Chicago – what’s new in accommodations, dining, sports, entertainment, and more

After welcoming 55.3 million visitors in 2024, Chicago is poised for another strong year of visitations ahead. Prepare for the return of major events such as the James Beard Awards, the adrenaline-pumping NASCAR Chicago Street Race and Lollapalooza along with local festivals put on by the city including Chicago Blues Festival, Chicago House Music Festival and Conference, Chicago Jazz Festival, Grant Park Music Festival, Millennium Park Summer Film Series, Chicago Air and Water Show, and more.

ACCOMMODATIONS

The Talbott, a beloved landmark in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighbourhood, completed a transformative renovation in April 2025, which culminated in its rebranding as a member of Marriott Bonvoy’s Autograph Collection. This renovation marks a new chapter in the hotel’s storied legacy and encompasses every facet of the property, including its 178 guest rooms, public areas, and event spaces. Highlights of the transformation include upgraded guest rooms; lobby and front desk redesign; event, meeting space, and fitness center enhancements; and a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, LAUREL. (Neighbourhood: Gold Coast)

AIRLINES + AIRPORTS

The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) and Airports Council International (ACI) World have announced that O’Hare International Airport was ranked 2024’s second-busiest airport in the world for aircraft movements and the eighth busiest in the world for passengers. O’Hare handled 776,036 aircraft movements in 2024, second only to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. That figure marks a 7.7 per cent increase in aircraft operations from 2023. O’Hare processed more than 80 million passengers last year, an 8.3 per cent increase from 2023 — the largest year-over-year percentage gain of any airport in the Americas included in ACI’s 2024 rankings.

At O’Hare International Airport, the following flights have been added from Canada:

• American is offering Halifax, CA service 1x weekly starting June 21, 2025 (through October 4).
• WestJet is offering Edmonton, CA service 3x weekly starting June 4, 2025 (through October 22).

FOOD + LIBATIONS

Newly Open:
Ambar, which offers a modern interpretation of Balkan cuisine with a “Dining Without Limits” experience, recently opened a new Chicago location. The restaurant’s every detail expresses the deeply rooted Balkan heritage, built around award-winning food and unparalleled hospitality. Small plates transform the traditional experience of gathering around the table for a feast to enjoy grilled meats, fine cheeses, various blends of kaymak, local wines, and an expansive collection of rakia (Neighbourhood: River North)

Cafe Yaya, the latest venture from James Beard Foundation award-winning Chef Zach Engel and Partner Andrés Clavero, brings an all-day dining experience and community space to the heart of Lincoln Park. The menu is complemented by a robust wine program highlighting small producers and classic cocktails. (Neighbourhood: Lincoln Park)

Cantina Rosa, now open in Hyde Park, offers craft cocktails that appeal to sophisticated palates and newcomers alike, with an atmosphere that blends modern sensibilities with traditional influences. Honouring Mexican heritage, Cantina Rosa draws inspiration from diverse regions across Mexico, enriched by the expertise of Virtue’s most experienced Mexican team members. (Neighbourhood: Hyde Park)

Garcia’s Chicago, newly opened in Fulton Market, is a concert venue and restaurant celebrating Jerry Garcia’s extraordinary legacy. Developed by the acclaimed team at Lowder-Tascarella Hospitality (LTH)—known for their work at NoMad, The Modern, and award-winning luxury restaurants and hotels globally—the menu brings together flavours from Jerry’s Spanish roots, Northern California upbringing, and love for American comfort food. The kitchen, led by Executive Chef and proud Chicago native Ivy Carthen, offers approachable, elevated dishes that are as eclectic and adventurous as Jerry’s music with “gentle nods” to his biography. (Neighbourhood: Fulton Market)

The newest bar from Lettuce Entertain You, Gus’ Sip and Dip, is a classic neighbourhood tavern from award-winning Beverage Director and Partner Kevin Beary (Three Dots and a Dash and The Bamboo Room) and Chef Partner Bob Broskey (RPM Restaurants). The cocktail menu spotlights more than 30 familiar mixed drinks all made with a list of carefully selected spirits from Beary and the bar team. The food menu offers classic tavern favourites from Broskey including an assortment of traditional and modern dipped sandwiches and more. (Neighbourhood: River North)

Jōtō Sushi has opened its doors in the former Jinsei Motto, the renowned sushi and omakase pop-up previously hosted by CH Distillery. Jōtō guests can experience both à la carte sushi and signature omakase dining, each reflecting its dedication to culinary excellence and attention to detail.(Neighbourhood: West Loop)

Professional skateboarder Neen Williams and Chef Phillip Frankland Lee of the Michelin-starred restaurant Pasta|Bar in Los Angeles opened their second NADC (“Not a Damn Chance”) BurgerChicago location in Wicker Park in March— the eighth location nationally for the popular burger concept that many have called “the best burger.” (Neighbourhood: Wicker Park)

