Chicago’s legendary sports scene is never done and never outdone. This year, the city will be hosting an array of major athletic events, including the Midwest Regional of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship.
This multi-game event will bring all the excitement of March Madness to Chicago’s iconic United Center for one weekend only. Whether you’re in town for the tournament or just soaking up the energy of spring in Chicago, there’s plenty to do across the city all weekend long.
Check out what’s happening in Chicago before, during, and after March Madness weekend.
C2E2: Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo
Find your fandom during C2E2, the largest pop culture convention in the Midwest.
The multi-day fan festival takes over Chicago’s McCormick Place with hundreds of exhibitors and artists, panels and interactive content, cosplay contests and meet-ups, celebrity photo opps and autographs, and so much more.
Mar26
Chicago Cubs home opener
Cheer on the Chicago Cubs as they kick off their 2026 season at historic Wrigley Field, the second-oldest ballpark in the country.
The first home game of the year will be held against the Washington Nationals at 1:20 p.m. on Thursday, March 26.
Mar25
Adler Planetarium: Illinois Resident Free Day
The Adler Planetarium is free for Illinois residents (with proof of residency) on select days throughout the year.
Reserve your free Museum Entry tickets and add on any sky shows for the full experience! Illinois residents may upgrade at a discounted price and gain access to any of our breathtaking sky shows.
Mar26
Field Museum: Illinois Resident Free Day
The Field Museum offers free basic admission for Illinois residents on select dates throughout the year.
Free tickets are available for advanced reservation online and on site. The free tickets include all general admission exhibitions.
Mar 7 – Jun 1
Matisse’s Jazz: Rhythms in Color
This exhibition marks the first time Matisse’s Jazz will be shown in its entirety at the Art Institute. Jazz joins over 50 works from the museum’s renowned collection of paintings, sculpture, drawings, prints, illustrated books, and textiles to showcase the famed artist’s commitment to continual innovation and the expressive power of color and line.
Mar 26 – Mar 31
Shoreline Sightseeing Boat Tours
Experience Chicago’s world-renowned architecture on a Shoreline Sightseeing tour. Choose from architecture tours of the Chicago lake or river, with fascinating narration and jaw-dropping skyline views.
Mar 27 – Mar 29
Dinner Cruise with City Experiences
City Experiences dining cruises are the perfect way to create a memorable moment in Chicago.
Choose from a variety of unique experiences, like an evening dinner cruise on a glass-enclosed river boat or a daytime brunch with stunning city views.
March 27 – 29
Glow Wild
Starting March 19, experience Glow Wild: A Lantern Festival of Hope — a breathtaking journey of light, art, and conservation. Wander paths under the moonlight, illuminated by…
March 27 – 29
Balloon Museum: EmotionAir
The Pop Air and Let’s Fly exhibitions continue to thrill and engage a participative audience, but EmotionAir sets an even more ambitious goal. This latest…
March 27 – 29
Andersonville Restaurant Weeks
Andersonville Restaurant Week is back! The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce is excited to once again showcase the abundance of great restaurants throughout the district. Restaurant…
March 28
Joyce Manor
Welcome to The Salt Shed Indoors in Chicago, Illinois! On March 28, 2026, get ready to experience an unforgettable night with Joyce Manor live in…
March 28
La Femme Dance Festival
La Femme Dance Festival is a powerful tribute to the brilliance, resilience and global impact of Black women in dance. Now entering its 5th edition, this biennial…
March 28
Madama Butterfly
Meet Cio-Cio-San — known as Madama Butterfly — a faithful but doomed geisha in love with B.F. Pinkerton. Everyone but Butterfly knows the Navy lieutenant…
March 27
AC2: Anderson Cooper & Andy Cohen
An Intimate Evening with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen will come to The Chicago Theatre on Friday, March 27 and Saturday, March 28.
March 30
March 31
Mexico vs. Belgium
Mexico have officially confirmed upcoming friendlies against Portugal and Belgium as part of their preparations for the 2026 World Cup. The match against the Portuguese…