ASCO Annual Meeting 2027: what to do in Chicago after hours

28 May to 1 June 2027 · ExpectedChicago, United StatesThe largest oncology meeting in the world

ASCO Annual Meeting keeps attendees on the show floor all day and leaves the evenings, the day after and partners' days free. This guide covers dinners that need booking, evening outings, a companion day and the day after in Chicago.

Know before you go

Airport to McCormick Place

O'Hare (ORD) has the CTA Blue Line to the Loop in 45 minutes; Midway (MDW) has the Orange Line in 25 minutes.

Shuttle buses run from official hotels; Metra Electric to McCormick Place station.

Public transport directions to McCormick Place

Where to stay by budget

BudgetWhereWhy
BudgetWest Loop and South LoopNear McCormick Place and the trains.
Mid-rangeRiver North and the LoopWalk to the river and Millennium Park.
SplurgeMagnificent Mile and Gold CoastGrand hotels by the lake.

Three hotels we would book

Links search the nights from 27 May to 2 June. Event weekends sell out early and prices rise as the date gets closer: book a cancellable room as soon as you know you are going.

Day plans for the free hours

Built around the usual congress week schedule for 28 May to 1 June 2027. Session times change: check the official timetable and move the blocks around.

Evening one

Friday 28 May

After the show floor closes: dinner and a short evening outing.

Evening two

Saturday 29 May

Team dinner night. Book early: every group in town wants the same tables.

Companion day

Saturday 29 May

For partners who came along and do not have a badge.

  • Free ideaMillennium Park and the Bean.

The day after the show

Wednesday 2 June

Push the flight back a day. A full free day costs little and the city empties out.

Team outing

For corporate groups of 10 to 40: private tours and tastings book out first.

Family-friendly picks

Half day · Low walking · Family

Chicago Architecture Center river cruise

The famous 90-minute river cruise.

Half day · Family · Indoor

Skydeck at Willis Tower

Glass ledge 103 floors up.

Half day · Family

Bike tour of the lakefront

Lakefront trail and parks.

Evening and day-trip tours

Evening · Nightlife

Blues club night

Live blues in the city that electrified it.

Evening · Low walking · Nightlife

Lake Michigan sunset cruise

Skyline from the lake.

Evening · Nightlife

Gangsters and ghosts tour

Prohibition history.

After dark

8 tours worth booking for ASCO Annual Meeting

TourLengthGood for
Art Institute of ChicagoHalf dayBad weather, Tired legs
Chicago Architecture Center river cruiseHalf dayTired legs, Families
Deep-dish pizza and food tourHalf dayFood lovers
Skydeck at Willis TowerHalf dayFamilies, Bad weather
Bike tour of the lakefrontHalf dayFamilies
Blues club nightEveningNight owls
Lake Michigan sunset cruiseEveningTired legs, Night owls
Gangsters and ghosts tourEveningNight owls

Event weeks sell out. Book tours with free cancellation as soon as the session times are published.

Where to eat

Reserve dinner for the nights around the event: restaurants near the venue fill up days ahead.

Rainy-day backups

Half day · Indoor · Low walking

Art Institute of Chicago

World-class collection.

Half day · Family · Indoor

Skydeck at Willis Tower

Glass ledge 103 floors up.

Getting around on event days

Day trips from Chicago

Bringing a group?

Corporate hospitality, fan clubs, teams and families travelling together: tell us the dates and group size and we will put together tours, transfers and a group dinner for ASCO Annual Meeting.

Plan a group trip

Questions people ask

When is ASCO Annual Meeting 2027?

The next edition is 28 May to 1 June 2027, following the usual pattern. The organiser has not confirmed it yet.

How do I get from the airport to McCormick Place?

O'Hare (ORD) has the CTA Blue Line to the Loop in 45 minutes; Midway (MDW) has the Orange Line in 25 minutes. Shuttle buses run from official hotels; Metra Electric to McCormick Place station.

Where should I stay for ASCO Annual Meeting?

For most visitors the best base is River North and the Loop: Walk to the river and Millennium Park.

What can we do between sessions at ASCO Annual Meeting?

Good short outings in Chicago include Chicago Architecture Center river cruise, Deep-dish pizza and food tour, Skydeck at Willis Tower. See the day plans on this page for a full schedule.

What is there for kids and families near ASCO Annual Meeting?

Family-friendly picks: Chicago Architecture Center river cruise, Skydeck at Willis Tower, Bike tour of the lakefront. Field Museum.

How far is McCormick Place from Chicago centre?

About 3 km in a straight line. Shuttle buses run from official hotels; Metra Electric to McCormick Place station.

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