staff. The president will then celebrate with family and friends at a private party held at the White House, before leaving for a weekend trip to Camp David, the Huffington Post reports.