Media Relations Contacts:
Michelle Gonzalez, mgonzalez@choosechicago.com
Amari Silverman, asilverman@choosechicago.com

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (January 21, 2026) – Building on a banner holiday season and continued global recognition, Chicago enters 2026 with exceptional momentum across tourism, hospitality, culture, and major city-shaping developments. Voted the “Best Big City in the U.S.” by Condé Nast Traveler readers for a historic ninth consecutive year in Fall 2025, Chicago continues to distinguish itself as a world-class destination defined by creativity, accessibility, and year-round energy.

The months ahead feature a dynamic mix of high-profile openings, milestone moments, returning signature events, and limited-time experiences that reinforce Chicago’s leadership in dining, arts and culture, architecture, sports, and immersive travel. From transformative civic projects and expanded global air service to acclaimed theatre productions, major museum exhibitions, and a continually evolving culinary scene, Chicago offers visitors compelling reasons to explore across every season and neighborhood.

Winter and Spring 2026 highlights include First Bites Bash (January 22, 2026), Chicago Restaurant Week (January 23–February 8, 2026), Chicago Theatre Week (February 5–15, 2026), and Chicago’s selection as the official host city for UNESCO’s International Jazz Day on April 30, 2026. Sports excitement continues citywide with active seasons for the Bulls and Blackhawks, postseason momentum for the Bears, and the anticipated return of the Chicago Bandits this summer—adding to a year-round lineup of marquee game-day experiences for visitors.

As Chicago looks ahead to the months to come, Choose Chicago is also proud to introduce a new storytelling platform with the launch of the All for the Love of Chicago podcast. The podcast explores the people, places, and passions that define the city, with the first episode now live across all major audio streaming platforms and on YouTube.

Visit ChooseChicago.com for more information and travel inspiration and register for access to our Image and Video Library. Read more about Chicago in the news, click here.

Recent Accolades:
• Chicago voted Best Big City in the U.S. for the ninth consecutive year – Chicago was again named the Best Big City in the U.S. in the 2025 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, marking an unprecedented ninth straight win as voted by more than 750,000 readers — a testament to the city’s world-class culture, dining, architecture, and hospitality.

• Chicago ranked among Best Places to Go in 2026 – According to Frommer’s travel experts, Chicago was included on its 2026 list of Best Places to Go, spotlighting the city as a top destination for travel inspiration and planning.

• Chicago named a TravelZoo Best Bets 2026 destination – Chicago was selected by TravelZoo as one of its Best Bets for 2026, highlighting the city as a standout destination with strong travel value and appeal in the year ahead.

• Chicago’s signature volunteer-led welcome program, Chicago Greeter, celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2026 – Launched in 2001, the program has connected hundreds of thousands of visitors with passionate residents for free, personalized neighborhood tours that showcase Chicago through an authentic, insider lens. The milestone year highlights the Greeter program’s enduring role in shaping Chicago’s reputation as one of the most welcoming cities in the world, offering meaningful, people-centered experiences for travelers of all backgrounds.

Airlines and Airports:
Chicago Takes Flight: O’hare Crowned America’s Busiest Airfield

Newly released preliminary data from the Federal Aviation Administration shows that O’Hare International Airport was the busiest airfield in the United States in 2025, surpassing Atlanta for the first time since 2019. With 857,392 aircraft takeoffs and landings recorded during the year, O’Hare continues to strengthen its position as the most connected airport in the country and a critical hub for domestic and global travel, reinforcing Chicago’s role at the center of American aviation.

O’Hare International Airport:
Mayor Brandon Johnson and The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) joined airline and local leaders in August 2025, to break ground on The New Concourse D at O’Hare International Airport, a transformative $1.3 billion project marking the first major milestone in ORDNext, the next phase of development through the O’Hare 21 capital plan, which will construct two new concourses and a new global terminal.

  • The New Concourse D will include 19 new gates designed for narrow-body aircraft, with the flexibility to adapt 18 of those gates into nine larger gates that can accommodate wide-body planes. Current planned amenities include more than 20,000 square feet of lounge space, 30,000 square feet of commercial space, and a 450-square-foot children’s play area.
  • The New Concourse E, the second satellite concourse, will offer 24 new gates.
  • The O’Hare Global Terminal will replace the existing Terminal 2 and accommodate international and domestic operations for the airport’s major hub carriers and their codeshare partners.
  • A new underground tunnel seamlessly connecting passengers, airport employees, and baggage operations between the new facilities.
  • The CDA and iGA Istanbul Airport signed a new Sister Airport agreement between O’Hare and iGA—Türkiye’s global gateway and the leading transfer hub of its region—uniting America’s best-connected hub with one of Europe’s fastest-growing global gateways. The agreement is expected to elevate bilateral relations between the two countries to a new level.
  • O’Hare is also celebrating 70 years of commercial service through the O’Hare Moments initiative, inviting travelers to share personal stories at moments.ordnext.org.
  • Airlines are significantly increasing capacity in 2026:
    • American Airlines is rolling out its largest spring schedule ever, adding 100 daily departures and serving more than 75 destinations, including expanded seasonal service to Paris and Dublin.
    • United Airlines is adding 10 new domestic destinations and extending several seasonal routes to strengthen year-round connectivity.
  • Japan Airlines (JAL) launched daily service from O’Hare to Narita International Airport in Tokyo on June 1. The last time JAL flew from O’Hare to Narita was in 2023, at a less than daily frequency. The route has not operated daily since before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Narita service complements JAL’s daily service to Tokyo’s Haneda Airport.
  • Arajet will launch service from O’Hare to Punta Cana International Airport in the Dominican Republic (PUJ) on Nov. 15, making it the 47th airline to serve O’Hare.
  • Earlier this year, American Airlines announced a major expansion at O’Hare, with 25% more seats and 22% more departures scheduled for Summer 2025 compared to last summer — reaching an anticipated peak of 480 flights per day. This includes new daily nonstop routes this summer to Madrid, Spain – the first time American Airlines has ever served Madrid – and Naples, Italy.
  • United Airlines extended its summer seasonal service to Dublin, Ireland year-round for the first time. The winter flights will be operated by a B767-300ER and the summer services by a larger B787-8. This development signals a deepening of United’s commitment to the Irish market out of Chicago, including its summer seasonal Shannon, Ireland service which started in 2023.
  • In July 2025, Turkish Airlines started an additional seasonal service from O’Hare to Istanbul, now bringing the total to three daily flights, the highest frequency ever on this route.
  • Service to Canada also expanded from several O’Hare carriers this year. United and WestJet launched services to Edmonton, Canada, while American and United launched services to Halifax, Canada. WestJet is also scheduled to operate its Calgary service year-round for the first time, through the upcoming Winter 2025-26 season.

