The Green Party of the United States will return to an in-person national gathering this summer, with plans to hold its 2026 Annual National Meeting in Chicago for the first time since before the COVID-19 pandemic.
The meeting is scheduled for July 23 through July 26 on the campus of the University of Illinois Chicago. Party organizers said the event will also include a virtual option to allow members unable to attend to participate remotely. Early registration is now open and will continue through the end of April, according to an email sent to party members this week.
The party has been discussing a return to in-person programming for its annual meeting for the past several years, with party leaders first raising the idea during the party’s 2022 annual gathering.
This year’s meeting will prioritize party-building efforts, with the weekend centered on the theme “People. Planet. Peace.” Organizers said the event will include workshops, panel discussions, and a State of the Party address on Sunday, with additional details to be released as the schedule is finalized.
The event will also feature several guest figures, with two announced so far. Anthony Aguilar, a retired U.S. special forces officer and former security contractor with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, is scheduled to deliver the keynote address on Saturday and speak about his experiences as a whistleblower.
Aguilar drew attention in 2025 after telling the BBC he witnessed Israeli forces firing on crowds of Palestinians at aid distribution sites and accusing them of using excessive force. He later resigned in protest. The foundation has denied his allegations as false, while the Israeli military has said the incidents are under review.
Butch Ware, the Green Party’s 2024 vice presidential nominee and a current candidate for governor of California, will also attend and participate in programming throughout the weekend. Ware was recently kept off the ballot by state officials and is remaining in the race as a write-in candidate.
Registration is required for all participants, with the party saying fees will help cover the costs of hosting both in-person and hybrid programming. Organizers also said reduced rates and fee waivers will be available for those in need and that they plan to provide accommodations for participants with accessibility needs.
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