The Bulls are bringing Bulls Fest back to the United Center campus on Aug. 22-23, and the 2026 edition is loaded from top to bottom.
Chicago’s biggest basketball festival is again free for all ages, with the full schedule and map now out for the two-day event presented by Foot Locker. The draw is still the same at its core: a huge 3v3 tournament, youth clinics, player and alumni appearances, family activities and plenty of side entertainment. But the footprint is massive, and the Bulls have packed in even more ways for fans to take part.
The headline attraction is the 3v3 tournament, which will run across 51 courts and welcome players ages 8 and up, regardless of skill level. Registration is open until Aug.
- Division winners will go home with a Bulls hat, a fan chain and two tickets to a regular-season home game, while the Elite Division also includes cash prizes.
Youth basketball gets a bigger lane too. Bulls Youth Hoops clinics, presented by Jewel-Osco, are open to kids ages 3-17, and this year’s additions include Learn to Play 3v3, Parent & Child sessions and skill clinics led by Bulls alumni.
The event will also include a Wheelchair Basketball Division presented by Gallagher, with teams from the National Wheelchair Basketball Association, including the Chicago Skyhawks.
For fans looking for a little extra hardware and sneaker shine, Foot Locker’s Hoop Bus will let attendees shoot and try on the new Jordan Triangle sneakers.
The kids’ area is growing as well. Benny’s Carnival, presented by BMO, will feature carnival games, personalized jersey and player card stations, photo ops with Benny the Bull from 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. both days, and exclusive giveaways designed by local artists. Kids can also sign up for the 2026-27 Bulls Kid Nation Kids Club and pick up their kit the same day.
There’s a strong alumni and rookie presence built into the weekend. Rookies Caleb Wilson and Dailyn Swain are scheduled to appear, along with former Bulls Eddy Curry, Kendall Gill, Will Perdue, Nate Robinson, Jeff Sanders and Metta World Peace.
Their roles won’t just be ceremonial, either - players will take photos, judge the Slam Dunk Contest, referee games, present medals and coach clinics. Individual schedules are posted at bulls.com/bullsfest.
Saturday’s centerpiece is the Showcase at Center Court from 2:30-4 p.m., featuring the Slam Dunk Contest presented by AT&T. The afternoon also includes first-time performances from the Luvabulls and 312 Crew, plus appearances by the Incredibulls and Bucket Boys.
Sunday brings the Three-Point Challenge presented by State Farm. The creator competition slate includes an Elite 3v3 Division led by JDub (Jordan Wallace) and a 1v1 Trick Shot Matchup between Tristan Jass and AJ Rompza.
Saturday at 2 p.m. also features the Full Court Charity Challenge, where local sports reporters and alumni will square off. Proceeds will benefit Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC).
Beyond the basketball, Bulls Fest will have plenty of ways to beat the heat. Fans can stop by the Chill Zone or try a cold plunge station from new partner SWTHZ. Culligan will supply hydration stations and reusable cups in an effort to cut down on plastic waste, and food and drinks will be available from local vendors and United Center concessions.
With free admission, a heavy dose of player access and a long list of activities for every age, Bulls Fest keeps growing into one of the most fan-friendly events on the Chicago sports calendar. Full details, registration links and the event map are available at bulls.com/bullsfest.
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