THE WORD
- What: The 31st Annual Black Women’s Expo
- When: Friday, July 31 through Sunday, August 2, 2026
- Where: McCormick Place – North Building, Hall C1
- Headliners: Joy Reid, Keke Palmer and Le’Andria Johnson
- Theme: “We Matter”
- Expo hours: 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Sunday
- Tickets: Half-price adult tickets are available at Walgreens locations
- Source: The Black Women’s Expo
The Black Women’s Expo is returning to Chicago for its 31st year with three days celebrating the power, influence and achievements of Black women.
Taking place Friday, July 31 through Sunday, August 2 at McCormick Place’s North Building, Hall C1, the 2026 expo will bring culture, wellness, education, entrepreneurship and entertainment together under this year’s theme: “We Matter.”
Political commentator and host of The Joy Reid Podcast, Joy Reid, will open the weekend Friday at 1 p.m. with “A Conversation with Joy Reid.” She will also host a meet-and-greet and book signing in the Literary Café from 3:40 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.
Reid will later record her podcast live at 5 p.m. in Room N227 with Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, Congressman Jonathan Jackson and Rainbow PUSH President Yusef Jackson.
Chicago’s own Keke Palmer takes center stage Saturday at 2:30 p.m. for “A Conversation with Keke.” The actress, singer and television host will later lead an exclusive Pilates class for 100 women at 4:15 p.m. in Room N230B, highlighting her subscription-based fitness program, Practice by Palmer.
GRAMMY-winning gospel artist and Sunday Best winner Le’Andria Johnson will close the celebration Sunday at 3 p.m. Joined by the Chicago Mass Choir and Selah’ Youth Choir, Johnson will lead an afternoon of praise and inspiration.
The weekend will also feature important conversations centered on civic engagement, health and community advancement. Congressman Jonathan Jackson will host “Battling for Our Voting Rights,” a town hall featuring Congresswoman Joyce Beatty, Melanie Campbell of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation and Collective PAC co-founder Stefanie Brown James.
Additional programming includes the Gilead Sciences Girls Brunch, a sexual health seminar, R&B karaoke, stepping instruction, hair and beauty product giveaways, Jesse White Tumblers, chef demonstrations, chair yoga, trampoline fitness and activities for children.
Attendees can also visit a tasting lounge featuring Uncle Nearest and Duey Juice. V103, WGCI and Inspiration 1390 will broadcast live from the expo throughout the weekend.
Before the expo begins, BWe will honor women making an impact across the country during the Phenomenal Woman Awards Gala Reception. The kickoff reception takes place Thursday, July 30 at 6 p.m. inside the Sky Room of the Obama Presidential Center.
“The Black Women’s Expo continues to realize my vision of celebrating the power, resilience, and influence of Black women,” BWe founder and executive producer Merry Green said.
For more than three decades, the Black Women’s Expo has provided a space where Black women and their families can connect, learn, shop and celebrate. This year’s “We Matter” theme serves as a powerful reminder that Black women’s voices, businesses, leadership and overall well-being deserve to remain at the center of the conversation.
The expo is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Half-price adult tickets are available at Walgreens locations.
Visit the official Black Women’s Expo website for tickets and additional information.
