Planning Your Trip to the WNBA All-Star Game in Chicago? Here’s What You Need to Know
- Apr 15
- 3 min read
Chicago is hosting the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game, and it’s shaping up to be an fun ass weekend. The big game is Saturday, July 25 at the United Center, and the skills competitions will be happening Friday July 24 at Wintrust Arena. If you’re thinking about making the trip, As a native Chicagoan/ experienced Summertime Chi-er, I’ve got the tips you need to elevate your weekend and experience it like it should be.
What’s Happening That Weekend
The All‑Star festivities are more than just the game:
Friday, July 24: 3‑Point Contest & Kia WNBA Skills Challenge at Wintrust Arena (Chicago Sky’s home)
WNBA Live: interactive fan festival with player appearances, performances, and culture activations at McCormick Place (across the street from Wintrust Arena)
Various community events/meetups: spotlighting outreach and engagement around Chicago
These activations are great ways to experience the sport and the city’s energy beyond the main event.
Where You Stay (It Matters)
My favorites for first‑timers:
River North / Streeterville: Trendy restaurants & walkability. This is very touristy, which is fine, just want to warn you ahead of time.
West Loop: Close to the United Center. Also boutique hotels + world‑class cuisine.
South Loop / Museum Campus: Close Wintrust Arena/McCormick Place. Also close to lakefront attractions and culture
These all put you in a great spot to enjoy more than just the game and make it easy to get to both event venues. Chicago has a great public transportation system and United Center has a very organized Rideshare situation. If you are driving, I would look into Spothero options ahead of time or figure out if the hotel you are interested in offers parking instead of depending on street parking. Street parking can be a bit dodgy if you don't know what to look for or think you can plop your car somewhere. The city will politely tow your car with a quickness.
Things Worth Adding On If It’s Your First Time
Chicago is one of those places that’s as fun outside the stadium as it is inside it especially in summer. There is a sound reason that Chicagoans (me) are snobby little shits and can't stop bragging about our city. Here are some of my favorite things to suggest to clients who want a cultural, local vibe:
Architecture Boat Tour on the Chicago River: If you do one thing in Chicago, this is it. The city’s skyline is a masterpiece of design, and the architecture tours give you the stories behind it... plus, it’s seriously a Chicago classic. Click here to book
Chicago Riverwalk : A stroll along the Riverwalk is perfect for lunch, drinks, or a break between events. There are cafes, artisan bites, and bars right on the water: great for pacing your weekend.
Walking & Food Tours: Chicago offers a variety of tours that let you explore neighborhoods while tasting local cuisine: from River North, Chinatown, and Wicker Park to chef-driven foodie experiences downtown. This is one of my favorite ones to book to give you a taste of Chicago: Click here
Black History Tours: Explore historically Black neighborhoods like Bronzeville through guided tours that highlight culture, heritage, and landmarks, often including stops at local galleries and Black-owned restaurants. Click here to book
Have a Time & Make It Your Weekend
Chicago is huge with a lot of personality: don’t try to see it all in a weekend. Focus on what matters most to you and let the city’s energy do the rest. Chicago is a city that rewards a little planning and a lot of curiosity. From the All-Star action to hidden foodie spots, iconic architecture, and rich cultural neighborhoods, there’s a lot to see, taste, and experience.
If you want a weekend that’s fun, smooth, and curated (so you don’t have to stress about logistics, timing, or missing out on the best experiences), I’d love to help you plan it. Let’s make your WNBA All-Star weekend truly unforgettable. Fill out the inquiry form using the button below to get started.
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