Why are hotels so expensive in Chicago this week?

McCormick Place mega-shows like PACK EXPO, RSNA and AHR Expo, plus Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks, Fire and Stars games and United Center concerts. We track 90 events from official calendars through Feb 6, 2027, ranked by date with a plain rating of how much each one squeezes hotel rooms.

This week in Chicago

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Pick your dates

Quieter weeks coming up

Weeks with no High-rated event and the fewest tracked events. Fewer events usually means better prices, but not always.

Week by week

high 30,000+ people or a marquee event medium 10,000 to 29,999, NFL games, stadium shows low smaller or attendance not published. Full rule

Oct 12 to Oct 18

PACK EXPO International

Very busy

high PACK EXPO International
Oct 18 to Oct 21 · McCormick Place · 48,000 (expected)

48,000 people (expected), 30,000 or more is High. Official source
low 2 routine pro games (NHL, NWSL regular season, not counted in the week rating). Show
- low Blackhawks vs Dallas Stars
  Oct 17 · United Center
  
  NHL regular-season game: mostly local fans, so little effect on citywide hotel prices. Official source
- low Chicago Stars FC vs Seattle Reign FC
  Oct 18 · Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium
  
  NWSL regular-season game: mostly local fans, so little effect on citywide hotel prices. Official source

Oct 19 to Oct 25

PACK EXPO International, Bears vs Patriots

Very busy

high PACK EXPO International
Oct 18 to Oct 21 · McCormick Place · 48,000 (expected)

48,000 people (expected), 30,000 or more is High. Official source
medium Bears vs Patriots
Oct 22 · Soldier Field

NFL home game: about 60,000+ fans, many from out of town. Official source
low Disney Descendants, Zombies, & Camp Rock
Oct 19 · United Center

Arena show: mostly local fans, one night. Official source
low 4 routine pro games (NBA, NHL, NWSL regular season, not counted in the week rating). Show
- low Blackhawks vs Montréal Canadiens
  Oct 23 · United Center
  
  NHL regular-season game: mostly local fans, so little effect on citywide hotel prices. Official source
- low Chicago Stars FC vs Houston Dash
  Oct 23 · Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium
  
  NWSL regular-season game: mostly local fans, so little effect on citywide hotel prices. Official source
- low Bulls vs Washington Wizards
  Oct 24 · United Center
  
  NBA regular-season game: mostly local fans, so little effect on citywide hotel prices. Official source
- low Blackhawks vs Florida Panthers
  Oct 25 · United Center
  
  NHL regular-season game: mostly local fans, so little effect on citywide hotel prices. Official source

Oct 26 to Nov 1

ANCC Magnet & Pathway Conference

Busy

medium ANCC Magnet & Pathway Conference
Oct 29 to Oct 31 · McCormick Place · 13,000 (last edition)

13,000 people (prior edition), 10,000 to 29,999 is Medium. Preconference sessions start Oct 26. The 2025 conference drew more than 13,000 nurses (American Nurses Association). Official source
low Rod Wave
Oct 31 to Nov 1 · United Center

Arena show: mostly local fans, one night. Official source
low 3 routine pro games (MLS, NBA, NHL regular season, not counted in the week rating). Show
- low Blackhawks vs Los Angeles Kings
  Oct 27 · United Center
  
  NHL regular-season game: mostly local fans, so little effect on citywide hotel prices. Official source
- low Bulls vs New York Knicks
  Oct 28 · United Center
  
  NBA regular-season game: mostly local fans, so little effect on citywide hotel prices. Official source
- low Chicago Fire vs Orlando City
  Oct 28 · Soldier Field
  
  MLS regular-season game: mostly local fans, so little effect on citywide hotel prices. Official source

Nov 2 to Nov 8

AHA Scientific Sessions, Bears vs Buccaneers

Busy

medium AHA Scientific Sessions
Nov 6 to Nov 9 · McCormick Place · 12,900 (expected)

12,900 people (expected), 10,000 to 29,999 is Medium. Official source
medium Bears vs Buccaneers
Nov 8 · Soldier Field

NFL home game: about 60,000+ fans, many from out of town. Official source
low Sombr
Nov 4 · United Center

Arena show: mostly local fans, one night. Official source
low Katseye
Nov 5 · United Center

Arena show: mostly local fans, one night. Official source
low Swerv & Friends Part 2
Nov 6 · United Center

Arena show: mostly local fans, one night. Official source
low Dave Matthews Band
Nov 7 · United Center

Arena show: mostly local fans, one night. Official source
low 3 routine pro games (MLS, NBA, NHL regular season, not counted in the week rating). Show
- low Blackhawks vs Colorado Avalanche
  Nov 2 · United Center
  
