Things To Do In Chicago For ARMYs During The BTS Arirang World Tour

Great news for Chicago ARMYs! BTS is coming to the Windy City for the first time in almost four years. The world-famous K-pop boy band has announced their upcoming “Arirang World Tour,” where they will tour where they will perform for over 82 dates in 34 cities across 23 countries. And, this year, Chicago is on the lineup of this highly anticipated upcoming world tour. If the city has always been on your bucket list, it’s time to make that dream trip happen. Here, I will also list the best things to do in Chicago for ARMYs during the BTS Arirang World Tour. Stay till the end to get food and hotel recommendations near the concert venue.

Also Read:

• Chicago’s Top Attractions and the 16 Best Things to do in Chicago!
• ARMYs Guide To Things To Do In Toronto During The BTS Arirang World Tour
• Things To Do In El Paso For ARMYs During The BTS Arirang World Tour

🗓️ BTS World Tour Arirang Chicago Dates & Location

Following the completion of their mandatory military enlistment, Jin, Suga, RM, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook are set to create another epic moment in Chicago. This is where BTS will perform for two days as part of their upcoming fourth concert tour, Arirang World Tour. The tour will promote their forthcoming studio album, “Arirang” (2026), which is the group’s first release in almost four years. The album will feature fourteen tracks that reflect all seven members’ personal journeys, growth, and gratitude toward ARMY.

BTS will hold two back-to-back concerts at Soldier Field on August 27 and 28, 2026. These two shows mark BTS’s return to the Windy City since their last Love Yourself: Speak Yourself tour. The concert is part of a bigger lineup, which includes stops in Seoul, Tokyo, El Paso, Tampa, Busan, Las Vegas, Toronto, and so on. HYBE is going all the way to support their number one artists by promoting the world tour, as well as enhancing fans’ experience at the venues. Speaking of which, all concerts will feature a 360-degree immersive setup, where the stage will be put at the center, allowing audiences to enjoy the performance from all sides of the venue.

Key Information:

• 🗓️ BTS Arirang World Tour Chicago Dates: August 27-28, 2026
• 📍 Location: Soldier Field
• 🕗 Time: 8 PM
• ⌚ Running Time: 2-2.5 hours
• 🚆 Getting There: Take the Red Line, Green Line, or Orange Line to Roosevelt Station, then walk for fifteen minutes via a pedestrian tunnel under Lake Shore Drive to Soldier Field.

🎟️ BTS World Tour Arirang Chicago Tickets

Most of you must be wondering whether BTS Arirang Chicago concert tickets are still available. Unfortunately, the general sale tickets are already sold out. Not just Chicago, almost all European and North American concerts sold out within hours of release. With hundreds of ARMYs worldwide lining up to secure their seats and get a chance to see BTS, getting even a single ticket is already a feat. During the official sale, the tickets were priced from $171 to $377.

If you didn’t manage to get any tickets, resale platforms like StubHub, Vivid Seats, SeatGeek, and Gametime are your next options. The only downfall is that ticket prices exceed face value, with some costing as high as $6,400. Many third-party resellers are shady and not worth buying from. My best advice is to only buy resale tickets from official channels. Keep monitoring the BTS World Tour Official, Ticketmaster, and Weverse for any resale updates. You can also opt for live viewing or watch fancam videos after BTS’s Chicago concerts.

💜 Things To Do In Chicago For ARMYs

🏟️ Attend BTS’s Concerts At Soldier Field

• Address: 1410 Special Olympics Dr, Chicago, IL 60605, United States; Google Map
• Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram

Start your ARMY-themed Chicago itinerary at Soldier Field. Home to the Chicago Bears, it is a beloved destination for football fans. BTS is not new to this open-air stadium, having sold out two dates during their Love Yourself: Speak Yourself tour. This year, too, they have sold out two dates in the stadium. Even if you didn’t manage to get any tickets, you can still tour the venue. Soldier Field offers Classic and VIP tours, where visitors can take a behind-the-scenes tour and access the locker room, the interview room, and the field.

