Chicago Theatre Announces Star-Studded 100th Anniversary Celebration Lineup

The glowing red letters of the Chicago Theatre marquee have beckoned audiences to “the Wonder Theatre of the World” since 1921. Now, as the beloved State Street landmark approaches its centennial anniversary, venue operators have unveiled an ambitious year-long celebration featuring some of the biggest names in music, comedy, and the performing arts.

The programming slate, announced Wednesday at a press conference in the theatre’s grand lobby, includes headlining performances by hometown hero Jennifer Hudson, hip-hop artist Chance the Rapper, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, comedian Tracy Morgan, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, among dozens of other acts scheduled throughout 2026.

“This theatre has been the heart of Chicago’s entertainment scene for 100 years,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson, who attended the announcement alongside venue executives and city cultural leaders. “It has hosted presidents, movie premieres, and some of the greatest performers who ever lived. This celebration honors that legacy while looking forward to the next century.”

A Century of Magic

When the Chicago Theatre opened its doors on October 26, 1921, it was the flagship of the Balaban and Katz theater chain—a 3,600-seat movie palace designed to make every audience member feel like royalty. Architects Cornelius and George Rapp modeled the interior after the Royal Chapel at Versailles, creating an opulent space of gilded ornamentation, crystal chandeliers, and sweeping staircases.

In the decades that followed, the theatre evolved alongside the entertainment industry. It hosted vaudeville shows in the 1920s, movie premieres in the golden age of Hollywood, rock concerts in the 1970s, and eventually the full spectrum of live entertainment that fills its calendar today. Frank Sinatra, Duke Ellington, Aretha Franklin, Prince, and countless other legends have graced its stage.

“Every performer who stands on that stage becomes part of a lineage,” said Jennifer Hudson, speaking via video message during the announcement. “I grew up in Chicago dreaming about the Chicago Theatre. To be part of this celebration is beyond anything I could have imagined.”

Hudson will headline a gala concert on October 26, 2026—the exact centennial anniversary—performing a career-spanning set that promises to showcase why she remains one of the most powerful voices in American music.

The Lineup

The centennial programming spans virtually every genre and appeals to audiences across generations. Highlights include:

Music:

• Jennifer Hudson (October 26, 2026) — Centennial Gala headliner
• Chance the Rapper (March 2026) — Multi-night hometown residency
• Yo-Yo Ma (April 2026) — Solo cello recital
• Chicago Symphony Orchestra (May 2026) — Pops concert with film scoring tribute
• Wilco (September 2026) — Two nights celebrating another Chicago institution
• Common (October 2026) — Centennial weekend performance

Comedy:

• Tracy Morgan (February 2026)
• John Mulaney (June 2026)
• Michelle Buteau (August 2026)

Special Events:

• “100 Years in 100 Minutes” documentary premiere (January 2026)
• Classic film screenings with live orchestra (monthly throughout 2026)
• Chicago Theatre Architecture Tour expansion (ongoing)

Single tickets for most events will go on sale in waves throughout 2026, though a limited “Centennial Pass” offering priority access to all events is available starting this month for $2,500.

Restoration and Renewal

The celebration coincides with the completion of a $25 million restoration project that has refreshed the theatre’s historic interior while upgrading its technical capabilities. Work included cleaning and restoring the ornate plasterwork, replacing aging seats, upgrading the sound system, and improving accessibility throughout the venue.

“We wanted to honor the Rapps’ original vision while ensuring the theatre can serve audiences for another 100 years,” said J. Christopher Burch, president of MSG Entertainment, which operates the venue. “Every detail has been attended to with care and respect for the building’s history.”

The restoration was funded through a combination of MSG Entertainment investment and historic preservation tax credits. The theatre remains a designated Chicago Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Community Programming

Beyond the headline acts, the centennial celebration includes programming designed to engage the broader Chicago community. A partnership with Chicago Public Schools will bring 10,000 students to the theatre for free educational performances and backstage tours. A “Next Century Artists” initiative will showcase emerging Chicago performers with a series of free lobby concerts throughout the year.

“The Chicago Theatre has always belonged to the people of this city,” said cultural affairs commissioner Erin Harkey. “This celebration reflects that—it’s not just about big names, but about making sure every Chicagoan can be part of this moment.”

The theatre is also launching an oral history project to collect memories from Chicagoans who have attended performances over the decades. Submissions can be made online at chicagotheatre.com/100years.

An Uncertain Path to Celebration

The centennial arrives after a tumultuous period for the historic venue. The COVID-19 pandemic shuttered the theatre for more than a year, threatening its viability. Recovery has been gradual, with attendance only returning to pre-pandemic levels in 2024.

“There were moments during the pandemic when we weren’t sure the theatre would survive,” admitted Burch. “But Chicago rallied around this place. The outpouring of support reminded us why this theatre matters so much to so many people.”

The venue has also navigated recent debates about its owner, MSG Entertainment, whose chairman James Dolan has drawn criticism for using facial recognition technology to bar critics from MSG properties. Thus far, the Chicago Theatre has not implemented such policies, and venue officials say they have no plans to do so.

Looking Forward

As the Chicago Theatre enters its second century, its role in the city’s cultural life shows no signs of diminishing. The venue hosts approximately 200 events annually, drawing more than 500,000 visitors and generating significant economic activity for the surrounding Loop neighborhood.

“Every city has landmarks, but not every city has a landmark that’s still alive—still creating new memories, still bringing people together,” Johnson said. “The Chicago Theatre isn’t just a building. It’s a gathering place for our city. Here’s to 100 more years.”

The centennial programming officially begins in January 2026. For tickets and information, visit chicagotheatre.com/100years.