  NHL regular-season game: mostly local fans, so little effect on citywide hotel prices. Official source
- low Chicago Fire vs Columbus Crew
  Nov 7 · SeatGeek Stadium
  
  MLS regular-season game: mostly local fans, so little effect on citywide hotel prices. Official source
- low Bulls vs Philadelphia 76ers
  Nov 8 · United Center
  
  NBA regular-season game: mostly local fans, so little effect on citywide hotel prices. Official source

Nov 9 to Nov 15

AHA Scientific Sessions, SC26 Supercomputing Conference

Busy

medium AHA Scientific Sessions
Nov 6 to Nov 9 · McCormick Place · 12,900 (expected)

12,900 people (expected), 10,000 to 29,999 is Medium. Official source
medium SC26 Supercomputing Conference
Nov 15 to Nov 20 · McCormick Place · 18,000 (expected)

18,000 people (expected), 10,000 to 29,999 is Medium. Official source
low XG
Nov 9 · United Center

Arena show: mostly local fans, one night. Official source
low State Farm Champions Classic
Nov 10 · United Center

Arena show: mostly local fans, one night. Official source
low JVA Chi-Town Boys Challenge
Nov 13 to Nov 15 · McCormick Place

Attendance not published, so we rate it Low until we know more. Listed on the Choose Chicago convention calendar. Official source
low 2026 Legends Classic presented by Old Trapper
Nov 15 · United Center

Arena show: mostly local fans, one night. Official source
low 4 routine pro games (NBA, NHL regular season, not counted in the week rating). Show
- low Bulls vs San Antonio Spurs
  Nov 11 · United Center
  
  NBA regular-season game: mostly local fans, so little effect on citywide hotel prices. Official source
- low Blackhawks vs Buffalo Sabres
  Nov 12 · United Center
  
  NHL regular-season game: mostly local fans, so little effect on citywide hotel prices. Official source
- low Bulls vs Atlanta Hawks
  Nov 13 · United Center
  
  NBA regular-season game: mostly local fans, so little effect on citywide hotel prices. Official source
- low Blackhawks vs Winnipeg Jets
  Nov 14 · United Center
  
  NHL regular-season game: mostly local fans, so little effect on citywide hotel prices. Official source

Nov 16 to Nov 22

SC26 Supercomputing Conference, Bears vs Saints

Busy

medium SC26 Supercomputing Conference
Nov 15 to Nov 20 · McCormick Place · 18,000 (expected)

18,000 people (expected), 10,000 to 29,999 is Medium. Official source
medium Bears vs Saints
Nov 22 · Soldier Field

NFL home game: about 60,000+ fans, many from out of town. Official source
low The Neighbourhood
Nov 18 · United Center

Arena show: mostly local fans, one night. Official source
low Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
Nov 21 · Michigan Avenue

One-evening parade, mostly a regional crowd. Official source
low Stevie Wonder
Nov 21 · United Center

Arena show: mostly local fans, one night. Official source
low 4 routine pro games (NBA, NHL regular season, not counted in the week rating). Show
- low Blackhawks vs Toronto Maple Leafs
  Nov 17 · United Center
  
  NHL regular-season game: mostly local fans, so little effect on citywide hotel prices. Official source
- low Blackhawks vs Columbus Blue Jackets
  Nov 19 · United Center
  
  NHL regular-season game: mostly local fans, so little effect on citywide hotel prices. Official source
- low Bulls vs Washington Wizards
  Nov 20 · United Center
  
  NBA regular-season game: mostly local fans, so little effect on citywide hotel prices. Official source
- low Bulls vs Denver Nuggets
  Nov 22 · United Center
  
  NBA regular-season game: mostly local fans, so little effect on citywide hotel prices. Official source

Nov 23 to Nov 29

RSNA Annual Meeting

Very busy

high RSNA Annual Meeting
Nov 29 to Dec 3 · McCormick Place · 38,000 (last edition)

38,000 people (prior edition), 30,000 or more is High. Official source
low John Summit
Nov 24 to Nov 25 · United Center

Arena show: mostly local fans, one night. Official source
low Chicago Thanksgiving Parade
Nov 26 · State Street

Holiday: affects some travel, not a citywide crunch. Official source
low Thanksgiving
Nov 26 · Citywide

Holiday: affects some travel, not a citywide crunch. Business travel drops, so many hotels get cheaper this week. Official source
low 4 routine pro games (NBA, NHL regular season, not counted in the week rating). Show
- low Bulls vs Cleveland Cavaliers
  Nov 23 · United Center
  
