Open House Chicago 2026: Everything to know about dates, neighborhoods and best sites to see

If you’ve ever wondered what the inside of the circular “scientist” church on Wacker looks like or what the yacht club inside the massive boat docked along the Lakefront Trail is like, now is your chance to find out. 

This weekend, more than 200 buildings across the city are opening their doors to the public for the 16th annual Open House Chicago architecture festival. Access to every participating site is free, and visitors are welcome to explore the buildings—many of which are usually off-limits to the public—at their own pace.

Open House Chicago is organized by the Chicago Architecture Center, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the city’s most iconic sites, from North Side Rogers Park to Beverly and Roseland on the South Side. Here’s everything you need to know about Open House Chicago 2026.

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Does Open House Chicago have free entry?

Yes, Open House Chicago is a free festival open to all.

What are the Open House Chicago dates and hours?

Open House Chicago takes place on Saturday, October 17, and Sunday, October 18. Most sites are open from 10am to 5pm, but check the 2026 Open House directory for specific locations’ opening hours. Some sites are only open on one day, so double-check the directory before you head out.

What neighborhoods are included in Open House Chicago?

Open House Chicago spans nearly 30 neighborhoods, including West Town (the coolest neighborhood in Chicago, according to Time Out). Other neighborhoods include Avondale, Chinatown, Hyde Park, Pilsen, Uptown and the Loop.

How do I plan my Open House Chicago weekend? 

If you’re looking for guidance on the best sites to visit or are interested in specific types of venues, check out Open House Chicago’s curated itineraries. There are 10 themed guides, including a theater-themed itinerary and an itinerary featuring the best rooftop venues. 

What are the best Open House Chicago sites to visit?

That obviously depends on what you’re looking for, but here are a few of the most interesting sites that we’re excited to check out:

• Walt Disney’s Home and Birthplace (Hermosa)
• Uptown Theatre (Uptown)
• Seventeenth Church of Christ, Scientist (Downtown)
• The Church of Sts. Volodymyr and Olha (Ukrainian Village/West Town)
• Pui Tak Center (Chinatown)
• Electrical Studio (Avondale)
• 5040-5060 North Marine Drive Condominiums (Uptown)

What sites are new to Open House Chicago this year?

There are 20 new sites added to the program this year. Highlights include the Blackhawk Ice Center, where the team practices; the iconic 100-year-old Uptown Theatre, which has been closed since 1981; and Farm Zero, an office-turned-farm inside a Loop skyscraper. 

Here’s a full list of new sites this year:

• Albany-Carroll Arts Building (Garfield Park/North Lawndale)
• BandWith Chicago (Garfield Park/North Lawndale)
• Blackhawks Ice Center (Near West Side)
• Broadway In Chicago's Cadillac Palace Theatre (Downtown)
• Bronzeville Black Metropolis National Heritage Area (Bronzeville/Kenwood)
• Chinese American Service League Kam Liu Building (Chinatown)
• FarmZero (Downtown)
• Griffin Museum of Science and Industry (Hyde Park)
• Muddy Waters MOJO Museum (Bronzeville/Kenwood)
• Narrow Bridge Arts Club (Woodlawn)
• Oak Woods Cemetery (Woodlawn)
• Olson Kundig (Near West Side)
• Sears Sunken Garden (Garfield Park/North Lawndale)
• Smashed Plastic Record Pressing (Hermosa)
• St. Pauls United Church of Christ (Lincoln Park)
• The Pittsfield Building (Downtown)
• TimeLine Theatre (Uptown)
• Uptown Theatre (Uptown)
• Windy City Bird Lab (Near West Side)
• Woman's Athletic Club of Chicago (Near North Side)

What is the Open House Chicago photo competition?

Attendees can submit shots from their visits for the annual Open House Chicago photo competition. This year’s theme celebrates the city’s diverse neighborhoods, and photographers (both amateur and professional) are invited to submit black-and-white, detail, interior, exterior, people and building images for consideration. CAC’s curatorial team will select a limited number of photos to be featured in an upcoming display at the Architecture Center. To be considered for the competition, photos must be taken on October 17 or 18, 2026, and be submitted by October 25, 2026, at 11:59 pm CDT.