Midway International Airport:
Mayor Johnson and CDA Commissioner Michael McMurray joined Southwest Airlines and local construction and union partners June 5 to break ground on the rehabilitation of Midway International Airport’s Runway 13C/31C, Midway’s largest investment this year. The $47 million initiative will renew one of Midway’s primary runways and its intersecting taxiways, bolstering airfield safety at the “busiest square mile in aviation.” The rehabilitation of Runway 13C/31C includes repaving the main runway and its intersecting taxiways, as well as updating the airfield’s geometry to better align with federal aviation standards. The project will also enhance safety through the installation of new runway guard lights and the construction of a new roadway to support aircraft rescue and firefighting operations in the event of an aviation incident.

Midway continues to grow as a convenient leisure gateway. Southwest Airlines projects a 9.4% increase in seats for March 2026, introducing new nonstop service to Des Moines, Milwaukee, and Wichita, along with the return of Tulsa. Frontier Airlines is adding a new international service to Cancun for Spring Break 2026.

  • Southwest Airlines continued to add to its already sizable number of destinations served from Midway (80 nonstop destinations in 2025) by adding new services to Boise, Idaho; Indianapolis, Indiana; Palm Springs, California; and Spokane, Washington.
  • June 2025 saw Allegiant’s largest-ever departing seats from Midway in a single month. At the peak of its summer schedule this July, Allegiant served six nonstop destinations from Midway, up from four when it first began to fly from Midway in May 2020.

Food & Libations:
Chicago Market – A Community Co-op (Anticipated Opening Early 2026) — Chicago Market continues to progress toward opening its community-owned grocery store in Uptown, with the 19,000-square-foot space currently under development. The co-op will emphasize locally sourced goods, prepared foods, a whole-animal butcher shop, bulk offerings, and educational programming—creating a neighborhood-driven food destination rooted in sustainability and local partnerships. (Neighborhood: Uptown)

The Alston is a new steakhouse destination in Chicago’s Gold Coast, led by acclaimed chef Jenner Tomaska and located in the One Chicago building at 750 N. State Street. Drawing inspiration from French nouvelle cuisine, the restaurant offers a refined, yet lavish dining experience centered on elevated steakhouse classics, precise technique, and polished presentation. The opening also introduces an exclusive club component, adding a private, social dimension to the concept. Since beginning service in late May 2025, The Alston has quickly positioned itself as a notable addition to Chicago’s high-end dining scene. (Neighborhood: Gold Coast)

After 25 years as one of Chicago’s most iconic drag dining destinations, the beloved Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club begins an exciting new chapter as the Kit Kat Club, reopening in late September 2025 at 3524 N. Halsted Street. The reimagined venue is larger, more glamorous, and more ambitious, featuring an Art Deco–influenced design, an elevated culinary program, and a dazzling lineup of entertainment. With enhanced performance spaces and a renewed creative vision, the Kit Kat Club brings fresh energy to Chicago’s LGBTQ+ nightlife while honoring the legacy that made it a community staple. (Neighborhood: Northhalsted/Boystown)

Chicago-based DineAmic Hospitality is developing a trio of new dining and hospitality concepts along the Chicago River this year, including a Mediterranean restaurant, private lounge, and café. The project adds momentum to ongoing riverfront activation and introduces new dining and social spaces in one of downtown’s most scenic corridors. (Neighborhood: Downtown/Chicago Riverwalk)

The globally celebrated Peruvian Japanese fusion restaurant opens its Chicago outpost Osaka Nikkei in early 2026, with a menu built around ceviche, tiraditos, nigiri, and signature dishes like wasabi ceviche—served in a striking 180-seat space featuring a sushi bar and an energetic lounge component for cocktails, DJ sets, and late-night service. (Neighborhood: Fulton Market District)

River North’s buzzy Schneider Deli expands with a new Lincoln Park location, bringing hand-sliced pastrami and brisket, matzo ball soup, latkes, bagels, and a Metropolis Coffee program to a fresh neighborhood footprint—an easy add for mornings built around cozy, casual hyper-local bites. (Neighborhood: Lincoln Park)

The team behind Daisies opens aperitivo-forward late-night bar and restaurant The Radicle, blending coastal Italian drinking culture with Midwestern traditions. The Radicle pairs seafood-forward plates with a cocktail and sparkling wine program built for lingering nights and lively neighborhood energy—an ideal new stop for visitors exploring all of Milwaukee Avenue’s offerings. (Neighborhood: Logan Square)

