A Chicago Institution, Reintroduced
For decades, the Black Women's Expo has been a Chicago fixture — a weekend built entirely around Black women entrepreneurs, beauty brands, wellness experts, and community. In 2026, it returns under a new chapter of its own story, rebranded BWe NEXT, running roughly July 31-August 2 in Chicago. The programming DNA remains the same: panels, pop-up shopping, celebrity guests, and a weekend built by and for Black women.
Event at a Glance
- Event: The Black Women's Expo, now "BWe NEXT"
- Location: Chicago, Illinois
- When: Late July/early August 2026 (approx. July 31 - August 2)
- Price: General admission from roughly $15-20
- Main Audience: Black women, entrepreneurs, beauty and wellness consumers, families
- Travel Vibe: Empowering, celebratory, business-and-beauty forward
What to Expect
Expect a packed exhibit hall of Black-owned beauty, wellness, and lifestyle brands, entrepreneurship panels covering everything from startup funding to personal branding, wellness programming addressing physical and mental health specifically through a Black women's lens, and celebrity guest appearances that have long been part of the Expo's draw. It's equal parts trade show, wellness retreat, and community celebration — genuinely worth a full weekend rather than a quick walk-through.
Why the Rebrand Matters
The shift to "BWe NEXT" signals evolution, not a break from the original Expo's mission — the same Chicago institution, positioned for its next chapter. If you know it by the old name, search for both; organizers are using them together during the transition.
Where to Stay
Downtown Chicago and the South Loop offer easy access to the Expo venue and a full range of hotel budgets, with the added bonus of proximity to Chicago's broader Black cultural landmarks if you want to extend the trip.
🏨 Book Chicago Hotels →Who This Expo Is For
Black women entrepreneurs looking to network and learn, beauty and wellness consumers wanting to discover new Black-owned brands, and anyone who wants a weekend built specifically around celebrating and investing in Black women's businesses and wellbeing.
BTN Insider Tips
Search both "Black Women's Expo" and "BWe NEXT" when looking for tickets and schedule updates — the rebrand is still rolling out across listings.
Budget time for the exhibit hall separately from the panel sessions — both are worth your full attention, and rushing either shortchanges the weekend.
Bring cash and card for the pop-up vendors — many small Black-owned businesses sell exclusively at events like this.
Plan Your Trip
Whether you know it as the Black Women's Expo or BWe NEXT, this is a Chicago weekend built to celebrate and support Black women's business and wellness — get your ticket and book your stay.
🎟️ Event Details →✈️ Book Your Chicago Trip →*Some links on this page are affiliate links — BTN may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
