Fall in Chicago is the best time of year for architecture lovers. The season brings top events like the annual Pullman House Tour, the Chicago Architecture Biennial — and Open House Chicago, one of the largest architecture festivals in the world.
Open House Chicago 2026
Each October, this free public event offers behind-the-scenes access to some of Chicago’s most unique buildings. This year, attendees can explore more than 200 sites all around the city on Saturday, Oct. 17 and Sunday, Oct. 18.
With no shortage of places to explore, here are some of the most interesting, historic, and classic Chicago sites you can visit this year to help plan your itinerary.
New sites
Check out these sites around the city that are participating in Open House Chicago for the first time this year.
Smashed Plastic Record Pressing
Housed in a former organ factory, Smashed Plastic is a full-service custom record pressing plant. Get a full demo in the pressing room, then hear the results for yourself in the listening room.
Neighborhood: Hermosa
Dates: Open Saturday and Sunday
More information about Smashed Plastic
Blackhawks Ice Center
Welcome to the official training home of the legendary Chicago Blackhawks. This newly renovated practice facility recently doubled in size to include four ice rinks for practices, tournaments, public skating, and special events.
Neighborhood: Near West Side
Dates: Open Saturday and Sunday
More information about the Blackhawks Ice Center
Farm Zero
This innovative rooftop garden is a first-of-its-kind vertical hydroponic farm, located on the 18th floor of a downtown skyscraper. Guests can take a guided tour, watch harvesting in progress, and even try some samples.
Neighborhood: Loop
Dates: Open Sunday
More information about Farm Zero
Muddy Waters MOJO Museum
Regarded as the “Father of Chicago Blues,” Muddy Waters is one of the city’s most legendary musicians. His former home has been restored and transformed into a museum, with exhibits, a recording studio, outdoor space, live musical performances, and more.
Neighborhood: Bronzeville
Dates: Open Saturday and Sunday
More information about Muddy Waters MOJO Museum
Sears Sunken Garden
Before the Sears Tower became one of the tallest buildings in the world, the original Sears headquarters was located in Chicago’s North Lawndale neighborhood. The site includes a unique sunken garden, a National Landmark that will be open for self-guided or guided tours.
Neighborhood: North Lawndale
Dates: Open Saturday and Sunday
More information about Sears Sunken Garden
TimeLine Theatre
A local theatre company founded in 1997, TimeLine Theatre has proudly celebrated the opening of its new $46 million permanent home. The space includes a 250-seat theatre, gallery space, a cafe/bar, rehearsal space, and more.
Neighborhood: Uptown
Dates: Open Saturday and Sunday
More information about TimeLine Theatre
Cadillac Palace Theatre
One of Chicago’s most stunning spaces, the interior of the Cadillac Palace was inspired by the French palaces of Fontainebleau and Versailles. Admire the ornate lobby and get a close-up stage view from the orchestra level seating.
Neighborhood: Loop
Dates: Open Saturday
More information about Cadillac Palace Theatre
BandWith Chicago
This Chicago-based non-profit provides access to performing arts programs for underserved communities. Tour the entire building, including the coffee shop, music library, rehearsal spaces, and recording studio.
Neighborhood: Garfield Park
Dates: Open Saturday and Sunday
More information about BandWith
Returning sites
Some of Open House’s greatest hits return this year after a break. Here are just a few to check out.
Avalon Regal Theater
Originally opened in 1927, this stunning theater hosted Barack Obama’s election night victory party in 2008. A full restoration is underway to reopen the building by 2027 in time for its 100th anniversary. Get a rare peek at the grand lobby and auditorium.
Neighborhood: South Shore
Dates: Open Saturday and Sunday
More information about Avalon Regal Theater
Auditorium Theater
This magnificent space was called the “eighth wonder of the world” upon its completion in 1889, heralded for its gilded interior and perfect acoustics. Guests are invited to explore the Auditorium across all six floors.
Neighborhood: Loop
Dates: Open Saturday and Sunday
More information about Auditorium Theatre
Chicago Magic Lounge
Find the hidden entrance inside the laundromat to reveal one of Chicago’s premier magic venues. Tour the Art Deco space with a guide who will explain the club’s many artifacts and ephemera.
Neighborhood: Andersonville
Dates: Open Saturday
More information about Chicago Magic Lounge
Chicago Board of Trade
One of the city’s most well-known buildings, the Chicago Board of Trade is an imposing Art Deco tower in the heart of the financial district. Visitors can explore the first-floor lobby, on-site museum, and the basement vault.
Neighborhood: Loop
Dates: Open Saturday and Sunday
More information about the Board of Trade
Walt Disney House and Birthplace
Did you know that Walt Disney was born in Chicago? Walt’s parents, Elias and Flora, designed and built this Hermosa home in 1893. The family lived there until 1906 before moving to Missouri. Visitors will be able to take self-guided tours through the home, then visit the gift garage.
Neighborhood: Hermosa
Dates: Open Saturday and Sunday
More information about Walt Disney Birthplace
The Forum
This historic performance space played a central role in Bronzeville’s heyday, hosting everyone from Nat King Cole to the Jackson 5. Visitors can tour the iconic hall as it moves towards rehabilitation, while enjoying a full program of live musical performances.
Neighborhood: Bronzeville
Dates: Open Saturday and Sunday
More information about The Forum
Park Castle Condominiums
Open House offers a rare opportunity to explore one of Chicago’s most unique residential buildings, designed in 1925 to look like a castle. Visitors are invited to wander the front courtyards and the extravagant indoor pool.
Neighborhood: Rogers Park
Dates: Open Saturday and Sunday
More information about Park Castle Condominiums
The Plant
A former meatpacking facility, this dynamic space is now a sustainable incubator for small food businesses. View food production spaces not open to the public, explore the museum, and purchase food and drink made on site.
Neighborhood: Back of the Yards
Dates: Open Saturday and Sunday
More information about The Plant
Explore more: See all Open House Chicago 2026 sites and start planning your itinerary.