Celebrating a milestone anniversary in 2026, Raised, An Urban Rooftop Bar, located atop the Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel, rolls out a year of seasonal programming and special activations. Designed to engage both locals and visitors, the anniversary lineup includes themed challenges, city-exploration moments, and social experiences that highlight Chicago’s neighborhoods and skyline. Known for its sweeping city views, inventive cocktails, and lively winter-to-spring atmosphere, Raised remains a standout downtown destination for elevated socializing. (Neighborhood: The Loop)

Logan Square gets a new “older sister” concept to Common Decency. Opening next door in Spring 2026, Feverdream is a more elevated, ingredient-forward restaurant and cocktail destination from chef Mark Steuer and team, designed for nights out that balance playful creativity with polished plating and a strong beverage program. (Neighborhood: Logan Square)

Mendocino Farms is a popular fast-casual brand that continues expanding in Chicago, bringing its chef-driven sandwiches, salads, and catering options to additional neighborhoods. The growth underscores ongoing momentum in Chicago’s quick-service scene and provides travelers with more convenient, high-quality lunch and group-order options. (Neighborhood: River North & The Loop)

Bar Bambi is award-winning bartender Katie Renshaw first solo concept debut—an imaginative cocktail lounge blending classic structure with modern technique. Expect clarified and carbonated cocktails, fermentation-driven flavors, spirit-free options, curated wines, and elevated bar snacks in a dreamy Gensler-designed space anchored by a kinetic statementstatement of light installation. (Neighborhood: West Town)

A comfort-first, slightly elevated dive bar, The Alley Cat, opens this January by the Tung & Cheek Hospitality team (Derrick Tung, William Ravert, Tony Dezutter). The bar and restaurant offer classic cocktails, spirit-free options, and snacky “girl dinner” energy to the former Takito Kitchen space, with an intimate, design-forward vibe that still feels casual. Expect beer-and-shot specials, batch cocktails, and a small menu built for lingering. (Neighborhood: West Town)

The cult-favorite D.C. bagel shop Call Your Mother is opening its first Midwest location in Wicker Park this spring, bringing its Montreal–New York-style bagels, deli-inspired sandwiches, and fun, retro branding—an easy headline for visitors looking for casual, local “morning in Chicago” energy beyond the usual spots. (Neighborhood: Wicker Park)

Evanston welcomes Burl, opening Winter 2026, a farmer-driven, wood-fired restaurant from chef Thomas Carlin (Galit/Dove’s Luncheonette pedigree), spotlighting seasonal, globally influenced cooking with locally sourced meat and seafood—an ideal “worth the trip” dining destination for visitors pushing beyond downtown. (Evanston, IL)

The acclaimed Chicago-born Mediterranean mezze restaurant avec expands to the North Shore with its first suburban location in Highwood, this spring. Known for shareable small plates, bold flavors, and a convivial dining style, the new outpost brings a longtime Chicago favorite to suburban visitors and regional travelers. (Highwood, IL)

James Beard Award-winning chef Jimmy Bannos Jr. has teamed up with chef-partner Kevin Stack to unveil Kouklas Greek Eatery, a contemporary ingredient-driven dining destination now openopens in Niles at 7620 N. Milwaukee Ave. A fourth-generation restaurateur, Bannos grew up immersed in the flavors and rituals of Greek cuisine, inspiring him to bring those same tastes to the North Shore dining scene. (Niles, IL)

Dimmi Dimmi Corner Italian is a new Italian-American restaurant located at 1112 W. Armitage. Helmed by Executive Chef Matt Eckfeld, Dimmi Dimmi offers a fresh, feel-good take on classic Italian-American fare. The menu features homemade pasta, seasonal vegetables, and thoughtfully crafted Italian classics that celebrate warmth, community, and culinary creativity. (Neighborhood: Lincoln Park)

Art & Museum Exhibitions:
The Chicago Architecture Biennial continues through February 28, 2026, as a free, citywide exhibition examining how architecture responds to social, environmental, and cultural transformation. Titled SHIFT: Architecture in Times of Radical Change, the Biennial will feature exhibitions, installations, and public programming across Chicago’s cultural institutions, public spaces, and neighborhoods. Major programming will be anchored at the Chicago Cultural Center, with additional activations at partner sites throughout the city, reinforcing Chicago’s global legacy as a capital of architecture and design. (Neighborhoods: Citywide; primary hub: The Loop)

Chicago Latino Film Festival (April 16 – 27, 2026): Celebrate Latino culture with films that put an emphasis on breaking stereotypes and spotlighting the diversity of Latino history and heritage.

