Chicago tourism 2025 saw record convention turnout, rising business travel and major new attractions. Chicago tourism 2025 momentum sets the stage for a strong 2026.
Tradeshow & Event Highlights
PLMA Tradeshow Sees 14,000 Attendees and 3,000 Booths in Chicago
The PLMA tradeshow in Rosemont brought in more than 14,000 attendees, 1,900 exhibitors and 3,000 booths from 63 countries. Buyer traffic remained strong as private-label demand continued to rise. Lidl US CEO Joel Rampoldt emphasized the growing use of shelf-ready packaging to reduce labor and support Lidl’s high private-label share. Exhibitors such as Accredo Packaging, WJ Packaging, AeroFlexx, Seda, PakTech, Huhtamaki and PaperWorks showcased flexible, fiber-based and recycle-ready solutions. Many suppliers also noted increased interest from co-packers seeking faster product development cycles.
Chicago Made Music Showcase Names 2025 Winners and Awards Festival Slots
Mayor Brandon Johnson and Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) announced winners of the 2025 Chicago Made Music Showcase, held Oct. 25 at the Chicago Cultural Center. Mara Love won the $10,000 grand prize. Several performers also earned 2026 slots at Lollapalooza and Taste of Chicago. This year’s competition drew more than 150 auditions, with finalists selected by an industry panel following semifinals at the House of Blues. Chicago Made continues to help local artists move onto major stages and city-supported cultural programs.
Beyond Fest Expands to Chicago, Sets First Edition for April 2026
Beyond Fest, the Los Angeles genre festival, will debut a Chicago edition April 2–5, 2026, at the Music Box Theatre. The expansion aims to build a Midwest hub for premieres, repertory screenings and late-night programming. Submissions are open through FilmFreeway, with emphasis on Midwest and Great Lakes creators. Beyond Fest drew more than 30,000 attendees and screened 95 features this year. Its arrival in Chicago reflects growing regional demand for genre events.
New Attractions, Exhibits & Openings
Brûlée Opens in South Loop Positioned to Capture Convention Traffic
Brûlée, a new all-day brunch spot, opened Nov. 6 at 2036 S. Michigan Avenue. The restaurant sits a short walk from McCormick Place and Wintrust Arena, placing it along a major path for convention attendees. Owner Emani Roberts expects consistent visitor traffic from nearby events and Airbnbs. Brûlée serves breakfast, brunch and a full bar, and the space is available for private events in the evening.
Immersive “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Experience Now Open in Chicago
Drag Race: The Experience is now open at the Exhibition Hub Art Center in Logan Square and runs through Dec. 30. The walkthrough attraction guides fans through the Werkroom, mainstage and control room. It is expected to boost neighborhood traffic during the holiday season. Tickets start at $53, and VIP options include meet-and-greets and exclusive merchandise. The installation lasts about an hour, offers free parking and permits minors with a guardian.
Griffin MSI to Open “Crafting Character” Costume Exhibit in January
The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry will open Crafting Character: The Costumes of Paul Tazewell on Jan. 19, 2026. The exhibition features designs from Hamilton, Wicked, West Side Story and more, including Glinda’s bubble dress and the Schuyler Sisters’ Winter’s Ball gowns. The installation pairs costumes with sketches, video and narration to create a strong winter draw for visitors and group tours. Tazewell, the first Black winner of the Oscar for Best Costume Design, remains a major figure in entertainment design.
Tourism Industry & Citywide Updates
Choose Chicago Launches Inclusive Tourism and Community Engagement Department
Choose Chicago has created a department dedicated to inclusive tourism and community engagement. Roz Stuttley was promoted to vice president and will lead efforts to integrate equity and cultural representation across the organization’s marketing strategy. The new structure aims to spread tourism benefits across all 77 neighborhoods. Choose Chicago also promoted two client services leaders to enhance support for conventions and tradeshows. These moves arrive as Chicago heads into a major 2026 events year with continued hotel demand growth.
Chicago Named One of Frommer’s “Best Places to Go in 2026”
Chicago earned a place on Frommer’s global Best Places to Go in 2026 list for the first time. Editors highlighted the Obama Presidential Center opening, International Jazz Day, the Architecture Biennial and the Route 66 centennial. The recognition adds to strong tourism momentum. Hotels filled 8.9 million rooms through September, and conventions such as NECA and CHEST 2025 set attendance records. Chicago enters 2026 with one of the nation’s strongest meetings and events calendars.
Chicago Christkindlmarket Vendors Report Losses Under New Capacity Limits
Vendors at Chicago’s Christkindlmarket say new attendance limits at Daley Plaza are sharply reducing traffic. Organizers were notified of the reduced capacity just 12 hours before opening. The limit is now less than half of what the city allowed during the pandemic, leading to long entry lines and falling sales. Some vendors report revenue drops above 40 percent. Organizers warn the restrictions threaten an event that generates more than $190 million in economic impact and nearly 2,000 seasonal jobs.
Photo caption: Dancers performing as Anita in West Side Story (left) appear alongside Paul Tazewell’s original costume rendering for the character (right). Anita’s yellow dress is among the costumes featured in the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry’s Crafting Character: The Costumes of Paul Tazewell exhibition opening Jan. 19, 2026. Photo credits: © Daniel Boud / Sydney Morning Herald (left); WEST SIDE STORY © 2021 20th Century Studios, Inc. All rights reserved.
Related stories
Chicago Tourism Surges as Conventions and Major Projects Drive Growth
