As 2025 winds down, it’s only natural to start peering into the future, preferably with a calendar in one hand and a mild sense of optimism in the other. Chicago, never a city to sit idle, has a full slate of big ideas queued up for the year ahead—from monumental civic projects to long-teased cultural openings that promise to give us something new to argue about, line up for or Instagram excessively.
So don’t let the winter blues—or your group chat—convince you that nothing ever happens here. While delays can (and invariably do) happen, the next 12 months are shaping up to deliver plenty of bucket list–worthy moments. Without further ado, here are the things we’re most looking forward to in Chicago in 2026.
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Celebrating the opening of the Obama Presidential Center
Opening in June 2026, the Obama Presidential Center will redefine the concept of a presidential library. Rooted in President Obama’s history as a community organizer in Chicago, the Hyde Park campus is designed as a civic-minded hub focused on public engagement and future leadership. The sprawling complex will include a new Chicago Public Library branch, a community garden, a basketball court, a recording studio, classrooms and more.
Reviving ancient Pokémon at the Field Museum
Whether you’re parenting a pint-sized Pokémon devotee or a nostalgic millennial still clinging to a holographic Charizard card for its “possible resale value” (guilty), the Pokémon Fossil Museum is designed to surprise and delight. Making its U.S. debut at the Field Museum on May 22, 2026, the international exhibition invites visitors to compare Fossil Pokémon like Tyrantrum and Archeops with real-world fossils—including SUE the T. rex. Expect Pokémon models, real fossil excavation tools and immersive soundscapes throughout.
Grabbing dinner and drinks at Feverdream, in Lost Lake’s former neighboring space
Longtime Chicago bar scene nerds will recognize the space Feverdream is moving into: the former home of Thank You, the Chinese fast-casual spot once tucked next to Lost Lake. With Lost Lake now reborn as the Miami Vice–tinged Common Decency, its neighbor is following suit. Opening in spring 2026, Milkhorse Hospitality’s newest endeavor promises upscale plates, inventive cocktails and a pantry stocked with wild card ingredients.
Being dazzled by sleight of hand at The Hand & The Eye
Chicago’s newest magic venue, The Hand & The Eye, opens next spring inside the storied McCormick Mansion, a Gilded Age landmark. The 36,000-square-foot estate at Ontario and Rush Streets is being transformed into what’s billed as the world’s most dazzling home for modern magic. When it opens in spring 2026, the venue will feature multiple theaters, a members-only dining room, a rooftop bar and enough secret doors to keep Houdini busy for a weekend.
Cheering ’til our lungs give out at the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game
The 2026 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game will take place on Saturday, July 25 at the United Center. In addition to the game itself, fans can expect a citywide lineup of events, including a three-point contest, an interactive fan festival at McCormick Place and community impact events throughout the city.
Watching a flick in the Music Box Theatre’s newest addition
The historic Southport Corridor movie house is expanding. With support from a $1.2 million city grant, the Music Box Theatre will add a third screen—the first expansion since 1991—along with a 115-seat auditorium, additional bathrooms and interior reconfigurations designed to improve the moviegoing experience. The new additions are slated to open in summer 2026.
Celebrating 100 years of Route 66
2026 marks the Route 66 Centennial, honoring the iconic highway that stretches across eight states. As both the starting point of Route 66 and the first state to fully pave it, Illinois has plenty to celebrate. Early programming for the yearlong celebration includes Seen on 66 and the immersive Route 66 Centennial Immersive Experience Project, with more events expected.
A packed season of Broadway in Chicago
Chicago’s Broadway scene may finally get its due with an upcoming season that balances splashy revivals and contemporary hits. The lineup includes The Great Gatsby: A New Musical and Les Misérables, alongside newer crowd-pleasers like The Notebook and The Outsiders. Whether you’re a diehard theater kid or a casual aisle seat patron, there’s plenty to look forward to.
Enjoying cultural programming as part of Illinois’ America250
Illinois America 250 is a statewide initiative commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026. Programming—which will span the entirety of 2026—will spotlight the state’s past, present and future, with events announced so far including an International Jazz Day celebration, a history-driven floral exhibition at the Chicago Botanic Garden and the Chicago Symphony Center’s America 250: A Musical Journey.
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Trekking up to Evanston for a meal at Burl
Acclaimed Chicago chef Thomas Carlin (Publican Quality Meats, Dove’s Luncheonette) is launching his first solo restaurant with Burl, a farm-driven concept in Evanston. Built around a wood-fired kitchen, nearly every dish will touch live fire, with at least 80 percent of the menu sourced from a local Midwest food network.
Catching a show at the Ravinia’s new pavilion
Ahead of its 125th anniversary in 2029, Ravinia is making significant upgrades to its 36-acre grounds. Concertgoers won’t have to wait until the anniversary to benefit: The newly renovated Pavilion will debut in summer 2026, featuring a revamped stage, improved seating, updated lighting and enhanced acoustics at the venue that has hosted everyone from Bob Dylan to Stevie Nicks.