The Art Institute of Chicago’s new winter and spring exhibitions include: (Neighborhood: The Loop):

  • On Loss and Absence: Textiles of Mourning and Survival (September 6, 2025 – March 15, 2026) – Drawn primarily from the Art Institute of Chicago’s collection, On Loss and Absence brings together over 100 objects from diverse cultures dating from antiquity to today to reveal the ways people use textiles to sustain spiritual beliefs, understand death, cope with grief, remember those who have passed, and heal from trauma, both personally and collectively. Curated by four artists whose paths merged at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago’s Fiber and Material Studies department, On Loss and Absence is deeply informed by their practices as makers and their respect for fellow artists as holders of material, ancestral, and cultural knowledge.
  • Bruce Goff: Material Worlds (December 21, 2025 – May 29, 2026) – This major retrospective celebrates the unbounded creative practice of American architect Bruce Goff (1904–1982). Best known for his groundbreaking, idiosyncratic single-family homes in suburban and rural areas across the United States, Goff charted an alternative narrative for a modern architecture imbued with individuality, materiality, and fantastical invention. The first major show of the architect’s work in over 30 years, this exhibition is drawn primarily from the Art Institute’s vast Bruce Goff collection and archive. The project features over 200 works including spellbinding architectural drawings, elaborate architectural models, and a selection of Goff’s ambitious, little-known abstract paintings.
  • Korean National Treasures: 2,000 Years of Art at The Art Institute of Chicago (March 7–July 5, 2026) — The Art Institute’s largest exhibition devoted to Korean art in four decades features 140 works spanning two millennia, from Buddhist sculpture to ceramics and painting. With objects officially designated as National Treasures and Treasures by the Korean government, the show offers a rare opportunity for U.S. audiences to see masterpieces up close. (Neighborhood: The Loop)
  • Matisse’s Jazz: Rhythms in Color at The Art Institute of Chicago (March 7–June 1, 2026) A ticketed exhibition presenting the complete set of prints from Henri Matisse’s groundbreaking jazz project, celebrating bold color, movement, and late-career experimentation with cut paper. The exhibition invites visitors to experience Matisse’s visual rhythms at one of the nation’s most visited art museums. (Neighborhood: The Loop)

Griffin Museum of Science and Industry new winter and spring exhibitions include: (Neighborhood: Museum Campus)

  • Marvel’s Spider-Man: Beyond Amazing – The Exhibition (through February 8, 2026). In this immersive exhibit, you’ll see rare comic books, view props and costumes from your favorite Spider-Man movies, explore cutting-edge interactive installations, and take photos with life-size statues of your favorite characters, like Miles Morales, Ghost-Spider, and, of course, Spider-Man! Superfans can dive deep into the evolution of Spider-Man from his first comic book appearance to the latest TV, movie, and video games, while kids of all ages can get hands-on with drawing activities and more.
  • Crafting Character: The Costumes of Paul Tazewell (Opens January 19, 2026) — A behind-the-scenes exhibition celebrating the artistry and engineering behind costume design for stage and screen, featuring sketches, materials, and finished looks from the award-winning designer. (Neighborhood: Museum Campus)

Hyde Park Art Center will feature three new exhibitions this winter and spring (Neighborhood: Hyde Park)

  • Yoonshin Park: Prompt and Prompted (January 24–May 10, 2026) — A solo exhibition by Chicago-based artist Yoonshin Park presenting new and ongoing works that explore artist books as spatial, symbolic, and participatory objects, engaging themes of memory, marginality, translation, and transformation.
  • Ann Toebbe (February 28–June 14, 2026) — A new exhibition featuring densely composed, multi-point-of-view works that capture layered memories and sensory impressions drawn from the artist’s personal life and long-term relationship with Hyde Park.
  • Mutuality: The Center Program Biennial Exhibition (Through March 8, 2026) — A biennial group exhibition showcasing new work by artists from Hyde Park Art Center’s Center Program, organized around the theme of mutuality and emphasizing shared care, dialogue, and artistic development.

Wrightwood 659 will present three exciting new exhibitions from October 3-December 20, 2025 (Neighborhood: Lincoln Park):

  • Martin Wong: Chinatown USA (April 17–July 18, 2026) — A major monographic U.S. museum exhibition at Wrightwood 659 presenting over 100 paintings, sculptures, drawings, and photographs by Chinese American artist Martin Wong (1946–1999), tracing his idiosyncratic urban realism, engagement with community, and depiction of Asian American experiences in cities such as New York and San Francisco.
  • Dispossessions in the Americas (April 17–July 18, 2026) — A transdisciplinary exhibition exploring the colonial legacies in the Americas — including land, cultural, and linguistic dispossession — through artwork, installation, video, sculpture, and performance by Indigenous, Afro-descendant, queer, and trans artists.
  • Statue of Athena — On long-term view at Wrightwood 659, this architectural and sculptural installation continues to serve as a cultural landmark and focal point for visitors interested in art, history, and design.

Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago new winter and spring exhibitions include:

  • Yoko Ono: Music of the Mind (Through February 22, 2026) — One of the most comprehensive exhibitions of Yoko Ono’s work to date, this retrospective spans her multidisciplinary art, music, film, and conceptual pieces from the 1950s onward and includes immersive installations and audience-participatory works that reflect her influence on avant-garde and contemporary creative practice.
  • City in a Garden: Queer Art and Activism in Chicago (Through May 31, 2026) — A major multi-venue group exhibition exploring the intertwined histories of queer art and activism in Chicago, featuring work by more than 30 artists, collectives, and activist groups that respond to social movements, community landscapes, and local histories.
  • Firelei Báez (Through June 1, 2026) — A solo presentation by Dominican-American artist Firelei Báez, whose work engages themes of identity, history, and power through portraiture, abstraction, and symbolic narrative in painting and sculpture.
  • Atrium Project: Edie Fake (Through March 30, 2026) — A site-specific installation by artist Edie Fake in the museum’s Atrium Project series, integrating architecture, sculpture, and graphic forms to reimagine spatial narratives and community imaginaries.
  • Dancing the Revolution (April 14–September 20, 2026) — A large-scale spring exhibition that examines the visual, political, and spiritual histories of dancehall and reggaetón through contemporary art, tracing creative movements from the Caribbean to global urban centers.