🌹 Stop & Smell The Roses At The Millennium Park

• Address: Chicago, IL 60602, United States; Google Map
• Opening Hours: 6 AM – 11 PM
• Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram

In case you didn’t know, Suga went on Agust D Tour ‘D-Day’ in 2023. It was his first worldwide solo concert tour, where he also performed in Chicago. After the show, Suga explored the Windy City and shared a vlog, “D-DAY TOUR in Chicago.” Throughout the 10+ minute video, he visited several landmarks with his manager. Millennium Park was his first stop, where our Yoongi hyung experienced firsthand what life in Chicago is like. Sprawled across 24.5 acres, this public park offers a serene retreat from the bustling city atmosphere. The highlight is “The Bean,” a huge outdoor sculpture shaped like a bean. Although Suga couldn’t see the Cloud Gate due to crowds, you should still stop by there to get that perfect Chicago memo picture.

👀 Catch Stunning Views From The Willis Tower Skydeck

• Address: 233 S Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606, United States; Google Map
• Opening Hours: 9 AM – 10 PM
• Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram

Next, climbing the Willis Tower is among the Suga-approved things to do in Chicago for ARMYs. Yoongi initially had the plan to get night views from this 110-story skyscraper, but settled for late afternoon views. Ride the elevator all the way to the 103rd floor and arrive at the Skydeck, where spectacular Chicago views await. You can see up to four states and 50 miles from here. If you are feeling braver, step on the Ledge and feel the rush of standing on just 1.5 inches of glass. Don’t miss Lake Michigan, which is bigger than the Korean peninsula.

🏒 See Ice Hockey Games At The Allstate Arena

• Address: 6920 Mannheim Rd, Rosemont, IL 60018, United States; Google Map
• Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook

Speaking of Suga’s D-Day Tour, BTS’s lead rapper performed for three nights on May 3, 5, and 6, 2023, at Allstate Arena. Hundreds of fans attended the three-day show, which earned $8,082,446 in revenue. Not just Suga, J-Hope also performed his “HOPE ON THE STAGE” at the Allstate Arena on March 17 and 19, 2025. Since then, the multi-purpose arena has become an ARMY pilgrimage. It is also the home for AHL’s Chicago Wolves, making it a favorite destination among Wolves (Wolves Nation). If your visit coincides with the Wolves’ home games, make time to attend them. With loud cheers, support, and fans’ enthusiasm, the atmosphere will be unlike anything you have ever seen before. The arena also hosts concerts and basketball games; check its social media for more updates.

🎨 Check Out The World-Class Collections Of The Art Institute of Chicago

• Address: 111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603, United States; Google Map
• Opening Hours: 11 AM – 5 PM
• Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram

Most ARMYs know that BTS’s leader, RM, loves visiting art galleries and museums. However, only a few know that he found his passion for visual art after visiting the Art Institute of Chicago in 2018. Sitting in the hotel room with nothing to do, our leader-nim randomly decided to visit Chicago’s must-visit art establishment. It was there that he got captivated by paintings by Georges Seurat and Claude Monet, quoting it like a “Stendhal Syndrome.” Since then, RM has visited many art museums and shared posts on social media. Stop by the Art Institute of Chicago and check out its world-class collection of 300,000 artworks by renowned artists. Highlights include the Starry Night, The Bedroom, The Old Guitarist, The Assumption of the Virgin, and Water Lilies.

⛵ Take A Chicago Architecture River Cruise

• Duration: 45 to 90 minutes
• Price: Starting from $28 on TourTeller

Short on time but want to make the most of it? Then, a Chicago Architecture River Cruise is your answer. This is the most stylish and scenic way to look at the Windy City within a limited time frame. These cruises are typically 45 minutes to 1.5 hours long and include an enthusiastic guide. The latter will entertain guests with his live narration of the city’s rich history and information about every passing landmark. You can admire Chicago’s architectural scene from the water as you pass through its majestic skyscrapers, historic buildings, and picturesque riverways. 💡 Tip: Compare the prices of Chicago architecture river cruises on TourTeller, and find the right fit for you~

