­

Destinations

Here’s what’s new in Chicago for 2025

Following a banner year for Chicago’s tourism, hospitality, and events community, Chicago has a series of exciting things planned for 2025.

In addition to a wide variety of signature events, festivals and openings, this year Chicago is proud to host the 2025 edition of IPW (June 14-18, 2025), the travel industry’s premier international marketplace, welcoming hundreds of national and international journalists to see for themselves the best of the Midwest.

New accommodations

In summer 2024, the 28-floor, boutique-style Hotel Riu Plaza Chicago opened, overlooking Michigan Avenue and offering 390 contemporary rooms and the thrill of a glass-floor balcony at the seasonal Rooftop Bar. (Neighbourhood: Streeterville)

Opened in Spring 2024, L7 Chicago by Lotte offers 169 rooms and 22 suites, dedicated event planners, and three private meeting spaces. The hotel’s modern PERILLA steakhouse beautifully showcases Korean flavours and architectural design. (Neighbourhood: The Loop)

Residence Inn by Marriott Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile, which opened in Spring 2024, is an all-suite hotel that features fully-equipped kitchens. On-site dining options are also available, including a seasonal rooftop, 101 Sky Terrace. (Neighbourhood: Streeterville)

The Sonesta ES Suites Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile, within easy walking distance of Chicago’s top attractions and venues, was newly renovated in 2024. The spacious suites at this extended-stay hotel in downtown Chicago feature brand new, fully equipped kitchens. (Neighbourhood: Magnificent Mile)

Construction began in 2024 for The Duke of Wells, Hyatt Unbound Collection, which will offer Old Town neighbourhood elegance in 203 guest rooms. A rooftop lounge will provide spectacular views of Lake Michigan and the cityscape and a spa, fitness centre, and restaurant are also planned. (Neighbourhood: Old Town)

New airline lift

At O’Hare International Airport (International Flights):

The following flights from these Canadian cities will begin in 2025:

  • American Airlines is offering Halifax, CA service 1x weekly starting June 21, 2025 (through Oct. 4)
  • United Airlines is offering Edmonton, CA service 3x weekly starting May 24, 2025 (through Oct. 25)
  • WestJet is offering Edmonton, CA service 3x weekly starting June 4, 2025 (through Oct. 22)

Upcoming festivals, events and attractions

Experience everything Chicago theatre has to offer for just USD $15 or USD $30 (or less!). Chicago Theatre Week returns Feb. 6-16, 2025, featuring value-priced tickets to more than 100 performances at theatres across the city, from musicals to improv to dramas and beyond.

EXPO CHICAGO, The International Exposition of Contemporary and Modern Art, will return for its next edition April 24-27, 2025. Leading international galleries are hosted in Navy Pier’s Festival Hall, alongside one of the highest quality platforms for global contemporary art and culture.

Chicago has been selected as the host city for U.S. Travel Association’s IPW in 2025. The last time Chicago hosted the leading inbound travel trade show was in 2014. The conference will be held June 14-18, 2025, at McCormick Place.

Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago welcomes the return of its On Stage 2025 series January 31 – April 19, 2025. Four bold performances will confront colonial histories and cultural lineages to reveal the roots of society and performance today.

For a full list of what’s new and exciting in Chicago, click here!