Driehaus Museum new winter and spring exhibitions include: (Neighborhood: River North)

  • Tiffany Lamps: Beyond The Shade (September 12, 2025 – March 15, 2026), an exhibition illuminating the volume and breadth of Louis C. Tiffany’s vast artistic production. From the 1890s to the 1920s, Tiffany Studios created a captivating range of decorative lighting fixtures that embraced the technological shift from oil lamps to electricity and simultaneously met the styles and tastes of nineteenth and twentieth century consumers. Drawn from the expansive collections of the Museum and the private art collection of Richard H. Driehaus (now in the Art Exhibition Lending Foundation), the exhibition explores how the artisans at Tiffany Studios used a range of materials— including bronze, enamel, ceramic, and glass—to bring Tiffany’s innovative lighting designs to life.
  • The Land of Oz: Beyond the Page (Through March 15, 2026) — A family-friendly exhibition exploring the imaginative artistry behind The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and MGM’s classic film adaptation. The installation includes a replica of Dorothy’s Ruby Red Slippers, early script drafts, costume prototypes, character costumes such as Flying Monkey attire, and production art that brings L. Frank Baum’s world to life.
  • A Tale of Today Presents Brendan Fernandes: In the Round (April 9–November 14, 2026) — A dynamic contemporary art and performance residency in the Driehaus Museum’s Murphy Auditorium featuring sculptural installation, movement, sound, and dance. The program of newly commissioned performances called Scores for the Murphy Auditorium will unfold throughout the year in collaboration with AIM Architecture and the Fabric Workshop and Museum.

Chicago Children’s Museum new winter and spring exhibitions include: (Neighborhood: Streeterville)

  • I AM WILD: A Charley Harper Exhibit (January 17–May 10, 2026) — A family-friendly exhibition inspired by the distinctive graphic art of Charley Harper that explores the flora and fauna of six diverse habitats. Interactive habitat poster kiosks, woodland play features, and multi-sensory activities encourage visitors to discover the interdependence of life in the natural world.
  • Take Care with Peanuts: The Exhibit (Winter/Spring 2026) — Step into the world of Charles M. Schulz’s beloved Peanuts characters as interactive displays and activities bring iconic friends like Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and Woodstock to life. The exhibit focuses on themes of self-care, empathy, environmental stewardship, and creative play for families with young visitors.

DuSable Black History Museum new winter and spring exhibitions include: (Neighborhood: Hyde Park)

  • Paris in Black: Internationalism and the Black Renaissance (Winter/Spring 2026) — This major exhibition traces the journeys of Black artists, writers, performers, and intellectuals who found freedom, inspiration, and transformation in Paris’s cultural and social environment, featuring over 100 objects including paintings, sculptures, archival photography, and multimedia work.
  • Freedom: Origin and Journey (Winter/Spring 2026) — An expansive exhibition dedicated to the thousands of unsung lives given in the name of freedom and equality, taking visitors on a journey through pivotal periods of African American history.
  • The Harold Washington Story (Winter/Spring 2026) — A focused exhibition exploring how Harold Washington became the first elected African American mayor of Chicago and chronicling his public service in state and federal government.
  • Fighting Racism in the Trenches: A Colored Woman in World War I (Winter/Spring 2026) — This exhibition tells the story of Kathryn Magnolia Johnson, one of a small group of African American women who served during World War I, illuminating the intersections of race, gender, and military service.
  • Clearing A Path for Democracy: Citizen Soldiers of the Illinois Fighting 8th (Winter/Spring 2026) — Honoring citizen soldiers from the Illinois Fighting 8th Infantry, the exhibition explores their service and contributions to American society across history.
  • The Many Colors of Us (Winter/Spring 2026) — An interactive, child-focused experience that encourages play, self-awareness, and cultural understanding through hands-on engagement and diverse cultural zones.
  • Equiano.Stories (Winter/Spring 2026) — A joint feature film exhibition project by Stelo Stories Studio and the DuSable Museum that supports narrative exploration of African diasporic experiences.

Festivals & Events:
Chicago Architecture Biennial (Through February 28, 2026) — A free, citywide exhibition examining how architecture responds to social, environmental, and cultural change, with major programming anchored at the Chicago Cultural Center and partner sites throughout the city. (Citywide)

First Bites Bash (January 22, 2026) — Choose Chicago’s annual all-inclusive tasting celebration returns to the Field Museum as the official kickoff to Chicago Restaurant Week. The event brings together standout restaurants, beverage partners, and culinary talent for a one-night-only experience inside one of the city’s most iconic cultural institutions. (Neighborhood: Museum Campus)

Chicago Restaurant Week (January 23–February 8, 2026) — Chicago’s celebrated dining event returns with prix-fixe menus from hundreds of restaurants across the city, spanning acclaimed chef destinations, neighborhood favorites, and globally inspired cuisines. (All Neighborhoods)

Polar Adventure Days (Jan. 24 and Feb. 21, 2026): Enjoy free family fun in Chicago’s parks with sled dogs, snowshoeing, crafts, and more winter activities. (Neighborhood: South Loop)

Chicago Theatre Week (February 5–15, 2026) — Chicago’s dynamic theatre community takes center stage with value-priced tickets and special programming from companies large and small, offering an accessible entry point to one of the world’s most vibrant theatre ecosystems. (All Neighborhoods)

The Orchid Show at Chicago Botanic Garden (Feb. 7 – March 22, 2026): Marvel at thousands of colorful orchids in bloom during this stunning annual exhibition. (Neighborhood: Glencoe, IL)