  NBA regular-season game: mostly local fans, so little effect on citywide hotel prices. Official source
- low Blackhawks vs New York Rangers
  Nov 27 · United Center
  
  NHL regular-season game: mostly local fans, so little effect on citywide hotel prices. Official source
- low Bulls vs Indiana Pacers
  Nov 28 · United Center
  
  NBA regular-season game: mostly local fans, so little effect on citywide hotel prices. Official source
- low Blackhawks vs Minnesota Wild
  Nov 29 · United Center
  
  NHL regular-season game: mostly local fans, so little effect on citywide hotel prices. Official source

Nov 30 to Dec 6

RSNA Annual Meeting, Bears vs Jaguars

Very busy

high RSNA Annual Meeting
Nov 29 to Dec 3 · McCormick Place · 38,000 (last edition)

38,000 people (prior edition), 30,000 or more is High. Official source
medium Bears vs Jaguars
Dec 6 · Soldier Field

NFL home game: about 60,000+ fans, many from out of town. Official source
low Brent Faiyaz
Nov 30 · United Center

Arena show: mostly local fans, one night. Official source
low Illinois VS. UConn
Dec 4 · United Center

Arena show: mostly local fans, one night. Official source
low 3 routine pro games (NBA, NHL regular season, not counted in the week rating). Show
- low Bulls vs New York Knicks
  Dec 1 · United Center
  
  NBA regular-season game: mostly local fans, so little effect on citywide hotel prices. Official source
- low Bulls vs Cleveland Cavaliers
  Dec 3 · United Center
  
  NBA regular-season game: mostly local fans, so little effect on citywide hotel prices. Official source
- low Blackhawks vs Edmonton Oilers
  Dec 6 · United Center
  
  NHL regular-season game: mostly local fans, so little effect on citywide hotel prices. Official source

Dec 7 to Dec 13

Only routine pro games

Calmer

low 2 routine pro games (NBA, NHL regular season, not counted in the week rating). Show
- low Blackhawks vs Utah Mammoth
  Dec 12 · United Center
  
  NHL regular-season game: mostly local fans, so little effect on citywide hotel prices. Official source
- low Bulls vs Houston Rockets
  Dec 13 · United Center
  
  NBA regular-season game: mostly local fans, so little effect on citywide hotel prices. Official source

Dec 14 to Dec 20

The Midwest Clinic (band and orchestra)

Busy

medium The Midwest Clinic (band and orchestra)
Dec 16 to Dec 18 · McCormick Place · 18,000 (published)

18,000 people (published), 10,000 to 29,999 is Medium. Official source
low Nick Cannon Presents Wild 'N Out Live!
Dec 17 · United Center

Arena show: mostly local fans, one night. Official source
low PBR Chicago
Dec 19 to Dec 20 · United Center

Arena show: mostly local fans, one night. Official source
low 2 routine pro games (NBA regular season, not counted in the week rating). Show
- low Bulls vs Miami Heat
  Dec 14 · United Center
  
  NBA regular-season game: mostly local fans, so little effect on citywide hotel prices. Official source
- low Bulls vs Utah Jazz
  Dec 16 · United Center
  
  NBA regular-season game: mostly local fans, so little effect on citywide hotel prices. Official source

Dec 21 to Dec 27

Bears vs Packers

Busy

medium Bears vs Packers
Dec 25 · Soldier Field

NFL home game: about 60,000+ fans, many from out of town. Official source
low MASCON Annual Convention
Dec 26 to Dec 28 · McCormick Place

Attendance not published, so we rate it Low until we know more. Listed on the Choose Chicago convention calendar. Official source
low 2 routine pro games (NBA, NHL regular season, not counted in the week rating). Show
- low Bulls vs Detroit Pistons
  Dec 26 · United Center
  
  NBA regular-season game: mostly local fans, so little effect on citywide hotel prices. Official source
- low Blackhawks vs Philadelphia Flyers
  Dec 27 · United Center
  
  NHL regular-season game: mostly local fans, so little effect on citywide hotel prices. Official source

Dec 28 to Jan 3

Bears vs Lions

Busy

medium Bears vs Lions
Jan 3 · Soldier Field

NFL home game: about 60,000+ fans, many from out of town. Official source
low MASCON Annual Convention
Dec 26 to Dec 28 · McCormick Place

Attendance not published, so we rate it Low until we know more. Listed on the Choose Chicago convention calendar. Official source
low New Year's Eve
Dec 31 to Jan 1 · Citywide

Holiday: affects some travel, not a citywide crunch. Official source
low 4 routine pro games (NBA, NHL regular season, not counted in the week rating). Show
- low Blackhawks vs Vegas Golden Knights
  Dec 29 · United Center
  
