Chicago
oneSTRNGTH Weekend, a wellness weekend in Chicago
Four days in our home city. September 10 to 13, 2026.
- 01 Four days
Thursday to Sunday, all over the city.
- 02 Everything
A festival, a run, the beach, the water, the Shed.
- 03 For pros too
EDCTN+ from STRENGTH Collective.
What it was
The oneSTRNGTH Weekend was our four-day wellness weekend in Chicago: September 10 to 13, 2026, instead of one festival day. Chicago is where STRENGTH IN THE CITY started in 2018, so it made sense to try the bigger format at home first. About 1,600 people came out across the city that year.
What was on
- The festival. Our full day of classes, recovery and local vendors, the same core as every wellness festival stop.
- Rave Run.
- Beach Pilates. Mat Pilates on the sand by the lake.
- Paddlepalooza.
- A day at the Salt Shed. Move at the Shed, including STRENGTH Collective talks.
- EDCTN+. Education sessions for wellness professionals, from our sister brand STRENGTH Collective.
You didn't have to do all of it. Pick the parts that sound like you.
Why a weekend
One day is great, but it goes fast. A weekend gives you room to try things you'd never squeeze into a single festival day: a run, a lake morning, a talk at the Shed. It gives people from out of town a reason to make the trip, and it gives Chicagoans a reason to see corners of their own city they don't usually get to.
Chicago before the weekend
Chicago has been the center of STRENGTH IN THE CITY from the start. The festival ran at Northerly Island in 2019, and at Theater on the Lake in 2024 and 2025. In between there are the smaller things all year: outdoor Pilates events by the lake and at Buckingham Fountain, free lakefront mornings, the Riverwalk and socials.
What comes next in Chicago
For 2027, Chicago is planned to go even bigger: a week-long, SXSW-style experience. We test-piloted the longer format in 2026. Athletech News wrote in April 2026 that the festival aims to become the SXSW of wellness, and that is roughly the direction.
The 2027 Chicago dates are not set yet. You can follow the rest of next year on our fitness festivals 2027 page, and every date goes on the events calendar once it's real.
Planning a wellness weekend trip
If you're coming from out of town next time, a few tips from Chicagoans:
- September weather moves fast. Warm afternoons and cool evenings by the lake. Bring a layer.
- Stay central. The events are spread out, so pick a hotel close to a train line.
- Don't overbook yourself. Two or three events a day is plenty. Leave time to eat.
- Pack for the lake. Sunscreen, a towel, and shoes you don't mind getting sandy.
Who it's for
Everyone we serve, really, in one place. Regulars from our Chicago events, instructors and wellness pros there for EDCTN+, families at the festival. That mix is the best part.
Tickets
When the next Chicago weekend or week goes on sale, tickets will be on Speakeasy, linked from our home page and the events calendar.
Questions people ask
When was the oneSTRNGTH Weekend?
September 10 to 13, 2026, in Chicago.
Do I have to go to every event?
No. You can pick the parts you want. Each one has its own details on its listing.
Is there one in 2027?
Chicago is planned as a week-long experience in 2027. Dates are not set yet.
Is it only for people who live in Chicago?
No. Anyone can come. If you travel in, stay near a train line, since the events are spread out.