Chicago Beer Festival (Feb. 28, 2026): Sample seasonal brews from over 60 local breweries, all while exploring inside the historic Field Museum. (Neighborhood: Museum Campus)

Global Connections at Navy Pier: Experience vibrant international celebrations, including Carnivale and Lunar New Year, at lakefront Navy Pier. (Neighborhood: Streeterville)

Taste of Ravenswood (Feb. 6): This indoor tasting event showcases some of the best local bites and sips from throughout the vibrant Ravenswood neighborhood. (Neighborhood: Ravenswood)

UChicago Folk Festival (Feb. 20 and 21): Celebrate the rich tradition of folk music from around the world at this beloved University of Chicago event, a local favorite since 1961. (Neighborhood: Hyde Park)

Music Frozen Dancing: Bundle up and rock out at this free (outdoor!) winter music festival, hosted at legendary music venue Empty Bottle. (Neighborhood: Ukrainian Village)

Chicago Irish Film Festival (Feb. 26 – March 8): A local staple for more than two decades, the Chicago Irish Film Festival brings some of the year’s best movies and documentaries from Irish filmmakers to Chicago audiences. (Neighborhoods: Multiple)

Lunar New Year Celebrations (January–February 2026) — Citywide programming across neighborhoods including Chinatown, Uptown, Lakeview, and beyond, featuring cultural performances, parades, culinary experiences, and family-friendly events marking the Lunar New Year. (Multiple Neighborhoods)

St. Patrick’s Day Clover Cruise (March 14, 2026) — A festive 21+ cruise experience offering front-row views of the Chicago River dyeing paired with live bagpipes, themed food and beverages, and skyline views. (Neighborhood: Downtown/Chicago Riverwalk)

Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade (Saturday, March 14, 2026) — The 70th annual Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade returns as one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day parades in the country and the centerpiece of the city’s celebrations. The parade steps off at noon and travels along Columbus Drive between Balbo Drive and Monroe Drive, featuring colorful floats, marching bands, Irish step dancers, bagpipers, and the Shannon Rovers Irish Pipe Band, which has led the procession since 1956. (Neighborhood: Downtown / Grant Park)

South Side Irish Parade (March 15, 2026) — A long-standing community parade offering a family-friendly continuation of St. Patrick’s Day festivities in the Beverly neighborhood.

EXPO CHICAGO (April 9–12, 2026) — The city’s international contemporary art fair returns to Navy Pier, bringing together leading galleries, artists, collectors, and cultural leaders from around the world. (Neighborhood: Streeterville)

International Jazz Day (April 30, 2026) Chicago serves as the official host city for UNESCO’s global celebration of jazz, featuring performances, educational initiatives, and special programming honoring the genre’s cultural impact and the city’s historic role in jazz innovation. (Citywide)

Spring Flower Shows & Seasonal Openings (March–May 2026) — Spring programming returns to cultural institutions, conservatories, and outdoor spaces across the city, marking the transition into warmer-weather travel season. (Citywide)

Elmhurst America250 Celebration (2026) The City of Elmhurst and Explore Elmhurst will host a year-long America250 celebration in 2026, commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary. Open to the public, the celebration will feature events throughout the year including patriotic traditions, historical programming, and family-friendly activities, positioning Elmhurst as a regional destination during the anniversary year. (Elmhurst, IL)

Attractions:
The Hand & The Eye (Opening Spring 2026) — Set inside the historic McCormick Mansion at 100 E. Ontario Street—formerly home to Chicago staple Lawry’s The Prime Rib—The Hand & The Eye will open in spring 2026 as a $50 million, 35,000-square-foot immersive magic and nightlife destination. Designed by David Rockwell and Rockwell Group, the venue features multiple intimate performance spaces, hidden passageways, lounges, bars, and dining experiences, positioning Chicago as a global capital for close-up magic and live performance. (Neighborhood: River North)

Wondra at Woodfield Mall (Ongoing 2026) — A multisensory, nature-rooted immersive experience featuring large-scale environments and interactive moments designed to spark imagination and wonder, offering indoor programming ideal for winter and spring visitors. (Schaumburg, IL)

AIRE Ancient Baths Chicago – Signature Experiences (Winter/Spring 2026) — AIRE Ancient Baths Chicago reintroduces its most iconic ritual with a refined take on The Signature Wine Experience—a 180-minute journey of indulgence, tradition, and sensory awakening. Relaunching October 25, the experience begins in a private massage room with a 15-minute full-body exfoliation using antioxidant-rich grape seed scrub to awaken and smooth the skin. This is followed by a luxurious 60-minute full-body massage using high-quality grapeseed oil, enhanced by a rejuvenating facial massage and the use of cryosticks to reduce tension and stimulate circulation. Guests then move to a 45-minute red wine bath soak, now extended to offer even deeper relaxation. During this time, a 10-minute scalp massage with a nourishing honey hair mask enhances the sensory experience. The ritual concludes with a curated wine tasting featuring three premium wines paired with curated cheeses, complemented by a brief storytelling moment that connects guests to the origins and richness of the wines. This elevated offering redefines luxury, harmonizing Mediterranean beauty rituals with modern wellness. (Neighborhood: West Town)

Accommodations:
Bally’s Chicago (Opening Late 2026) —Bally’s Chicago continues development along the Chicago River as a large-scale integrated resort and entertainment destination. The project is planned to include a casino, a hotel with more than 500 guest rooms, dedicated meetings and flexible event space designed to accommodate conferences, corporate meetings, and group gatherings, along with dining and nightlife venues, performance and entertainment spaces, and public riverfront amenities. Collectively, the development positions Bally’s Chicago as a significant new hub for leisure travel, entertainment, and meetings business. (Neighborhood: River West)

