(Professionals attend the First Annual ExSys Awards. Image by Gary Michael Prochorchik, Exposures, LTD.)
From exhibit awards and fan conventions to NASCAR news and fast-food returns, the city buzzes with events and change
From the return of national tradeshows to the debut of new restaurants and the pause of a headline-grabbing street race, August in Chicago is shaping up to be a month of big shifts. McCormick Place and the Hyatt Regency will host thousands of attendees for two major conventions, while the city’s neighborhoods celebrate local culture through festivals, tributes, and long-awaited reopening. Here’s what’s new—and what’s next—for the Windy City’s tradeshow scene and beyond.
August Tradeshows Highlight Public Works and Social Research in Chicago
Two national tradeshows arrive in Chicago this August. The American Sociological Association (ASA) hosts its annual meeting August 8–12 at the Hyatt Regency, welcoming 5,000 attendees and 66 exhibitors for discussions on social trends, research, and policy. From August 17–20, the Public Works Expo (PWX) takes over McCormick Place, bringing 6,300 professionals and 400 exhibitors focused on infrastructure, sustainability, and emerging technologies in public works.
ExSys Awards Celebrate Exhibit Design Excellence in Chicago
Co-hosted by Exhibit City News, the inaugural ExSys Awards were held July 29 at Moss Headquarters in Chicago, recognizing the best in system-based exhibit design. Aluvision was named System of the Year, Condit Exhibits earned Agency of the Year, and Highmark Techsystems CEO Debbie Parrott received the Lifetime Achievement Award. Zimmer Biomet’s immersive display won Exhibit of the Year. For the full list of winners, visit experientialdesignauthority.com.
Promo Industry Converges on McCormick Place for ASI Show
Nearly 5,000 promotional products professionals gathered at McCormick Place July 22–24 for ASI Chicago, the Midwest’s largest promo tradeshow. The event featured top suppliers, 72 first-time exhibitors, and industry programming—including a Q&A with Bears legend Brian Urlacher and the launch of ASI’s Learning Network.
Gary Eyes Convention Center Build as Chicago Market Expands
The City of Gary is soliciting RFQs for design-build services on the new Lake County Convention Center, which it won the bid to develop in May. Just 30 miles from downtown Chicago, the planned venue could serve as a lower-cost alternative for regional events and smaller tradeshows priced out of the city’s core. Qualifications are due July 28.
Sandberg Tributes Anchor Rosemont Collectors Convention
The late Cubs Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg loomed large at the 45th National Sports Collectors Convention, held at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont. Thousands of collectors and more than 600 vendors paid tribute to the beloved second baseman—who died July 29 at age 65—by showcasing rare memorabilia and sharing stories of his humility, fan devotion, and lasting impact on the hobby.
Englewood Jazz Fest to Honor 60 Years of AACM Legacy
The 26th Annual Englewood Jazz Festival returns to Chicago’s Hamilton Park September 18–20, celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM). Founded by Ernest Dawkins, the South Side tradition will feature AACM pioneers and emerging artists in a weekend of transformative music and community pride.
Vitalogy Blends Cocktails, Community, and History in Printer’s Row
Opened in June, Vitalogy is a new neighborhood cocktail bar and kitchen in Chicago’s Printer’s Row, offering house-made drinks, shareable plates, and a cozy, restored space in a former children’s book printer. Locals Jennifer Wilson and James Shields transformed the 142-year-old building into a gathering spot featuring seasonal cocktails, a compact food menu, and community events—all rooted in their love for the neighborhood.
Chicago Gourmet Returns with Flavor-Forward Sports Theme
Chicago Gourmet is back September 25–28 with a new “Step Up to the Plate” theme that celebrates Chicago’s culinary and athletic legacies. The 2025 lineup introduces fresh events like a Jackie Robinson tribute dinner, rooftop tailgates, and a pickleball tournament, alongside returning favorites such as Hamburger Hop and Grand Cru. All proceeds support the Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation.
Convention Canceled, Fans Left Waiting on Refunds
Epic Cons Chicago 3, a fan convention celebrating TV and film fandoms like The Vampire Diaries and Superman and Lois, was canceled just days before its scheduled July 26–27 run at Navy Pier. Attendees and vendors say they are still waiting for refunds as organizers face lawsuits over unpaid debts. Many fans, some of whom spent thousands on travel and photo ops, made the trip anyway and are making the most of their weekend in Chicago.
Wicker Park Fest Closes Out Summer Weekend with Music, Art, and Local Flavor
One of Chicago’s largest summer street festivals, Wicker Park Fest wrapped its 2025 edition on July 27 with live music on two stages, international dance, and more than 150 neighborhood vendors. The three-day event, organized by the Wicker Park and Bucktown Chamber of Commerce, raised funds for local animal rescue groups and community initiatives.
NASCAR Hits Pause on Chicago Street Race
The Chicago Street Race will not appear on the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series schedule after city officials and organizers failed to agree on a new date. Both parties are working toward a 2027 return, while NASCAR reportedly considers reviving the Chicagoland Speedway next season.
Jack in the Box Returns to Chicago After 40-Year Absence
Fast-food chain Jack in the Box is making a comeback in the Chicago area, with its first new location set to open this month in Countryside. Several more are slated to follow in Carol Stream, Naperville, New Lenox, Lake in the Hills, Tinley Park, and Chicago’s Southwest Side by September.
Printers Row Lit Fest Celebrates 40 Years with Pulitzer Power
The 40th annual Printers Row Lit Fest returns September 6–7 to Chicago’s historic Printers Row District, bringing together six Pulitzer Prize winners for a weekend of free literary programming. Presented by the Near South Planning Board, this year’s headliner is Sandra Cisneros, who will also receive the 2025 Harold Washington Literary Award. The Midwest’s largest free outdoor literary festival will host over 200 authors, 150 exhibitors, and dozens of panel discussions, storytelling sessions, and book signings. Full schedule at printersrowlitfest.org.
