Chicago Theatre Week, an annual celebration of Chicago’s theatre scene, was a resounding success with 17,185 tickets sold over the span of Chicago Theatre Week, February 5-15, 2026. Chicago Theatre Week is presented by the League of Chicago Theatres in partnership with Choose Chicago.
Sixty-six participating organizations sold tickets to a total of 417 individual performances of 85 different productions, with 33 neighborhoods and suburbs represented. Chicago Theatre Week also raised the visibility of the theater industry, as evidenced by 1,391 new followers on social media and 4,585 first-time Hot Tix customers.
For the fourth year, the League extended Chicago Theatre Week pricing on Hot Tix for one week as part of Chicago Theatre Week Continued, through February 22, 2026. During that time 64 participating organizations sold an extra 1,383 tickets for additional revenue totaling nearly $35,000.
During the 14th annual Chicago Theatre Week, visitors and residents had the opportunity to sample the extraordinary range of theatrical offerings throughout Chicagoland. Chicago Theatre Week celebrates an expansive audience, with more than 70% of attendees visiting their chosen theater for the first time. Some theatres even reported 70-95% of CTW patrons as new. The program draws visitors from across the country with 9% of patrons coming from beyond 50 miles of the city, including 37 states, the District of Columbia, and Canada.
“Across all 77 neighborhoods and beyond, stories unfold on storefront stages, in historic landmarks, in community spaces, and in theatres tucked between cafes and corner shops. Each venue carries its own rhythm. Each neighborhood adds its own voice. Together, they form one of the most diverse and dynamic theatre ecosystems in the country. The League of Chicago Theatres exists to support, promote, and advocate for this ecosystem,” comments League of Chicago Theatres Executive Director Marissa Lynn Jones. “Moving Chicago Theatre Week to the Hot Tix platform this season provided deeper insight into audience habits. With higher attendance than last year and a growing social media presence, Chicago’s diverse arts scene, from city neighborhoods to suburban troupes, remains a powerful draw for residents and tourists alike.”
Chicago Theatre Week’s impact at a glance:
- 17,185 tickets sold through League programs and promotions
- $404,277.25 in ticket revenue generated for participating theatres
- $110,505.25 in commissions returned to support theatre operations
- 85 participating productions and events promoted across the city
- 66 participating member theatres supported through marketing, advocacy, and resources
- 56% percent of patrons were Chicago area local residents
- On average, 72% percent of Theatre Week attendees were new to the theatres they attended. Some theatres reported between 70-95% of CTW patrons as New To File.
With continued support, the League will expand access to theatre, amplify diverse voices, and strengthen the ecosystem that makes Chicago a prominent destination for theatre.
The official hashtag for Chicago Theatre Week 2026 is #CTW26.
About Chicago theatre
Chicago theatre is the leader in the U.S. with more than 250 theatres throughout Chicagoland, comprising a rich and varied community ranging from storefront, non-union theatres to the most renowned resident theatres in the country, including 7 which have been honored with Regional Tony Awards, and the largest touring Broadway organization in the nation. Chicago’s theatres serve 5 million audience members annually and have a combined budget of more than $250 million. Chicago produces and/or presents more world premieres annually than any other city in the nation. Each year Chicago theatres send new work to resident theatres across the country, to Broadway, and around the world. For more information, visit www.chicagoplays.com.
The League of Chicago Theatres’ Mission Statement
Theatre is essential to the life of a great city and to its citizens. The League of Chicago Theatres is an alliance of theatres, which leverages its collective strength to support, promote and advocate for Chicago’s theatre industry. Through our work, we ensure that theatre continues to thrive in our city.
About Choose Chicago
Choose Chicago is the official sales and marketing organization responsible for promoting Chicago as a global visitor and meetings destination, leveraging the city’s unmatched assets to ensure the economic vitality of the city and its member business community.
About Choose Chicago
Choose Chicago is the official destination marketing organization responsible for promoting Chicago as a global tourism and meetings destination—the city that’s Never Done and Never Outdone. Choose Chicago leverages the city’s unmatched assets to enrich the community by attracting meetings, events, and more than 55 million annual visitors, generating over $20 billion in economic impact. Follow @choosechicago and tag #NeverOutdoneChi on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and X/Twitter. For more information, visit choosechicago.com.