🖼️ Stop By The Field Museum

• Address: 1400 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605, United States; Google Map
• Opening Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM
• Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram

If you haven’t been to a natural history museum, this is your sign to do so in the Windy City. The Field Museum is one of the world’s largest and most renowned natural history museums, boasting a staggering collection of over 40 million specimens. Its permanent exhibition features fossils of ancient invertebrates, dinosaurs, and extinct mammals. Twenty-three human mummies are another must-see highlight at the museum. There are also cultural artifacts from around the globe, showcasing what life was like in different cultures on various parts of Earth. Spending at least 2 hours at the Field Museum is a highly recommended thing to do in Chicago for ARMYs.

⚓ See What’s Going On At Navy Pier

• Address: 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, United States; Google Map
• Opening Hours: Sun: 11 AM – 9 PM, Mon-Thu: 11 AM – 8 PM, Fri-Sat: 11 AM – 10 PM
• Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram

Catch Chicago at its liveliest at Navy Pier. The most visited destination in the Windy City, this is where you go for events, free public programs, culture, dining, shopping, attractions, and more. It is lively year-round, hosting free fireworks displays, live music, theater, dance performances, art exhibits, and cultural celebrations. Dining is another highlight, where many sit-down restaurants offer authentic Chicago food to visitors. You can easily access Navy Pier via public transportation. Just take a CTA bus, Metra, or a water taxi and arrive conveniently at the pier.

For more activity recommendations, click here 👉 Chicago’s Top Attractions and the 16 Best Things to do in Chicago!

😋 Where To Eat In Chicago?

Gordon Ramsay Burger

• Address: 2 E Ontario St, Chicago, IL 60611, United States; Google Map
• Opening Hours: Sun: 11 AM – 9 PM, Mon-Thu: 11 AM – 10 PM, Fri-Sat: 11 AM – 11 PM
• Social Media: Official Website, Official Instagram

This was the first stop on Suga’s D-Day Tour in Chicago vlog. Given Chef Ramsay’s dedication to excellent food and hospitality, you can never go wrong at Gordon Ramsay Burger. This trendy establishment is renowned for its hefty, creative hamburgers served on a toasted sesame seed bun. Just like Yoongi, try the restaurant’s signature menu with fries. The Hell’s Kitchen Burger and BBQ Bacon Burger are highly recommended. Complement your meal with an R N R Brews German-style lager or a beverage of your choice.

Stan’s Donuts & Coffee

• Address: 181 Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60601, United States; Google Map
• Opening Hours: 6 AM – 8 PM
• Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram

Let’s add another recommendation from Suga’s vlog. Stan’s Donuts & Coffee was where Suga got his coffee before heading inside the Millennium Park. You can easily spot this stylish spot with its giant pink neon name sign. This is a haven for donut lovers, where they will find so many options to choose from. Specialties include Strawberry Glazed, Chocolate Long John, Maple Long John, Buttercream Bismarck, Cinnamon Roll, and Blueberry Old Fashioned. In addition to made-from-scratch donuts, Stan’s serves locally-roasted coffee, matcha, tea, and refreshers. Grab a cup of coffee and a donut here before heading to Millennium Park.

Bassline

• Address: 2239 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60616, United States; Google Map
• Opening Hours: Sun-Thu: 5 PM – 2 AM, Fri-Sat: 5 PM – 3 AM
• Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram

Music and food go hand-in-hand at Bassline. This narrow, brick-clad lounge is home to Bassline Chicago, 22Thirty9 Private Event Spaces, and Pressure Point Recording Studio. It is renowned for hosting concerts and themed music events that appeal to diverse audiences. Speaking of which, Bassline hosted “J-Hope Army Pre-Party (21+)” on March 16, 2025. It may host another pre-party for BTS, marking their return to the Windy City. The vibe will be incredible with an electric buzz filling the air and crowds anticipating live acts. Stay updated for more details~

Mochinut

• Address: 1139 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60607, United States; Google Map
• Opening Hours: 10:30 AM – 9 PM
• Social Media: Official Website, Official Instagram

Innovation meets tradition at Mochinut. The establishment stands out with its signature creation: the Mochinut. This is not your typical donut; it is a donut-variation of Mochi, a chewy Japanese rice cake. Mochinuts have a flower-like shape and come in diverse flavors. Whether you want a vanilla bean or chocolate glaze, each mochinut will keep your taste buds dancing from the very first bite. Moreover, the bakery also hosts themed coffee events now and then, where you can meet and socialize with fellow ARMYs.