NADU, the latest restaurant concept from Michelin-starred Chef Sujan Sarkar, showcases the rich cultural and gastronomic landscapes of India, where every region tells its own story through food. The menu features a symphony of regional cuisines, from the aromatic biryani of Hyderabad to the fiery curries of Kerala, the street snacks of Delhi to the coastal delicacies of Goa. (Neighbourhood: Lincoln Park)

Three of Chicago’s most influential hospitality powerhouses have come together to open The Alston, a highly anticipated dining destination at the corner of State and Superior in Chicago’s Gold Coast. The culinary team will be led by Chef/Partner Jenner Tomaska featuring a celebration of wood-fired prime cuts along with French-influenced dining and elevated European charm. The wine program will be helmed by Master Sommelier Ken Fredrickson. The space will boast 350 seats across its expansive dining room, bar, and year-round terrace. Beyond its impressive dining space, The Alston will also house Chicago’s most upscale and unique private member’s club.  (Neighbourhood: Gold Coast)

EXHIBITIONS (IMMERSIVE ART + MUSEUMS)

The Art Institute of Chicago’s new summer and fall exhibitions include (Neighbourhood: The Loop): Gustave Caillebotte: Painting His World (June 29 – October 5, 2025); Pixy Liao: Relationship Material (July 5 – December 8, 2025); and Elizabeth Catlett: “A Black Revolutionary Artist and All That It Implies” (August 30, 2025 – January 4, 2026).

Chicago Architecture Center presents Constructing Hope: Ukraine (through September 1, 2025). This exhibition explores short and long term reconstruction efforts in Ukraine bringing together a wide range of grassroots projects to illustrate how architecture can foster mutual aid and facilitate crucial support networks for entire communities. Constructing Hope: Ukraine showcases the work of over a dozen participants currently applying architectural thinking to support Ukraine’s short and long-term reconstruction efforts. Showcasing their work and ideas, Constructing Hope: Ukraine reveals the power of collaboration, horizontal organizing, and knowledge exchange, illuminating architecture’s critical role in building a collective resistance that can generate hope for imperilled communities in Ukraine and beyond. (Neighbourhood: The Loop)

Chicago History Museum’s exhibition Dressed in History: A Costume Collection Retrospective (through July 27, 2025) celebrates 100 years of the museum’s vast costume collection and the donors, curators, and staff who have shaped it. Featuring 70 rarely seen objects, from glamorous gowns and sharp suits to house dresses and sneakers, Dressed in History: A Costume Collection Retrospectiveexplores how clothing captures the material, social, and changing cultural values throughout history. (Neighbourhood: Lincoln Park)

Dunn Museum will unveil Alex Ross: Heroes & Villains (June 28, 2025 – January 20, 2026). Known for his realistic painting style of classic comic book characters, Alex Ross has transformed the comic world into fine art. Using gouache paints, Ross brings heroes and villains from the Marvel and DC universes to life with striking realism. The 100 portraits featured in the exhibition Alex Ross: Heroes & Villains capture each character’s individual attitude, naturally influencing their poses. (Libertyville, IL)

Griffin Museum of Science and Industry will present the exciting world of one of the most beloved superheroes of all time in 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 Spider-Man movies, explore cutting-edge interactive installations, and take photos with life-size statues of characters, like Miles Morales, Ghost-Spider, and, of course, Spider-Man. (Neighbourhood: Museum Campus)

Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago will unveil these new exhibitions and events this summer and fall. (Neighbourhood: Streeterville): Paul Pfeiffer: Prologue to the Story of the Birth of Freedom(through August 31, 2025); Tuesdays on the Terrace (Every Tuesday, June 24 – August 26, 2025); and City in a Garden: Queer Art and Activism in Chicago (July 5, 2025 – January 25, 2026).

FESTIVALS + EVENTS

Art on THE MART (through July 6, 2025) – This spring, California-based artist Shana Moulton’s surreal series “Whispering Pines” will be projected onto the Merchandise Mart. Follow her alter-ego “Cynthia” on a journey of self-discovery through domestic rituals and dreamy visuals. (Neighbourhood: River North)

Chicago Air and Water Show (August 16-17, 2025) – The Chicago Air and Water Show has been an iconic Chicago event since 1959. The annual summer spectacle is the largest and oldest free-admission air and water exhibition in the United States. The two-day event draws an audience of over one million to the city’s stunning lakefront to see pilots perform astonishing stunts above the waters of Lake Michigan. (Neighbourhood: Lincoln Park)

Chicago Gospel Music Festival (July 12, 2025) – Gospel music has deep roots in Chicago. The Chicago Gospel Music Festival, one of the city’s free summer music festivals, keeps that tradition alive with a joyful, family-friendly celebration against the mesmerizing backdrop of Millennium Park.(Neighbourhood: The Loop)

