diff --git a/pystan/__init__.py b/pystan/__init__.py
index bebdbc78..eadcce80 100644
--- a/pystan/__init__.py
+++ b/pystan/__init__.py
@@ -18,4 +18,4 @@
     logging.basicConfig(level=logging.INFO)
 
 # following PEP 386
-__version__ = '2.17.1.0'
+__version__ = '2.18.0.0'