Evening one
Monday 11 SeptemberAfter the show floor closes: dinner and a short evening outing.
- EveningBlues club night
- EatGirl and the Goat
IMTS 2028: what to do in Chicago after hours
11 to 16 September 2028 · ExpectedChicago, United States
IMTS 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.
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.
Metra Electric to McCormick Place or shuttles from hotels.
Public transport directions to McCormick Place
Where to stay by budget
| Budget | Where | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | West Loop and South Loop | Near McCormick Place and the trains. |
| Mid-range | River North and the Loop | Walk to the river and Millennium Park. |
| Splurge | Magnificent Mile and Gold Coast | Grand hotels by the lake. |
Three hotels we would book
- Budget: Hotel Chicago West Loop
- Mid-range: Hotel Julian Chicago
- Splurge: The Peninsula Chicago
Day plans for the free hours
Built around the usual show week schedule for 11 to 16 September 2028. Session times change: check the official timetable and move the blocks around.
Evening two
Tuesday 12 SeptemberTeam dinner night. Book early: every group in town wants the same tables.
- EatPequod's
- After darkRiver North and Wicker Park.
Companion day
Tuesday 12 SeptemberFor partners who came along and do not have a badge.
- Free ideaMillennium Park and the Bean.
The day after the show
Sunday 17 SeptemberPush the flight back a day. A full free day costs little and the city empties out.
- Half-daySkydeck at Willis Tower
- EatLou Malnati's
- FreeLincoln Park Zoo.
Team outing
For corporate groups of 10 to 40: private tours and tastings book out first.
- EatPortillo's
- EveningLake Michigan sunset cruise
Family-friendly picks
Half day · Low walking · Family
Chicago Architecture Center river cruise
The famous 90-minute river cruise.
- Field Museum.
- Shedd Aquarium.
- Museum of Science and Industry.
Evening and day-trip tours
After dark
- River North and Wicker Park.
8 tours worth booking for IMTS
| Tour | Length | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Skydeck at Willis Tower | Half day | Families, Bad weather |
| Bike tour of the lakefront | Half day | Families |
| Art Institute of Chicago | Half day | Bad weather, Tired legs |
| Chicago Architecture Center river cruise | Half day | Tired legs, Families |
| Deep-dish pizza and food tour | Half day | Food lovers |
| Blues club night | Evening | Night owls |
| Lake Michigan sunset cruise | Evening | Tired legs, Night owls |
| Gangsters and ghosts tour | Evening | Night owls |
Where to eat
Rainy-day backups
- Art Institute.
- Field Museum.
Getting around on event days
- CTA L trains and buses take contactless. McCormick Place has a Metra station and the #3 bus.
Day trips from Chicago
- Milwaukee: 1.5 hours by train
- Indiana Dunes: 1 hour
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 IMTS.
Plan a group tripQuestions people ask
When is IMTS 2028?
The next edition is 11 to 16 September 2028, 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. Metra Electric to McCormick Place or shuttles from hotels.
Where should I stay for IMTS?
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 IMTS?
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 IMTS?
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. Metra Electric to McCormick Place or shuttles from hotels.
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