Chicago Gourmet (September 25-28, 2025) – This year, Chicago Gourmet is celebrating the wide world of food and sports, fielding a squad of culinary all-stars who are ready to bring it with championship-level bites and sips. Join over 100 powerhouse chefs including Rick Bayless, Stephanie Izard, Sarah Grueneberg, Joe Flamm, Art Smith, Jeff Mauro, Erick Williams, Thai Dang, Jonathon Sawyer, Lorena Garcia, Carlos Gaytan, Jenner Tomaska, Marcos Carbajal, Diana Dávila, Lamar Moore, Dominique Leach, Brian Jupiter, Donald Young, Paul Virant, Stephen Gillanders, Casey Doody, Djibril Webb, Tony Priolo, and many more. (Neighbourhood: Millennium Park)

Chicago House Music Festival and Conference (August 22-23, 2025) – The Chicago House Music Festival is an annual celebration of the Chicago-born genre that has revolutionized dance music globally. Held in Millennium Park every summer, this joyous event attracts house fans from across the globe to hear today’s top DJs and up-and-coming talent. (Neighbourhood: The Loop)

Chicago Jazz Festival (August 28-31, 2025) – The Chicago Jazz Festival is a Labor Day weekend tradition that promotes all forms of jazz through free, high-quality music programming at Chicago Cultural Center and Millennium Park. (Neighbourhood: The Loop, Millennium Park)

Chicago Pride Fest (June 21-22, 2025) is a massive two-day pride celebration that takes over Northalsted every June. Each year, more than 100,000 revellers flock to the historic LGBTQ+ neighbourhood to take part in the festivities, including three stages with live music, more than 100 arts and crafts vendors, food from local restaurants, drag shows, dance performances, a high-heel race, and more. This year’s headlining artists include Natasha Bedingfield, JoJo Siwa, Sapphira Cristál, Bob the Drag Queen, Amber Riley, and more across two stages. (Neighbourhood: Northalsted)

Chicago Pride Parade (June 29, 2025) – As one of the most popular LGBTQ+ events in the city, the Chicago Pride Parade has been a tradition for more than 50 years, concluding the city’s month-long celebrations with a four-mile procession. This year’s theme, United in Pride, highlights the power of coming together, embracing diversity, and championing love and equality as one united force. (Multiple Neighbourhoods)

Lollapalooza (July 31 – August 3, 2025) – One of Chicago’s most highly anticipated summer events, this genre-defying lineup is packed with the music industry’s biggest names, along with local favourites and emerging artists. The full Lollapalooza lineup features more than 170 musical acts across nine stages, with headliners such as Olivia Rodrigo, Tyler, the Creator, Sabrina Carpenter, Rüfüs du Sol, Luke Combs, A$AP Rocky, Gracie Abrams, and Doechii.

Navy Pier Fireworks (Wednesdays & Saturdays through August 30, 2025) – Navy Pier’s dazzling, free award-winning fireworks show is back for summer 2025. Get ready for unforgettable nights on the Pier with breathtaking views and a fireworks experience you won’t want to miss! (Neighbourhood: Streeterville)

Taste of Chicago (September 5-7, 2025) – Taste of Chicago has been a foodie staple for more than 40 years. This year, the annual food and music extravaganza will include the return of the iconic lakefront festival, alongside neighbourhood pop-up events throughout the summer. The classic food festival will take over Grant Park with more than 35 of Chicago’s favourite food vendors, live music performances, community dance lessons, a karaoke competition, and so much more. (Multiple Neighbourhoods)

Windy City Smokeout (July 10-13, 2025) – The nation’s premier outdoor country music and BBQ festival returns to Chicago’s iconic United Center for its 12th year. The star-studded weekend will feature country music’s biggest names, including Kane Brown, Old Dominion, Jon Pardi, Bailey Zimmerman, and Megan Moroney, along with an impressive roster of up-and-coming talent and over 25 of the best BBQ teams from across the country. (Neighbourhood: West Side)

ATTRACTIONS

AR-chitecture: Unlocking the Magnificent Mile’s Hidden Gems offers a captivating new way to explore the history and architecture of one of Chicago’s most iconic avenues. This virtual reality experience brings the Avenue’s architectural heritage to life with narrated journeys led by legendary journalist and news anchor Bill Kurtis. (Neighbourhood: Magnificent Mile)

DS Luxury offers the city’s first-ever guided tours in exotic cars—think Rolls-Royce, Lamborghini, Bentley, and more. This high-gloss experience blends thrill with elegance as guests explore iconic streets from the driver’s seat of the world’s most coveted vehicles. The experience continues inside their car gallery, where guests can book photo sessions with a rotating lineup of luxury vehicles in a studio built for the spotlight. (Neighbourhood: West Side)

