If you’re walking around the North Side right now, you can almost smell it. Not the actual hot dogs yet—it’s too cold for that—but the anticipation. Honestly, the off-season is a slog. We’re currently in that weird January limbo where football is winding down and the Ivy at Wrigley is nothing but a bunch of dead-looking sticks. But if you’re asking when does the Chicago Cubs play again, the answer is actually closer than your frostbitten toes might think.
Baseball is coming back.
The 2026 season isn't just a "next year" thing anymore; it's a "this quarter" thing. We’ve got the full schedule, the spring training dates are locked in, and the roster is starting to look like something that might actually make a run at the NL Central. Whether you’re looking for the very first pitch in Arizona or the actual Opening Day at the Friendly Confines, here is the breakdown of exactly when you can stop watching old YouTube highlights and start watching real baseball.
When Does the Chicago Cubs Play Again in the Regular Season?
The date you need to circle, highlight, and maybe set a dozen phone alarms for is Thursday, March 26, 2026.
This is a big one. For the first time since 2023, the Cubs are actually opening the season at home. No West Coast road trip to start the year. No shivering in a neutral site stadium. We’re talking about Opening Day at Wrigley Field. The Washington Nationals are coming to town, and while they might not be the 1927 Yankees, they’re the first hurdle in what fans hope is a 90-plus win season.
The series is a bit spread out because MLB loves a good "off-day" after the opener just in case the Chicago weather decides to drop six inches of slush on the field. Here’s how that first week looks:
- Thursday, March 26: Opening Day vs. Washington Nationals (Wrigley Field)
- Friday, March 27: Built-in Off Day (likely for weather protection)
- Saturday, March 28: Game 2 vs. Nationals
- Sunday, March 29: Series Finale vs. Nationals
After that, the Cubs stay home to host the Los Angeles Angels from March 30 through April 1. It’s a heavy home start, which is a blessing for the win-loss column but a curse for anyone who doesn't own a heavy-duty thermal parka.
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The Arizona Warm-up: Spring Training 2026
If you can't wait until late March, you’re basically looking at the desert. Spring Training is where the vibes are born, and the 2026 Cactus League schedule is already teasing us.
The Cubs officially start playing games on Friday, February 20, 2026.
The opponent? The White Sox. It’s a Sloan Park special. Even though it's just an exhibition, there’s something about that first "Crosstown" matchup in the Mesa sun that makes the winter feel officially over. If you’re planning a trip down to Arizona, the first week is packed:
- Feb 20: vs. White Sox (Sloan Park)
- Feb 21: vs. Texas Rangers (Sloan Park)
- Feb 22: @ San Francisco Giants (Scottsdale Stadium)
- Feb 23: @ Kansas City Royals (Surprise Stadium)
- Feb 24: vs. San Diego Padres (Sloan Park)
There are 18 games scheduled for Sloan Park this year. One of the coolest additions to the schedule is a matchup with the New York Yankees on Monday, March 23. It’s the first time the Yanks have made the trip to the Cubs' spring home, and that’s going to be a tough ticket to grab.
Why the 2026 Schedule Feels Different
Usually, the schedule is just a list of dates, but this year has some "quirks." For one, the MLB has leaned even harder into the "play everyone" format. You’re going to see some teams at Wrigley that haven't been there in years.
Take the end of the season, for instance. Instead of finishing with a three-game grind against the Cardinals or the Brewers, the Cubs are heading to Boston. They close out the 2026 regular season at Fenway Park from September 25-27. It’s only the fifth time since 1918 that the Cubs have played in that historic park. If the playoff race is tight, that series is going to be absolute chaos in the best way possible.
Also, watch out for the Crosstown Classic shifts. We’ve got a series on the South Side from May 15-17, and then the Sox come to Wrigley from August 17-19.
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Key Matchups to Circle
Beyond just the "when," you’ve gotta look at the "who." There are a few series that are going to define whether this team is a contender or just another "maybe next year" story.
- The Rivalry Week (May 15-17): Traveling to Guaranteed Rate Field. It’s always loud, it’s always heated, and in 2026, it’s early enough to set the tone for the summer.
- Independence Day (July 4): The Cubs are at home against the St. Louis Cardinals. There is genuinely nothing better in sports than a July 4th day game at Wrigley Field followed by a loss for the Cards.
- The Bronx Bombers Visit (July 31 - August 2): The Yankees come to Chicago. These interleague games are becoming more common, but they still feel like an event.
How to Get Ready for the First Pitch
So, you know when does the Chicago Cubs play again, but are you actually ready? If you’re heading to any of these games, especially the early ones in Chicago, you need a strategy.
First, the Cubs Convention is happening right now (mid-January). It’s the "unofficial" start of the season. If you missed it, don't sweat it, but keep an eye on the roster moves. We’ve already seen some fresh faces like Alex Bregman and Edward Cabrera getting fitted for their pinstripes.
Second, tickets. Single-game tickets for the regular season usually go on sale in late February. If you’re looking for Opening Day, you better be ready to click "buy" the second they go live. Those tickets disappear faster than a beer in the bleachers on a Saturday in July.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
Don't just sit there waiting for March to arrive. Here is how you can actually prep for the return of Cubs baseball:
- Check the Spring Training TV Schedule: Marquee Sports Network usually carries most of the Sloan Park games. Make sure your subscription is active by February 20th.
- Download the MLB Ballpark App: This is basically mandatory now for tickets and stadium entry. Update it now so you aren't fumbling with it at the gate.
- Plan the Fenway Trip: If you want to see that final series in Boston, start looking at flights now. September in New England is expensive, and Cubs fans travel deep.
- Layers, Layers, Layers: If you're going to the March 26th opener, remember that 40 degrees by the lake feels like 20 degrees everywhere else.
The wait is almost over. Whether it's the dry heat of Mesa or the crisp air of Clark and Addison, the Cubs are about to be back on your screen and in your ears. See you at the ballpark.