Sports Illustrated Hotel Chicago (Opening 2027) Sports Illustrated Hotel Chicago is moving forward in the Loop, transforming a downtown property into an immersive, sports-inspired lifestyle hotel. The project will blend hospitality with experiential programming through themed guest rooms, interactive public spaces, dining and bar concepts, and brand-driven activations tied to the world of sports. (Neighborhood: The Loop)

The Park Hyatt Chicago — The hotel debuts Champagne Row, an intimate six-seat tasting experience hosted inside The Library and offered Thursday through Saturday evenings, featuring curated champagne pours by the glass or bottle paired with thoughtful accompaniments. Expanding its ultra-luxury offerings, the hotel also introduces The Glenlivet 55 Legacy Experience, a one-of-one package pairing a two-night stay in the Two-Bedroom Presidential Suite with a ceremonial tasting of The Glenlivet 55-Year-Old at NoMI Chicago, an in-suite presentation hosted by a Glenlivet ambassador, a six-course whisky-paired dinner, private chauffeured service, and bespoke amenities. (Neighborhood: Near North Side)

The Peninsula Chicago — The Peninsula Chicago marks its 25th anniversary in 2026, celebrating a quarter-century on North Michigan Avenue with special guest experiences and commemorative offerings throughout the year, including the Pen 25 Anniversary Offer providing 25% savings on rooms and suites for select winter and spring stays. In addition to the anniversary programming, the hotel is offering Peninsula Academy: Yacht Adventures on Lake Michigan, available by arrangement, featuring private yacht and sailboat experiences with customized itineraries, skyline views, and elevated service—extending the hotel’s experiential programming into spring and early summer travel. (Neighborhood: Gold Coast)

The St. Regis Chicago — The hotel has launched its Family Traditions Package, offering a curated family-friendly stay that blends comfort, creativity, and personalized service. Children are welcomed with handcrafted amenities, monogrammed robes, and access to the Astor Treasure Chest, while families receive concierge-curated itineraries featuring nearby attractions such as Millennium Park, Maggie Daley Park, the Shedd Aquarium, and the Chicago Children’s Museum—easily accessed via the hotel’s complimentary Rivian house car. Guests enjoy spacious rooms and suites with lake and river views, signature St. Regis Butler Service, access to the city’s only Forbes five-star-rated spa, a heated indoor pool, and thoughtful family touches including daily breakfast, nightly milk and cookies, complimentary cribs, and child-friendly dining at Tre Dita. (Neighborhood: The Loop)

Meetings, Conventions, & Venues:
The Obama Presidential Center (Summer 2026) — Slated to open in Summer 2026, The Obama Presidential Center will become one of Chicago’s most significant new civic and cultural destinations. Located on a 19-acre campus in Jackson Park, the Center will feature a museum, auditorium, branch of the Chicago Public Library, community and athletic programming spaces, landscaped gardens, and year-round initiatives designed to inspire reflection, dialogue, and civic engagement. As both a global visitor attraction and a neighborhood anchor, the Center will serve as a dynamic hub for learning, community gathering, and cultural exchange. (Neighborhood: Hyde Park)

Chicago Auto Show (February 7–16, 2026) — North America’s largest and longest-running auto show returns to McCormick Place, showcasing the latest vehicles, concept cars, and interactive exhibits. (Neighborhood: Near South Side)

C2E2 Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo – Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (March 27–29, 2026) — A major pop-culture convention celebrating comics, film, television, gaming, cosplay, and fandom, drawing fans and creators from around the world. (Neighborhood: Near South Side)

Theatre & Performing Arts:
TimeLine Theatre Company – New Home Opening (Opening May 2026) TimeLine Theatre Company will open its new permanent home in Uptown in May 2026. Sneak previews, open houses, and community events are planned for late March and April. The inaugural production, An Enemy of the People, will serve as both the opening show in the new space and the grand finale of the company’s milestone 29th season.

The Goodman Theatre continues its historic 100th anniversary season into early 2026, presenting two major productions through March as part of its yearlong celebration. The centennial slate highlights the company’s legacy as a cornerstone of American theatre, bringing together acclaimed artists, new works, and reimagined classics. As one of Chicago’s most storied cultural institutions, Goodman’s milestone season offers visitors and locals a compelling opportunity to experience world-class theatre in the heart of the city. (Neighborhood: The Loop)

The Lyric Opera of Chicago presents an extraordinary lineup for Winter and Spring 2026, beginning with the return of Richard Strauss’s Salome, onstage for the first time at Lyric in nearly two decades. Mozart’s Così fan tutte follows February 1–15 under the baton of Maestro Enrique Mazzola in a vibrant new-to-Chicago production by Michael Cavanagh. The season continues with Puccini’s Madama Butterfly, running March 14–April 12, conducted by Domingo Hindoyan and staged in a striking new production from Lyric’s own Matthew Ozawa. Together, these works offer a powerful showcase of Lyric’s artistic range and its commitment to presenting opera at the highest level. (Neighborhood: The Loop)

