Why should you join the Drupal community in Chicago this March?

"DrupalCon Chicago 2026, happening March 23–26 at the Hilton Chicago offers incredible value for web professionals and enthusiasts alike with professional training options, sector-focused summits, deep dive sessions and workshops, a full hands-on Drupal in a Day introduction seminar and contribution opportunities."

Look. I know you’ve seen that everywhere at this point, but hear me out. It’s been over a decade since DrupalCon North America has seen the interior of the continent (since 2014 in Austin, to be specific). Every year either the Techies on the West coast fly 6 hours east or the Govvies on the East coast fly 6 hours west. What if we all just met in the middle?

Enter… Chicago.

Chicago

Image Source: Photo by Neal Kharawala on Unsplash

We’ve got one of the most connected airports on the continent, and a smaller one too if you want. Both airports are connected to downtown with $2.50 public transit rides. Take the train if riding the rails suits you. Parking downtown isn’t even that bad. 

We have 20 Michelin Star restaurants. We have over 200 neighborhoods, each with their own unique character (if you can take your eyes off of our skyscrapers… we invented those too, you know). 

Ok, fine, we know what ya’ll really want… how about a city with its own design system and municipal typeface?

But enough about me. I asked some other Drupal folks what one thing they recommended you check out during your time here at DrupalCon. You’ll literally be staying “in the Loop” and there’s no better home base for exploring the city. Here’s what they had to say:

  • The Chicago Cultural Center is an often-overlooked gem right in downtown Chicago, and it’s free! Inside contains incredible architecture, insanely detailed stained glass domes, and a nice Chicago gift shop. ~ Avi Schwab (froboy) (oops, yea that’s me again)

  • DrupalCons are the time of large group dinners and there is no better place than The Purple Pig, north of the Hilton on Michigan Ave. I have fond memories of the last DrupalCon Chicago participating in the "bite-bite-pass" rule and trying so many amazing dishes.
    P.S. Don't let anyone trick you into drinking Malört, the local legendary spirt. Choose so boldly, or not at all, and that's ok. ~ Kevin Thull (kthull)

  • Try a Chicago hot dog and Italian beef. Deep dish is good too… You’d be surprised how many times I heard the traditional food in the USA was just burgers and fries and yet every city has their own thing, but you don't know when you landed and have 5 days to get everything else done. ~ Bernardo Martinez (bernardm28)

  • [In the Pilsen neighborhood,] the food was amazing, the art, the murals, and the people were SOOO nice.  ~ My Wife ~ Eric Wheeler (sikofitt)

  • The Chicago History Museum is great and not too far from the venue. For an iconic Chicago dog place, visit Wiener Circle. (Editor’s note: but … be prepared.) ~ Doug Dobrzynski (dobrzyns)

  • Gaze in wonder at both big pointy teeth and tiny pointy teeth at the Field Museum! Get tacos from one of the trucks on Monroe St. outside the Art Institute. Or take the CTA Pink Line to 18th St. for tacos at Taqueria El Mezquite or the more upscale (but still casual) 5 Rabanitos.
    Also near the Pink Line is the National Museum of Mexican Art, which has a great collection. There are also too many kinds of pizza to count. ~ Brian Smith (brianbrarian)

  • Get "on a Boat" for an Architecture Tour. Visit Chinatown. Take a walk in a park (Grant Park & Millenium Park are closeby, but we have 8,800 acres of them). Catch a show (HAMILTON!!!) at the CIBC Theater or one of many stand-up venues. ~ Norah Medlin (tekNorah)

MidCamp 2025 photo

Image Source: Avi Schwab

That’s… a lot. I’ve been here for 25 years and I still haven’t hit all of those. You’ll have a couple of days (and theoretically conference things to go to as well). 

Speaking of the conference, it’s looking to be a busy one. (Almost as busy as the last time DrupalCon was here and Dries created the Drupal 8 branch on stage.)

If you’re looking to find your people or just reconnect, you can choose from one of seven industry summits on Monday. If you’re not sure where to start, you can sign up for professional training instead. Tuesday and Wednesday will bring a boatload of sessions (still to-be-announced) along with our two keynote speakers — both of whom will give us some insight into what the future will hold, for Drupal and for humanity. Thursday is Contribution Day, where everyone has a chance to give back to the project (it’s not just code!). Or if you’re new to Drupal and looking for more guidance, our free, hands-on, Drupal in a Day program could be right for you.

MidCamp photo

Image Source: MidCamp Flickr, licensed as CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Finally, we understand that travel might not be in the cards for you right now. 2025 was a lot. It may not be the right time for you to join us in Chicago. That’s ok. 

If you’re not able to join us, consider supporting Drupal and Open Source by becoming a Ripple Maker for as little as $1, or subscribe to the many Drupal Newsletters (they’re free).

I hope to see you there,

Avi Schwab

DrupalCon Chicago Steering Committee

This post was written by humans.