2026 Cubs Convention guide: schedule, events and players expected to attend

This weekend is my personal dream as a Chicago sports fan. Not only do we get the Chicago Bears at home in the NFL playoffs Sunday night, but the 2026 Cubs Convention gets underway on Friday - marking the unofficial start of baseball season (who needs to wait another month for pitchers and catchers to report, really?)

This year's festivities are sure to be emotionally-charged given the schedule of events, which get underway on Friday night with the always exciting opening ceremonies - which should be the first look we get at Alex Bregman and Edward Cabrera in their new threads - and serve as newcomers' first exposure to peak Cub fandom.

Not only will we see the 2026 Cubs Friday night, but many Cubs of yesteryear, as well - including Hall of Famers Andre Dawson, Billy Williams and Pat Hughes. This weekend marks the first Cubs Convention since the tragic passing of Ryne Sandberg last summer, and there will be a special panel dedicated to the Hall of Fame second baseman on Saturday.

Friday night, we'll also learn which players make up this year's class of Cubs Hall of Fame inductees and, given the weekend also serves as a 10-year reunion for the World Series-winning 2016 team, it seems safe to assume some faces from that group will find their names called for a blue jacket.

2026 Cubs Convention schedule: what you need to know

Where is Cubs Convention?

Cubs Convention is held at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk, located at 301 E North Water St, Chicago.

Friday

Convention Registration - 12p - 8p, Riverwalk Level

• You have to do this. This is where you pick up your welcome packet and lanyard for the weekend, which is required to attend Cubs Convention panels and other events. Don't skip it.

Opening Ceremonies - time TBD, Main Sheraton Ballroom (Level 4)

• Honestly, it's the high point of the weekend, with the exception of Cubs Bingo on Saturday night. The energy is unreal and getting to see the Cubs players - new and old - is always exciting. On the heels of a strong offseason by the front office, the vibes should be off the charts. This is also when we meet this year's inductees into the Cubs Hall of Fame.

Off the Mound with Ryan Dempster - 730p, Main Sheraton Ballroom (Level 4)

• Think late night talk show x Chicago Cubs. Ryan Dempster is in his element, hosting anyone from players to Jed Hoyer and Craig Counsell - and more. Entertaining and a fun way to come down off the thrills of the Opening Ceremonies prior.

Harry Carayoke - 10p, Sheraton Lobby (Level 3)

• Want to drink, dance and sing karaoke with fellow Cubs fans? This is your chance.

Saturday

Baseball Operations Update w/ Jed Hoyer & Carter Hawkins - 9a, Main Sheraton Ballroom (Level 4)

• Great opportunity to hear from the Cubs' shot-callers. Given how busy the team has been of late (and really, for much of the offseason), there should be some great nuggets to come out of this panel.

Sit Down with Craig Counsell - 10a, Main Sheraton Ballroom (Level 4)

• Similar to the front office panel, this gives fans a chance to hear from manager Craig Counsell. Coming off his first playoff run as Cubs manager, expect to hear stories from his first two years in Chicago and get a look ahead at the upcoming 2026 season.

The Compound LIVE with Ian Happ - 11a, Main Sheraton Ballroom (Level 4)

• Cubs outfielder and four-time Gold Glover Ian Happ brings his popular podcast, The Compound, to Cubs Convention, with a live taping that's always loaded with big-time guests. In his return to Cubs Con, Anthony Rizzo is scheduled to make an appearance on the pod.

Cubs Pitchers: On the Mound - 12p, Main Sheraton Ballroom (Level 4)

• Cubs TV color commentator Jim Deshaies sits down with a panel of Chicago pitchers, including Matthew Boyd, Cade Horton, Jameson Taillon, Colin Rea and Edward Cabrera and talks about all things pitching. It's a great look into the minds of these guys andf what it takes to succeed at the big-league level.

2016 World Series Team Reunion - 1p, Chicago Ballroom VIII-X (Level 4)

• This is one of the top draws for this year's Cubs Convention. Ron Coomer sits down with key members of the 2016 club, including Anthony Rizzo, Pedro Strop, Miguel Montero, World Series MVP Ben Zobrist, Justin Grimm and Kyle Hendricks. Let's turn the clock back 10 years and reminisce.

Cubs Hitters at the Plate - 2p, Main Sheraton Ballroom (Level 4)

• Coomer chats all things hitting with the likes of Nico Hoerner, Matt Shaw, Dansby Swanson and Miguel Amaya. As a former big-leaguer, it's great to have Coom do this panel (the same way it is having JD do the pitcher panel), as he really gets what these guys go through over the course of the season.

Remembering Ryno - 430p - Main Sheraton Ballroom (Level 4)

• Cole Wright talks with former Cubs who knew and loved Ryno. Rick Sutcliffe, Shawon Dunston, Bobby Dernier, Jody Davis and Andrew Dawson remember their friend and former teammate. Tears will be shed and memories will be shared.

Tom's Reception - 430p - Shula's Steakhouse (Level 3)

• Have a question for Cubs owner and chairman Tom Ricketts? This is your chance to ask it. Grab a beverage and mingle with fellow fans at an event hosted by Ricketts.

Cubs Bingo - 745p - Main Sheraton Ballroom (Level 4)

• Arrive early. This is the main event for many attendees - and, in all honesty, it's a ton of fun. Fans can begin lining up as early at 5p and doors open at 630p. Prizes for winning range from gift certificates to autographed balls and Wrigley Field memorabilia.

Harry Carayoke - 10p, Sheraton Lobby (Level 3)

• Want to drink, dance and sing karaoke with fellow Cubs fans? This is your chance (again).

Sunday

Youth Baseball and Softball Clinic - 9a, Main Sheraton Ballroom (Level 4)

• There are two sessions, one from 9-10, the other from 10-11. This requires pre-registration to attend.

Now this is really just a rundown of the panels and official events. There are also exhibits, including history-focused presentations with Cubs team historian Ed Hartig, Cubs Authentics auctions and the chance to buy Cubs merch throughout the weekend. And don't forget about autographs! You can learn more by visiting the Cubs Convention website - or by downloading the Cubs Con app to your mobile device.

See you this weekend!