What’s new in Chicago: 2027 and beyond in the country’s Best Big City

Chicago is the city that’s Never Done, Never Outdone. And we keep proving it year after year.

In 2026, Chicago welcomed new immersive experiences, celebrated James Beard Award wins, hosted major events — and was voted Best Big City in the U.S. for the tenth year in a row by travelers from all over the world.

But we don’t rest on our laurels. Chicago is always pushing the envelope, which means tons of exciting events, openings, and milestones coming in 2027 and beyond.

New attractions and events in 2026

This was a landmark year for Chicago, filled with top events, major anniversaries, and exciting new additions to the city’s packed lineup of attractions. Here are some of the top moments and milestones for Chicago in 2026.

Openings and re-openings

• Obama Presidential Center: A historic moment for Chicago and the nation, the Obama Presidential Center officially opened this summer on a sprawling lakefront campus in Hyde Park.
• The Hand & The Eye: The world’s largest magic venue opened in Chicago this spring, where guests can discover magic around every corner in a historic mansion.
• F1 Arcade: The sights, sounds, and thrills of F1 are now available in River North, where a new arcade offers state-of-the-art racing simulators in a social atmosphere.
• The Cube: Challenge your friends at this new, competitive experience based on the hit TV show.
• Hello Kitty Cafe: Enjoy ultra-cute treats and merchandise at the world’s largest Hello Kitty Cafe, now open in the heart of downtown.
• Stony Island Arts Bank: This dynamic cultural hub reopened to the public with a new Korean-inspired tea room and chic bar space.
• TimeLine Theatre Company: This award-winning theatre company has a new home, thanks to the recent opening of its new 250-seat, $40 million venue in Uptown.
• Muddy Waters MOJO Museum: The former home of legendary musician Muddy Waters has been transformed into a blues museum.
• Garfield Park Conservatory: The conservatory unveiled its new Children’s Garden, an indoor space with interactive elements and accessibility amenities.

Top moments and milestones

• Chicago’s first-ever Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve drew thousands downtown to see Chance the Rapper, J. Ivy, and more.
• The Chicago Hounds won their first-ever Major League Rugby championship, capping off the first undefeated season in league history.
• International Jazz Day came to Chicago in April, honoring the city’s rich and enduring contributions to the genre.
• The city hosted top sports events, including the WNBA All-Star Game, the WWE Elimination Chamber, the Presidents Cup, and more.
• Chicago honored the 100th anniversary of Route 66, including naming Navy Pier as the official centennial starting point of the iconic road.
• The city joined in American 250 festivities with special events celebrating the history of Chicago and the United States.

Awards and accolades

• Chicago was named the Best Big City in the U.S. for the 10th consecutive year by the Readers’ Choice Awards, the industry’s longest-running and most trusted awards program.
• Chicago was also named one of the Best Places to Go in 2026 by Frommer’s and a Travelzoo Best Bets destination, highlighting the city as a standout destination for travelers from around the world.
• Jacob Potashnick of Feld won the prestigious James Beard Award for Best Chef: Great Lakes.
• Chicago O’Hare International Airport was named the busiest airfield in the United States, with new direct routes added to top destinations like Tokyo, San Juan, Cairo, Manila, and more.
• West Town was named one of the world’s coolest neighborhoods by Time Out, thanks to a dynamic mix of coffee shops, dining, and galleries.
• Chicago was named the top city in the world for climate change resilience, the only U.S. city in the top 10.

What’s coming in 2027

There’s always something new to discover in Chicago. Mark your calendar for these standout events, openings, and world premieres coming to the city in 2027.

Exciting openings and major renovations

• Candy Hall of Fame Experience: Located on The Magnificent Mile, this experiential attraction will spotlight iconic candies and confectionery history.
• Universal Horror Unleashed: This immersive horror attraction, the first of its kind in the Midwest, will include mazes, themed bars, and exclusive merchandise.
• Bally’s Casino and Resort: This new riverfront casino will include a 500-room hotel, a 3,000-seat entertainment venue, bars and restaurants, riverfront green space, and more.
• Shedd Aquarium: This historic aquarium will unveil a new Changing Oceans exhibit, featuring a walk-through tunnel that immerses visitors in the beauty of a coral reef.
• 360 CHICAGO: Located inside the former John Hancock building, 360 CHICAGO will become Chicago’s first multi-story observation deck, debuting new event space and an extended visitor experience.
• Museum of Science and Industry: A new entrance experience will increase accessibility, add modern amenities, and create public green space overlooking the park’s lagoon.

Upcoming events

• Chicago Restaurant Week: The 20th annual Chicago Restaurant Week will celebrate two decades of dining deals, featuring hundreds of restaurants across the city, from Jan. 22 – Feb. 7.
• 2027 MLB All-Star Game: Chicago’s Wrigley Field will host the MLB All-Star Game on July 13, 2027, the first time for the historic stadium since 1990.
• Pokémon North America International Championships: Pokémon fans will take over McCormick Place from June 18 to 20, 2027, bringing more than $500,000 in prizes.
• Harry Styles at Soldier Field: Harry Styles will bring his “Together, Together” tour to Soldier Field for five nights this summer.
• The Princess Bride: A New Musical: The beloved film, adapted as a musical for the first time, will make its pre-Broadway debut at Chicago’s Nederlander Theatre from July 19 – Aug. 22, 2027.
• Illinoise: The Tony Award-winning dance musical, inspired by the hit Sufjan Stevens album, will return to Chicago Shakespeare Theater in February after a successful Broadway run.

What’s next for Chicago: 2028 and beyond

Chicago is a place of endless innovation and evolution. These transformative projects are creating new experiences and breathing fresh life into historic landmarks.

Exciting projects

• The 78: A major riverfront development, the 78 will include McDonald’s Park, a dedicated soccer stadium that will be the new home for the Chicago Fire FC.
• 1901 Project: This multi-phase project will transform the area surrounding Chicago’s United Center, adding a 6,000-seat entertainment venue, 20+ acres of park space, a 233-room hotel, nearly 10,000 housing units, and restaurant and retail space.
• Water Tower Place: The landmark mall is kicking off its 50th year with extensive renovations, set to redefine the shopper experience by 2028.
• Concourse D: The largest new passenger facility built at O’Hare in more than 30 years will add 19 gates and complete the first phase of the ambitious ORDNext modernization project.
• Avalon Regal: A new South Side landmark is coming back to life, thanks to a meticulous restoration of the intricate Moorish interior.
• Englewood Nature Trail: An unused railroad corridor will become a vibrant public green space, with construction expected to begin next year.
• Hotel Florence: This historic hotel building, located on the grounds of the Pullman National Historical Park, will undergo a total restoration to become an operating boutique hotel by late 2028.