The 2026 season is shaping up to be a nostalgic and celebratory one on the North Side, as the Chicago Cubs mark not one, but two major milestones in franchise history.
First, it's the 10-year anniversary of the 2016 World Series title - the unforgettable run that ended a 108-year championship drought and forever changed the legacy of the franchise. Second, and even more historic, the Cubs are celebrating their 150th anniversary as a National League franchise. That’s a century and a half of baseball at the corner of Clark and Addison, and the team is going big to honor both moments.
Bobblehead Bonanza: Legends Immortalized
To commemorate the 150th anniversary, the Cubs are rolling out a bobblehead series that’s tailor-made for fans of all generations. Starting in April, the first 10,000 fans through the gates at Wrigley Field on select dates will receive bobbleheads of some of the most iconic names in Cubs history:
- April 11 vs. Pirates: Ben Zobrist, the 2016 World Series MVP and the steady heartbeat of that championship team, kicks off the series.
- April 18 vs. Mets: Ron Santo, the legendary third baseman and longtime Cubs broadcaster, gets his due.
Fittingly, it comes against the Mets - a team Santo had feelings about, to say the least.
- **May 2 vs.
Diamondbacks**: Kerry Wood, whose 20-strikeout game still echoes through Cubs lore, gets his own day.
- **May 24 vs.
Astros**: Ryne Sandberg, the Hall of Fame second baseman who defined an era of Cubs baseball, steps into the spotlight.
- **August 30 vs.
Reds**: Harry Caray, the voice of summer in Chicago, gets his bobblehead moment - glasses, mic, and all.
- **September 13 vs.
Pirates**: Sammy Sosa, the slugger who lit up Wrigley during the home run race of the late '90s, rounds out the series.
All of these giveaways land on weekends - not just a smart way to maximize the crowd, but also a nod to the communal spirit of Cubs fandom. These are the kinds of games where generations of fans come together, and now they’ll walk away with a piece of Cubs history in hand.
#BudFridays Return: A Jersey Through Time
Also making a comeback this season are #BudFridays, a fan-favorite promotion that combines history and style. On select Fridays, the first 5,000 fans aged 21 and over who enter through the Budweiser Bleacher Gate will receive replica jerseys inspired by different eras in Cubs history. Whether you're into the pinstripes of the '20s or the bold looks of the '80s, these retro jerseys are designed to bring a little old-school flair to the bleachers.
Fresh Giveaways, Fan Favorites
Beyond the bobbleheads and throwback threads, the Cubs are introducing a few new gate giveaways that are sure to be hits. Among them:
- A Cubs Puffer Vest, perfect for those early-season games when the wind off Lake Michigan still bites.
- A Cade Horton Graphic Tee, giving a nod to one of the most exciting young arms in the organization.
- A Wrigley Field Replica Ballpark, because who wouldn’t want a miniature version of the Friendly Confines on their shelf?
Celebration Dates and Heritage Nights
The Cubs are also planning three special celebration dates tied to the anniversaries and this year’s Cubs Hall of Fame induction, offering fans even more reasons to circle their calendars.
In addition, the team is continuing its commitment to community and inclusion with 35 special ticket dates that include themed giveaways for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month, and Pride Month, among others. These events have become staples of the Wrigley experience, blending baseball with meaningful cultural celebrations.
A Season That Honors the Past While Looking Ahead
For Cubs fans, 2026 isn’t just another season - it’s a year to remember where this team has been and to celebrate how far it’s come. From the ghosts of 1908 to the euphoria of 2016, and now with a new generation rising, the Cubs are embracing their legacy with open arms and plenty of giveaways.
So whether you're in it for the bobbleheads, the retro jerseys, or just the chance to soak in a summer day at Wrigley, this season is about more than just wins and losses. It’s about honoring the stories that made the Cubs who they are - and adding a few new ones along the way.