Set against the backdrop of the Museum of Science and Industry (MSI), West Chicago Community High School’s prom 2026 will bring students together for “A Night Under the Stars,” featuring dancing, dining, and access to museum exhibits.

This year’s prom is scheduled for May 1, with tickets going on sale March 24-27 for $160 per person. Tickets can be purchased online at any time or in the bookstore before school and during lunch using credit or tap to pay, with cash and check accepted after school.

Students will travel to the venue by charter bus, creating a centralized and structured experience for attendees while also providing a safe and accessible transportation option.

This year’s prom location was selected by Student Council two years ago. The theme for prom 2026 will be “A Night Under the Stars,” which was also chosen by Student Council members.

“We eliminated different theme ideas and ended up with ‘A Night Under the Stars’,” Student Council member junior Luke Davis said.

The event includes three buffet stations to choose from, a dessert hour, dancing, photo booths, and other photo opportunities, giving students a full evening experience beyond a traditional dance.

The event is designed to provide more than a traditional dance, combining dining, entertainment, and interactive experiences into a destination-style event for students.

“I am most excited for the last hurrah of prom in Chicago,” Davis said. “I feel like this prom will have the most turnout because it’s the last one in the city.”

The location also allows access to exhibits such as science and technology exhibits, railroad exhibits, the Coal Mine, Yesterday’s Main Street, Blue Paradox (a water pollution exhibit), and a costume exhibit featuring designs from “Wicked” and “Hamilton.”

“The different wings at MSI will make students really intrigued,” Davis said. “Arriving through the main entrance will give a grand and elegant feeling for pictures.”

That enthusiasm for the venue is shared by Student Council adviser Candace Fikis, who pointed to its popularity among students.

“Students chose MSI because it offered so many exhibits for students to see during prom,” Fikis said. “It has been a popular venue in the past too for its exhibits and good food.”

While this year’s prom focuses on the experience at MSI, this may be the last year prom will be held in the city. Future proms may shift to suburban banquet halls due to a $100 ticket limit and required transportation costs, which make city venues difficult to sustain.

“I think it’s bad that we’re not having it in the city anymore because having it in the city makes it a unique experience for students. You only get two proms in your life, so they should be unique and awesome, you know?” sophomore William Janowick said.