🏨 Top Hotels Near Soldier Field

Bluegreen Vacations Hotel Blake, an Ascend Collection Hotel

Stay in the heart of Chicago’s downtown at Bluegreen Vacations Hotel Blake. Located in the South Loop neighborhood, this four-star property is where elegance meets contemporary style. Its spacious and comfortable rooms feature expansive windows that offer stunning views of the neighborhood. All rooms have complimentary Wi-Fi, comfortable bedding, a flat-screen TV, and a luxury bathroom with a rainfall showerhead. The on-site restaurant, Meli Cafe, is another highlight whose sumptuous breakfast is highly rated. It is also open for lunch and dinner.

L7 Chicago by LOTTE

What better way to complement your BTS concert than by staying at a Korean-themed hotel? Rooted in the traditions of Korean hospitality, L7 Chicago by LOTTE offers the perfect blend of East and West. It is highly praised for its convenient location, with Soldier Field being only a few miles away. Here, all rooms have a Korean touch and feature contemporary artwork by local artists, modern amenities, and oversized windows offering panoramic Chicago views. The hotel’s spirit of Korean hospitality only continues in its on-site restaurant, Perilla Steakhouse. Led by Michelin recognized Perilla team, the establishment blends Korean culinary traditions with classic American flavors.

Riu Plaza Chicago

Stay in the middle of the action at Riu Plaza Chicago. Located just steps from the Magnificent Mile, this property is within walking location from many touristy spots. It offers an ideal break from the city in its 390 contemporary rooms. All accommodations are well equipped with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, a satellite TV, and bathroom amenities. Guests will wake up to a delicious American-style breakfast buffet featuring multiple vegetarian options. They can also access the 24-hour gym for a quick workout. The Rooftop Bar on the 27th floor is another highlight where you can enjoy a drink while admiring Chicago views.

River Hotel

Next, the River Hotel is among the most booked hotels near Soldier Field, and for a good reason. Firstly, the hotel is less than 10 minutes’ drive from Soldier Field, making it an excellent destination to rest after an exhilarating BTS concert. Its convenient location also makes it near the Magnificent Mile and Millennium Park. To help guests relax and recharge, the property provides the fastest Wi-Fi and purified water stations on every floor. All rooms also have sleep better kits, including eye masks, earplugs, and an ambient sound system, to ensure a peaceful sleep. Other amenities include 24-hour concierge services, a well-equipped gym, 3 state-of-the-art meeting venues, and room service.

Eurostars Magnificent Mile

Enjoy a comfortable stay at Eurostars Magnificent Mile. Self-proclaimed daringly original boutique hotel in the heart of Chicago, this four-star property offers the luxury of high end hotel at affordable rates. Here, avant-garde art, designer furniture, and a classical feel all come together to create a relaxed ambiance. The hotel’s 216 rooms have an industrial-chic style, modern amenities, and large floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Windy City. There is also an award-winning spa on-site, offering couples’ massages, facials, scrubs, and aromatherapies. And, let’s not forget Eurostars Magnificent Mile’s multi-purpose rooms, created to host meetings, conferences, and receptions.

And, that’s it for today’s blog! You can add more activities to this list of things to do in Chicago for ARMYs as you explore the Windy City. Join fan meetups, connect with other fans via Reddit threads or Discord servers, and stay updated with local K-pop pop-ups on social media. Above all, don’t hesitate to cheer, have fun, and support our Bangtan boys as always.