Chicago Shakespeare Theater

  • ONE KNIGHT ONLY! Sir Ian McKellen Onstage with Gandalf, Shakespeare, and YOU! (January 30, 2026) A one-night-only benefit event at Chicago Shakespeare Theater (The Yard at Navy Pier) featuring Sir Ian McKellen reflecting on his career and performing excerpts from iconic roles. The visit also includes a free student performance for more than 600 Chicago-area students and teachers as part of CST’s 40th anniversary year. (Neighborhood: Streeterville)
  • Royal Shakespeare Company’s – Hamnet (February 10–March 8, 2026) The acclaimed Royal Shakespeare Company production arrives in Chicago as part of its U.S. tour, adapting Maggie O’Farrell’s award-winning novel. Presented in the immersive Yard at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, the engagement brings an internationally celebrated production to Navy Pier. (Neighborhood: Streeterville)
  • Brokeback Mountain (North American Premiere) (May 28–June 28, 2026) A major cultural moment for Chicago’s stage, this North American premiere aligns with Pride Month programming and draws international attention to Chicago’s theatre scene. The late-spring run at Chicago Shakespeare Theater offers visitors a marquee performing arts experience. (Neighborhood: Streeterville)

The Auditorium

  • Martha Graham Dance Company (January 24, 2026) The legendary modern dance company marks its 100th anniversary with a Chicago engagement, celebrating the enduring legacy of Martha Graham’s groundbreaking contributions to contemporary dance. (Neighborhood: The Loop)

Broadway In Chicago

  • Stereophonic (January 27–February 8, 2026) The most Tony Award-winning play of 2024 arrives in Chicago, offering an immersive, behind-the-scenes look at a rock band on the brink of superstardom during a 1970s recording session. (Neighborhood: The Loop)
  • The Phantom of the Opera (Through February 1, 2026) Cameron Mackintosh’s revitalized new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic musical continues its North American tour with performances in Chicago through early February. (Neighborhood: The Loop)
  • Hamilton (March 4–April 26, 2026) — The Tony Award-winning musical returns to Chicago, continuing its global legacy with performances that blend hip-hop, jazz, and Broadway storytelling. (Neighborhood: The Loop)

Sports:
2026 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game (July 25, 2026) Chicago will host the 2026 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game at the United Center, marking the second time Windy City welcomes the league’s premier midseason showcase. The multi-day celebration of the WNBA will feature the All-Star Game on July 25, along with fan-focused activations including the 3-Point Contest and Skills Challenge at Wintrust Arena and WNBA Live at McCormick Place.

Chicago Bulls 2025–26 Regular Season (Home Games: January) The Chicago Bulls continue their 2025–26 NBA regular season with home games throughout winter and early spring at the city’s iconic venue, the United Center. Visitors can pair game nights with downtown dining, theatre, and attractions, making it an easy anchor for sports-focused weekend itineraries. (Neighborhood: Near West Side)

Chicago Sky 2026 WNBA Season — The Chicago Sky return for the 2026 Women’s National Basketball Association season with home games at Wintrust Arena and matchups throughout the spring and summer as part of the 30th WNBA season. Fans can look forward to a full slate of regular season games citywide, with details and dates available on the team’s official schedule.

Chicago Blackhawks 2025–26 Regular Season (Home Games: January) The Chicago Blackhawks take the ice for the second half of the NHL regular season, welcoming visitors to fast-paced matchups in a classic Chicago sports setting, at the team’s arena, United Center. Winter home games are ideal for adding high-energy entertainment to cold weather trips. (Neighborhood: Near West Side)

Chicago Cubs Spring Training & Season Preview Activity (February–March 2026) As spring approaches, the Cubs build excitement for the upcoming MLB season with spring training coverage, fan moments, and season preview programming. While regular-season home games begin in April at Wrigley Field, early activations offer a timely way for visitors to connect with one of baseball’s most storied teams. (Neighborhood: Wrigleyville)

Chicago White Sox Spring Training & Season Preview Activity (February–March 2026) The White Sox gear up for the 2026 MLB season with spring training and early-season fan programming leading into Opening Day. Visitors can explore South Side neighborhoods, including Rate Field’s (formerly Guaranteed Rate Field) home of Bridgeport, and ballpark culture while tapping into Chicago’s baseball energy ahead of spring. (Neighborhood: Bridgeport)

Chicago Fire FC 2026 MLS Season (Spring 2026) Chicago Fire FC returns to Soldier Field for the spring kickoff of the 2026 Major League Soccer season, welcoming fans to home matches throughout late winter and spring. The Fire’s return adds to Chicago’s year-round sports calendar, offering visitors an easy way to pair live professional soccer with downtown dining and attractions. (Neighborhood: Near South Side)

Chicago Bandits Return to the Windy City (Season Begins June 9, 2026) The Chicago Bandits officially return as Chicago’s newest women’s professional sports team, marking a major milestone for the city’s sports landscape and the evolution of professional softball. Announced by the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL), the Bandits will compete as a city-based franchise and host home games at the Stadium at Parkway Bank Sports Complex in Rosemont, the nation’s only ballpark dedicated exclusively to professional softball. The 2026 roster features 2025 AUSL MVP Erin Coffel alongside a lineup of world-class athletes, led by General Manager Jenny Dalton-Hill and Head Coach Shonda Stanton. Season and group tickets are now on sale, with single-game tickets to follow, positioning the Bandits as a marquee summer sports draw for visitors and locals alike.

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About Choose Chicago
Choose Chicago is the official destination marketing organization responsible for promoting Chicago as a global tourism and meetings destination—the city that’s Never Done and Never Outdone. Choose Chicago leverages the city’s unmatched assets to enrich the community by attracting meetings, events, and more than 55 million annual visitors, generating over $20 billion in economic impact. Follow @choosechicago and tag #NeverOutdoneChi on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and X/Twitter. For more information, visit choosechicago.com.