Look, everyone loves the Midsummer Classic. It’s the one time a year where seeing a Dodger and a Giant high-fiving doesn't feel like a sign of the apocalypse. But honestly, the way MLB picks these cities usually feels like a secret society meeting behind closed doors. You’ve probably heard rumors about where the game is headed, or maybe you're just wondering why your home team hasn't hosted since the Clinton administration.
People think it’s just a random lottery. It isn't. It's basically a mix of high-stakes politics, "whose stadium is the shiniest," and a bit of historical guilt.
Right now, we actually have a pretty clear roadmap for the next few years. If you’re planning a road trip to see the best in the world bash some homers, here is what the actual calendar looks like—and who is likely waiting in the wings.
Philadelphia and the 2026 Celebration
First off, mark your calendars for 2026. This one has been locked in for a long time. The Philadelphia Phillies are hosting at Citizens Bank Park. Why? Because 2026 is the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
MLB loves a good theme.
They did the exact same thing in 1976 when the game was at the old Veterans Stadium for the Bicentennial. Honestly, the Bank is one of the best hitting environments in the league, so expect the Home Run Derby to be absolutely ridiculous. It’s the first time the game has been back in Philly since 1996, and the city is basically turning the entire summer into a massive birthday party for America.
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Wrigley Field Gets Its Turn in 2027
After years of speculation and Commissioner Rob Manfred dropping hints like breadcrumbs, it’s finally official. The Chicago Cubs will host the 2027 MLB All-Star Game.
It’s about time.
The last time the Midsummer Classic visited the North Side was 1990. Think about that. Ryne Sandberg was the Derby king back then. The Cubs poured about $1 billion into renovating Wrigley Field and the surrounding "Gallagher Way" area over the last decade. You don't spend a billion dollars on a facelift and not get to show it off to the national media.
There was some drama about security and city funding, but the Illinois legislature and Chicago city council finally smoothed things over with a $30 million-plus security package. If you’ve never seen an All-Star Game at a "jewel box" stadium, this is the one to save up for.
The Mystery of 2028: Why the Giants are the Frontrunners
Now we’re getting into the "educated guess" territory, though the smoke is getting really thick in the Bay Area. The San Francisco Giants are widely considered the favorites for 2028.
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There’s a specific reason for this: The Olympics.
The 2028 Summer Olympics are in Los Angeles. There’s been a massive push to get MLB players to actually compete in the Olympics for the first time. If that happens, the schedule is going to get weird. Having the All-Star Game at Oracle Park in San Francisco makes too much logistical sense. It keeps the "vibe" in California and allows MLB to showcase its most beautiful waterfront park while the eyes of the world are on the West Coast.
Plus, the Giants are finishing up their "Mission Rock" development right next to the stadium. It’s that same "stadium-plus-mall" model that worked so well for Atlanta in 2025.
The Waitlist: Who is Actually "Due"?
If you aren't a Phillies, Cubs, or Giants fan, you might be feeling a bit salty. And you’d be right. There are some massive droughts happening right now that MLB eventually has to address.
- Baltimore Orioles: Camden Yards literally changed how baseball stadiums were built. It hasn’t hosted since 1993. That is a crime against baseball. Now that the team has new ownership and a $400 million renovation deal for the park, they are screaming for a game.
- Toronto Blue Jays: The Rogers Centre (or Skydome, if you're a traditionalist) just went through a massive $300 million renovation to make it feel more like a ballpark and less like a concrete bunker. Manfred has explicitly said he wants to get back to Toronto. They last hosted in 1991.
- Boston Red Sox: Fenway hasn't seen an All-Star Game since the iconic 1999 game where Pedro Martinez struck out everyone with a pulse. 2029 would be the 30th anniversary of that night. Just saying.
How These Sites Actually Get Picked
It’s not just about which city has the best wings or the nicest weather. MLB looks at "Legacy Projects." When a team hosts, they have to commit millions to local community projects—renovating youth fields, building community centers, that sort of thing.
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The league also uses the game as a carrot.
"Want an All-Star Game? Better get the city to chip in for those stadium upgrades." It’s a bit cynical, sure. But it’s how the business works. They want a "campus" feel. They want a place like The Battery in Atlanta or Ballpark Village in St. Louis where fans can walk from their hotel to a bar to the game without ever leaving the MLB-approved bubble.
What to Watch For Next
If you're trying to figure out where 2029 or 2030 will be, keep an eye on Las Vegas. The A’s are slated to be settled into their new stadium by then. MLB almost always gives a new stadium an All-Star Game within the first three years of opening. It’s the ultimate "Welcome to the Neighborhood" gift.
Also, don't sleep on the Texas Rangers. Yes, they just hosted in 2024, but their facility is the gold standard for hosting massive events in the heat.
If you're planning to attend one of these future games, the best move is to join the home team's "priority" mailer list at least two years in advance. Tickets for the general public are basically non-existent; they almost all go to season ticket holders and corporate sponsors.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- 2026 (Philadelphia): Book hotels in Center City or near the Navy Yard at least 10 months out. The city will be at 100% capacity due to the Semiquincentennial and the World Cup happening simultaneously.
- 2027 (Chicago): Focus on the "All-Star Village" usually held at Navy Pier. Even if you can't afford the $600+ tickets for the game at Wrigley, the fan fest is usually where the actual value is.
- Keep an eye on 2028 announcements: MLB usually makes the official announcement for a site two years in advance, usually during the week of the current All-Star Game. Expect the 2028 host to be confirmed during the 2026 festivities in Philly.