IPW 2025 Opening Night

Welcome to Chicago’s House Party 2.0, a vibrant celebration of the city’s culture during IPW 2025. The event will transform the Field Museum into a lively, interactive space, blending iconic Chicago sounds, art, and energy.

Guests can enjoy pop-up performances, themed lounges, and food from local vendors while immersing themselves in the city’s rich cultural vibes. Highlights include a late-night silent disco, a karaoke lounge, and a stunning garden gathering with a beautiful lakefront view. From start to finish, the event pulses with the heartbeat of Chicago.

Know Before You Go

We’re thrilled to welcome you to the IPW Opening Night Event! 
Before you head out, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your evening:  

Arrival and departure 
Shuttle buses will drop attendees at the South Entrance (main entrance) and East Entrance of the Field Museum, and the museum may be accessed from either of these points.   

At the end of the night, all shuttles will depart from the front of the museum (South Entrance) to return to host hotels.

Parking and ride share 
Complimentary parking is available in the East Lot directly next to the Field Museum on Museum Campus Drive—first come, first served. Once full, overflow parking will be directed to the Soldier Field North Garage.  

To access the East Lot, approach the roundabout in front of the Shedd Aquarium, circle around, and turn right into the lot near the museum’s East Entrance.  

Ride share (Uber/Lyft) pick-ups will be located at the East Entrance of the Field Museum.    

What to expect 
Enjoy access to several museum spaces during the celebration, including:  

• Ground Floor: Siragusa Center, East Atrium  
• Main Floor: Stanley Field Hall, Bistro Café, Rice Hall, North Terrace (outdoor)  
• Balcony: Full balcony access + the SUE the T. rex Gallery  

What’s waiting for you:  

• Delicious food & beverages throughout all event spaces  
• Creative sponsor activations you won’t want to miss, including:  
• Welcome cocktails & mocktails as you unload from buses – Sponsored by Big Bus  
• Silent Disco (8–10 PM) in the East Atrium – Sponsored by Southwest Airlines  
• Live art & desserts in Stanley Field Hall – Sponsored by United Airlines  
• Karaoke Lounge in Rice Hall – Sponsored by Wrigley Field Events  
• Custom cocktails from CloudBar in the Bistro Cafe – Sponsored by 360 CHICAGO  
• Refreshing popsicles on the North Terrace – Sponsored by Navy Pier  
• Palmer House Brownie Old Fashioned-inspired cocktail on the North Terrace– Sponsored by Hiltons of Chicago  
• Photo booth in Stanley Field Hall – Sponsored by First Lady  

To reduce waste, printed signage will be limited, but event floor plans will be posted throughout the museum.  

Dress code 
Recommended attire: Casual or Business Casual 
Dress comfortably and be ready to explore, mingle, and dance!   

Photography and videography notice 
By attending IPW Opening Night (hosted by Choose Chicago), you enter an area where photography, audio, and video recording may occur. Your attendance implies consent to the use of your image for promotional purposes without compensation. This includes—but is not limited to—the promotion of tourism and trade in Chicago.  

We can’t wait to celebrate with you at this one-of-a-kind evening at the Field Museum!  

Thank you to our Opening Night sponsors