Electric Shuffle, the innovative social entertainment brand blending high-tech shuffleboard with craft cocktails and elevated dining, opened its first Chicago location in the vibrant River North neighbourhood in May 2025. At Electric Shuffle Chicago, guests can experience the thrill of the game in an immersive environment, featuring sleek shuffleboard tables with digital scoring, interactive gameplay, and the opportunity to share moments through live replays. (Neighbourhood: River North)

Summer of SUE celebrates 25 years of SUE the T. rex at the Field Museum with dino-mite events all summer long. From May through September, the Field Museum is stomping its way through Chicago. Spot SUE in the museum, around town, and online to celebrate SUE’s quarter Epoch crisis in style. There will be events for all ages, 6 months to 67 million years to get in on the action. (Neighbourhood: Museum Campus)

Fly Heli Tours has officially launched the Chicago Loop Helicopter Tour, offering locals and visitors alike a stunning, sky-high perspective of the city’s most iconic landmarks — all from the excitement of a smooth, expertly guided helicopter ride. The Chicago Loop Tour isn’t just another tourist activity—it offers a fun-fuelled joyride through the most iconic parts of the city. (Neighbourhood: West Side)

Harry Potter Shop Chicago, located at 676 N. Michigan Avenue (below the Omni Hotel Chicago), opened in April 2025. Nestled among Chicago’s historic architecture and bustling shopping district, the store is filled with an array of themed areas, exclusive merchandise, props, and a Butterbeer Bar, offering locals and visitors a truly immersive experience at every turn. (Neighbourhood: Magnificent Mile)

Navy Pier Marina, the newest boating destination on Lake Michigan, is set to open in June 2025. The only marina to offer transient boaters access to Navy Pier and the city at its doorstep, Navy Pier Marina will provide a home in the heart of Chicago for boaters from across the city and suburbs, and around the Great Lakes. (Neighbourhood: Navy Pier)

Shedd Aquarium has an exciting lineup of events and offerings planned for the summer season: (Neighbourhood: South Loop): Jazzin’ at the Shedd (Wednesdays through August 27, 2025); Kayak for Conservation (Fridays & Saturdays, June-September 2025); Pride Night (June 14, 2025); Ritmo del Mar (June 21, July 12, and August 16, 2025); and House Party (July 19, 2025)

THEATRE + PERFORMING ARTS

Broadway In Chicago is proud to produce the following shows as part of its summer/fall lineup.(Neighbourhood: The Loop): Kimberly Akimbo (June 10-22, 2025, CIBC Theatre); Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (July 9 – August 2, 2025, Cadillac Palace Theatre); Parade (August 5-17, 2025, CIBC Theatre)

Chicago Opera Theater, Chicago’s foremost producer of new and reimagined opera, proudly announces She Who Dared (June 3, 6, and 8, 2025). Everyone has heard of Rosa Parks, but she wasn’t the first to refuse to move. She Who Dared recenters the spotlight on the courageous women who helped desegregate the Montgomery bus system in the 1950s. (Neighbourhood: The Loop)

Chicago Shakespeare Theater will present the North American premiere of 42 Balloons (through June 29, 2025), a new musical with an irresistible 80s-inspired pop score from the award‑winning producers of SIX. (Neighbourhood: Streeterville)

The Joffrey Ballet celebrates its 70th anniversary as one of the world’s most sensational dance companies and 30 years of calling Chicago home with these productions (Neighbourhood: The Loop): Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (June 5–22, 2025); and Carmen (September 18-28, 2025).

Lyric Opera of Chicago opens the 2025-2026 with these productions (Neighbourhood: The Loop): Medea (October 11-26, 2025); Coco in Concert Live to Film (October 16-18, 2025); Cavalleria rusticana & Pagliacci (November 1-23, 2025); Carmina Burana (November 14-18, 2025); and A Night of Mellon Collie and Infinite Sadness (November 21-30, 2025).

SPORTS

NASCAR Chicago Street Race – The NASCAR Chicago Street Race will return in 2025 with the third edition of this exhilarating event scheduled to take place July 5-6 in Grant Park. In 2024, the street race saw an economic impact of USD $128M, an increase of 17 per cent over 2023, and USD $43.6M in media value for Chicago. (Neighbourhood: Grant Park)

AVP Heritage Open – The best of the best in beach volleyball, including medalists from the 2024 Paris Olympics, will hit the sands of Oak Street Beach, August 29-31, 2025. (Neighbourhood: North Side)

About Choose Chicago
Choose Chicago is the official sales and marketing organization responsible for promoting Chicago as a global visitor and meetings destination, leveraging the city’s unmatched assets to ensure the economic vitality of the city and its member business community. Follow @choosechicago on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and TikTok.