What’s opening in Chicago in 2026? Here are 13 new attractions and events families should know about

For locals and tourists alike, there is a lot to look forward to in Chicago in 2026. There are multiple new attractions due for opening and lots of fun events to attend. Here are just nine of the many fun things to put on your calendar for this new year of Chicago adventures.

Andretti Indoor Karting & Games

Andretti Indoor Karting and Games has locations in multiple states across the country, and is about to open a new one in the Chicago suburb of Schaumburg. The location is under construction and is scheduled to open in 2026. Residents of Schaumburg will have a fun place to hang out with their friends, go kart racing, play arcade games and indulge in their favorite foods.

• Location: Near the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel & Convention Center in Schaumburg
• Opening Date: TBD

Route 66 centennial anniversary

Chicago, the official starting point of iconic U.S. Route 66, is gearing up to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the historic “Mother Road” in 2026 with a lineup of special events and activations throughout the year. As communities along the famed highway from Illinois to California honor a century of cross-country adventure, Chicago will serve as the kickoff point for centennial festivities, including commemorative signage, cultural programming, and opportunities for both residents and travelers to connect with the rich legacy of America’s most legendary road trip.

• Location: Multiple locations around Chicago
• Dates: Dates and times vary by location and activity

Obama Presidential Center

 

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The Barack Obama Foundation is proud to present a new community center in honor of former President Barack Obama, located on the South Side. The Presidential is meant to be a space where people can work toward all kinds of important societal changes. The area covers 19 acres and includes a museum, garden, auditorium, library and other educational facilities. Stayed tuned for the grand opening.

• Location: Jackson Park
• Opening Date: TBD

Upcoming Exhibits at the Art Institute Chicago

There are several interesting exhibits coming to the Art Institute in 2026. Visitors will see Japanese prints by artist and architect Bruce Goff, photographs of Goff’s architecture taken by photographer Janna Ireland, the drawings of Caroll Dunham, various works by Lucas Samaras, Henri Matisse and Edgar Calel, French Impressionist pieces by Mary Cassatt and Korean art spanning 2,000 years.

• Locations: 111 South Michigan Avenue (Michigan Avenue entrance) and 159 East Monroe Street (Modern Wing Entrance)
• Opening Dates: Jan. 7, Jan. 31, Mar. 7, May 2 and Sept. 6, 2026

Upcoming Exhibits at the Griffin Museum of Science + Industry

 

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There are two exhibits scheduled to open at the Griffin Museum in 2026. The first one features the work of costume designer Paul Tazewell, who has designed costumes for multiple Broadway and movie musicals and MET Gala outfits for actress Janelle Monae. The second one, “Powering the Future,” is an interactive exhibit that showcases the roles that different forms of energy play in daily life.

• Location: 5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive
• Dates: Jan. 19 and TBD, 2026

The Hand & The Eye

 

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The Hand & The Eye is an immersive magic venue housed inside the historic McCormick Mansion along the Magnificent Mile. Spanning more than 35,000 square feet and built on a reported $50 million investment, the attraction will feature multiple performance spaces, secret passageways, live illusion shows, interactive experiences, upscale dining and bars designed to put guests right in the heart of the magic. It aims to be the world’s largest and most immersive home for modern magic.

• Location: 100 E Ontario St., Chicago
• Dates: Spring 2026

Chicago Southland International Film Festival

This three-day celebration of the world’s filmmaking community will return to Chicago this spring to bring the joy of international storytelling to all who are interested. Attendees can view impressive work created by both international and local filmmakers. There will also be a Q&A with the filmmakers. There is more information pending about the festival, so keep an eye on the event’s socials.

• Location: 1 University Parkway, University Park
• Dates: April 9-11, 2026

Pokemon Exhibition at the Field Museum

The Field Museum features a wide variety of exhibits that appeal to all kinds of interests, so there is always a little something for everyone. This spring, the museum will open the interactive Pokemon Fossil Museum exhibit, where visitors can dig up and learn about the real-life pre-historic fossils that inspired the designs of the Pokemon characters we all know and love. 

• Location: 1400 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive
• Opening Date: May 22, 2026

Chicago Blues Fest

Chicago is the Blues Capital of the World and is proud to host the world’s largest free blues festival, the Chicago Blues Fest. This annual event is the highlight of any summer, as it is welcome to all ages, lasts four days and features large lineups of top-tier musicians. Whether you’ve never been to the festival before, or go every year, stay tuned for more information about this beloved tradition.

• Location: Millennium Park
• Dates: 2026 dates TBD, but estimated to be June 4-7, 2026

Old Town Art Fair 2026

 

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The Old Town Art Fair will return this summer, featuring the work of hundreds of artists specializing in various styles, including painting, photography, ceramics, woodwork, mixed media and more. Attendees can enjoy live music of multiple genres, delicious food and beverages from local restaurants and strolls through the picturesque Garden Walk. Kids can stop by Children’s Corner for face-painting, arts and crafts and more.

• Location: Old Town Triangle Historic District
• Dates: June 13-14, 2026

Upcoming Exhibits at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago

There are two exhibits scheduled to open at the MOCAD in 2026. The first showcases the work of sculptor Kenzi Shiokava, whose creations are made from various discarded, salvaged and recycled objects. The second exhibit, “Slow Dance,” showcases a celebration of slowness in contrast to society’s emphasis of constant movement, even at the expense of health. The exhibit will include both visual and live performance art.

• Location: 220 E Chicago Ave
• Dates: June 27 and Sept. 12, 2026 

2026 WNBA All-Star game

Chicago will host the 2026 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game, bringing the league’s top players and a weekend of fan events back to the Windy City. The festivities include the 3-Point Contest and Skills Challenge at Wintrust Arena and “WNBA Live,” an interactive fan festival celebrating the sport’s stars, culture and community. It’s the second time Chicago has welcomed the All-Star Game, underscoring the city’s role as a major hub for women’s professional basketball.

• Location: United Center, 1901 West Madison St., Chicago
• Date: July 25, 2026

Bally’s Chicago

 

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