  NHL regular-season game: mostly local fans, so little effect on citywide hotel prices. Official source
- low Bulls vs Boston Celtics
  Dec 30 · United Center
  
  NBA regular-season game: mostly local fans, so little effect on citywide hotel prices. Official source
- low Blackhawks vs Boston Bruins
  Jan 1 · United Center
  
  NHL regular-season game: mostly local fans, so little effect on citywide hotel prices. Official source
- low Bulls vs Los Angeles Lakers
  Jan 2 · United Center
  
  NBA regular-season game: mostly local fans, so little effect on citywide hotel prices. Official source

Jan 4 to Jan 10

ABCA Convention (baseball coaches)

Busy

medium ABCA Convention (baseball coaches)
Jan 7 to Jan 10 · McCormick Place · 10,000 (published)

10,000 people (published), 10,000 to 29,999 is Medium. Official source
low Matt Rife
Jan 7 · United Center

Arena show: mostly local fans, one night. Official source
low 1 routine pro game (NBA regular season, not counted in the week rating). Show
- low Bulls vs Milwaukee Bucks
  Jan 5 · United Center
  
  NBA regular-season game: mostly local fans, so little effect on citywide hotel prices. Official source

Jan 11 to Jan 17

1 smaller events

Calmer

low Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend
Jan 16 to Jan 18 · Citywide

Holiday: affects some travel, not a citywide crunch. Official source
low 4 routine pro games (NBA, NHL regular season, not counted in the week rating). Show
- low Blackhawks vs Utah Mammoth
  Jan 12 · United Center
  
  NHL regular-season game: mostly local fans, so little effect on citywide hotel prices. Official source
- low Bulls vs Minnesota Timberwolves
  Jan 14 · United Center
  
  NBA regular-season game: mostly local fans, so little effect on citywide hotel prices. Official source
- low Blackhawks vs Detroit Red Wings
  Jan 16 · United Center
  
  NHL regular-season game: mostly local fans, so little effect on citywide hotel prices. Official source
- low Bulls vs Toronto Raptors
  Jan 17 · United Center
  
  NBA regular-season game: mostly local fans, so little effect on citywide hotel prices. Official source

Jan 18 to Jan 24

1 smaller events

Calmer

low Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend
Jan 16 to Jan 18 · Citywide

Holiday: affects some travel, not a citywide crunch. Official source
low 5 routine pro games (NBA, NHL regular season, not counted in the week rating). Show
- low Blackhawks vs Calgary Flames
  Jan 18 · United Center
  
  NHL regular-season game: mostly local fans, so little effect on citywide hotel prices. Official source
- low Blackhawks vs Dallas Stars
  Jan 20 · United Center
  
  NHL regular-season game: mostly local fans, so little effect on citywide hotel prices. Official source
- low Blackhawks vs Vancouver Canucks
  Jan 22 · United Center
  
  NHL regular-season game: mostly local fans, so little effect on citywide hotel prices. Official source
- low Bulls vs Philadelphia 76ers
  Jan 23 · United Center
  
  NBA regular-season game: mostly local fans, so little effect on citywide hotel prices. Official source
- low Blackhawks vs Vegas Golden Knights
  Jan 24 · United Center
  
  NHL regular-season game: mostly local fans, so little effect on citywide hotel prices. Official source

Jan 25 to Jan 31

AHR Expo (HVACR)

Very busy

high AHR Expo (HVACR)
Jan 25 to Jan 27 · McCormick Place · 50,000 (expected)

50,000 people (expected), 30,000 or more is High. Official source
low Disney On Ice
Jan 28 to Jan 31 · United Center

Arena show: mostly local fans, one night. Official source
low 1 routine pro game (NBA regular season, not counted in the week rating). Show
- low Bulls vs Dallas Mavericks
  Jan 25 · United Center
  
  NBA regular-season game: mostly local fans, so little effect on citywide hotel prices. Official source

Feb 1 to Feb 7

1 smaller events

Calmer

low Leanne Morgan
Feb 5 · United Center

Arena show: mostly local fans, one night. Official source
low 2 routine pro games (NBA regular season, not counted in the week rating). Show
- low Bulls vs Oklahoma City Thunder
  Feb 4 · United Center
  
  NBA regular-season game: mostly local fans, so little effect on citywide hotel prices. Official source
- low Bulls vs New Orleans Pelicans
  Feb 6 · United Center
  
  NBA regular-season game: mostly local fans, so little effect on citywide hotel prices. Official source

Price spike alerts (coming soon)

We are building an email heads-up when a big event lands on your travel dates. Not live yet, so nothing is collected here.