Chicagohenge is just around the corner! This spectacular event takes place during the spring and fall equinoxes every year, showcasing an extraordinary interplay between nature’s magic and Chicago’s stunning architecture.
You may be familiar with the prehistoric stone formation in Wiltshire, England. During the summer and winter solstices, the sun rises behind Stonehenge’s Heel Stone, where its rays are captured within the rock formation, creating a breathtaking spectacle that attracts thousands of visitors.
Similarly, the equinoxes offer a remarkable sight in Chicago. Dubbed “Chicagohenge,” twice a year, the sun aligns perfectly with Chicago’s streets and shines down the heart of the city, illuminating its artificial valleys.
This year, the Chicagohenge dates are expected to fall around March 20–23, 2026, and September 19–22, 2026.
What is an equinox?
An equinox occurs twice a year when the sun is positioned directly above the equator, resulting in day and night being approximately equal in length.
The term “equinox” comes from Latin, meaning “equal night.” This phenomenon marks the time of year when the Northern and Southern Hemispheres receive equal amounts of sunlight.
What about a solstice?
Both the equinox and solstice relate to the relationship between the sun and the Earth, but they are not the same. The solstice marks the onset of summer and winter, occurring when the sun is at its highest and lowest points in the sky. The summer solstice, which marks the longest day of the year, occurs on June 21, 2026, while the winter solstice, which marks the shortest day of the year, is on December 21, 2026.
What does the equinox mean for Chicago?
The “Chicagohenge” phenomenon occurs during the spring and fall equinoxes. Because Chicago’s streets are laid out in a grid pattern at right angles, they align almost perfectly with a compass, running north to south and east to west.
In the week leading up to each equinox, the sun aligns directly with Chicago’s east-west facing streets at both sunrise and sunset, allowing it to beam down the middle of the city’s largest downtown streets and create the “Chicagohenge” effect.
When is the Spring Chicagohenge 2026?
This year, the spring equinox will take place on March 20, with peak viewing times occurring from March 20–23, 2026.
During this period, the sun perfectly aligns with Chicago’s east-west-facing streets at both sunrise and sunset.
Here are the sunrise and sunset times:
- Friday, March 20, 2026: Sunrise at 6:53 AM, sunset at 7:02 PM
- Saturday, March 21, 2026: Sunrise at 6:51 AM, sunset at 7:03 PM
- Sunday, March 22, 2026: Sunrise at 6:50 AM, sunset at 7:05 PM
- Monday, March 23, 2026: Sunrise at 6:48 AM, sunset at 7:06 PM
Where can I see Spring Chicagohenge 2026?
To experience Chicagohenge, find a spot on any east-west running street in Chicago just after sunrise or before sunset.
Popular viewing locations include Kinzie, Madison, and E. Randolph Street between N. State St. and N. Michigan Avenue. For the full Chicagohenge experience, capture the phenomenon along Washington Street from Millennium Park.