Planning to attend the 2026 Chicago Auto Show, but unsure where to start? One missed tip could mean sitting in traffic for hours or missing the model you came to see. That can throw off your whole day.
The Chicago Auto Show began in 1901 as a public showcase for early motor vehicles and has remained an integral part of the city’s identity for over a century, according to the Chicago History Museum.
This guide explains exactly what to expect at the show, how to get there without stress, and how to experience it like a local. You’ll see how to save time, avoid common mistakes, and enjoy the event without feeling lost or rushed.
What You'll Learn
In this complete breakdown of the Chicago Auto Show 2026, you'll get a clear view of what's waiting for you this year.
A look at the newest vehicle reveals and show features
Planning tips to help you move through McCormick Place
Ideas for making your auto show visit part of a bigger Chicago trip
Summary
The 118th Chicago Auto Show, the nation’s largest consumer auto expo, returns to McCormick Place from February 7–16, 2026. Here’s everything American attendees need to know at a glance:
Event Details
Dates: February 7–16, 2026
Venue: McCormick Place, 2301 S. King Drive, Chicago
Edition: 118th annual show
Hours:
Daily opens at 10 a.m.
Closes at 9 p.m. (February 7 & February 9–15)
Closes at 6 p.m. on Sunday, February 8
Closes at 8 p.m. on Monday, February 16
Admission
Adults: $17
Seniors (62+): $12
Children (4–12): $12
Children under 4: Free
First Look for Charity Gala
Date: Friday, February 6, 2026, 7–11 p.m.
Tickets: $325 ($268 tax-deductible)
Features: Black-tie preview, gourmet dining, vehicle raffles benefiting Chicago charities
Special Theme Days
Toyota Miles Per Hour Run: Sunday, February 8. A 2.4-mile indoor fun run before doors open
First Responders & Military Day: Tuesday, February 10. Free admission with ID plus $5 guest vouchers
Automotive Career Day: Wednesday, February 11. Student seminars; $10 advance tickets
Food Drive: Wednesday–Friday, February 11–13. Donate three canned goods for a $5 ticket credit
Friday Night Flights: Friday, February 13. On-site craft-beer tasting
Interactive Experiences
Chicago Drives Electric: Multiple indoor EV test tracks featuring dozens of electric models and ride-along demos
Camp Jeep: Off-road obstacle course showcasing Jeep’s 4×4 capabilities
Built Wild by Ford: Extreme terrain challenges, including the 38° “Bronco Mountain” incline
Overlanding Chicago: Outdoor-adventure builds, gear vendors, and expert workshops
Family Fun Zone: Kid-friendly Power Wheels track, Tesla mini-test drives, and safety clinics
Transportation & Parking
South Shore Line: Special stops at McCormick Place during show dates use “Museum Campus” station code
CTA Bus #3: Direct service to the venue
On-site parking: Three lots available at $25–$30 per day
Accessibility: Scooter and wheelchair rentals via Scootaround at Gate 4
Why It Matters
Attendance: In 2025, the show drew 217,000 visitors and set a record with over 100,000 in-vehicle ride experiences
Debut Platform: Region-exclusive and North American reveals, including new EVs, concept cars, and performance models
Consumer Engagement: Hands-on test drives and interactive zones highlight the auto industry’s shift toward electrification and advanced mobility
Planning Tips
Weekday Visits: Mornings and weekdays offer lighter crowds and easier access to exhibits
Advance Purchase: Secure tickets online when sales open in November 2025 to guarantee entry
Show App: Download for interactive maps, event schedules, and real-time updates
Mark your calendar for February 7–16, 2026: the Chicago Auto Show awaits with ten days of vehicles, technology, and experiences that define America’s automotive future.
Don’t Get Lost in the Chaos
Ever pack a suitcase so full that you couldn’t find what you needed? That’s what the Chicago Auto Show 2026 can feel like if you show up without a plan. The best exhibits are there, but they can be easy to miss. The Kia K5, Kia Carnival, and Toyota Avalon are just a few examples of popular models often showcased.
This show has grown into much more than a car showcase. It’s packed with new tech, lifestyle displays, interactive test drives, and city-focused experiences, all spread across McCormick Place. Without a clear route, you can waste time in low-interest zones while the real highlights pass you by.
This post unpacks it all step by step. You’ll walk in knowing where to go and how to spend your time without missing the exhibits that matter to you.
Event Snapshot: Key Dates, Times, and Location
This is the starting point for planning your visit. It covers the show’s schedule, where to go, and the cost of tickets.
Dates: Saturday, February 7 to Monday, February 16, 2026
Location: McCormick Place, 2301 S King Dr, Chicago, IL 60616
Hours:
February 7 to 15: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
February 16 (closing day): 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Admission Prices:
Adults: $17
Seniors (62 and up): $12
Children (ages 4 to 12): $12
Children under 4: Free with a paid adult
Ticket Info:
Available online and on-site
Group discounts available for 20 or more with booking
Special day-based discounts offered during promotional events
Gates 3 and 4 are the most direct entry points for reaching the main exhibit floor.
Exclusive Preview: First Look for Charity Gala
This is the only night when you can explore the whole auto show before the public opening. It’s a formal event that blends luxury, access, and community support.
Date: Friday, February 6, 2026
Time: 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Ticket Price: $325
Attendees have access to every display on the show floor. The evening includes gourmet tastings from local chefs, premium bar service, live music, and raffles. Proceeds benefit Chicago-area charities. A formal dress code is required, and tickets often sell out in advance.
Themed Experience Days
These special days bring extra value, added events, or discounted admission. If your schedule is flexible, planning your visit around one of these can enhance your experience.
February 8 – Toyota Miles Per Hour Run: Participate in a morning 5K run through McCormick Place. Includes show admission with registration.
February 10 – First Responders and Military Day: Admission is free with a valid ID for police, firefighters, EMTs, and active or retired military personnel.
February 11 – Automotive Career Day: Admission is $10 for students with a valid ID. Includes career-focused programming and networking opportunities.
February 11-13 – Food Drive Discount Days: Bring three canned goods for donation and receive $5 off an adult ticket at the door.
February 13 – Friday Night Flights: Evening craft beer tasting event. Must be 21 or older. A separate ticket is required.
Can’t Miss Interactive Zones
These exhibits offer hands-on experiences that are popular with attendees. If you want to try them without long waits, plan to arrive early in the day.
Chicago Drives Electric: Indoor EV test track featuring the latest electric models from several manufacturers. Staff are available to answer questions about performance and charging.
Camp Jeep: Experience a simulated off-road course with steep climbs, descents, and uneven terrain. Jeep-trained drivers handle the wheel.
Built Wild by Ford: Includes “Bronco Mountain,” a steep incline and descent that highlights the Bronco’s off-road capability. Riders are passengers only.
Overlanding Chicago: Outdoor gear setups, vehicle modifications, and custom builds designed for long-distance travel and camping.
Family Fun Zone: Designed for kids with safe mini rides, driving clinics, and car-themed play areas. Parent supervision is required.
All activities are included with general admission, though some may have age, height, or weight limits.
Parking, Transit, and Accessibility
Getting to McCormick Place can be simple with the right plan. This section covers parking, public transportation, and accessibility services.
Parking Options
Lot A (2301 S Prairie Ave): Covered garage with 2,100 spaces
Lot B (31st Street): Open-air surface lot
Lot C (Fort Dearborn Drive): Underground garage with direct access to the venue
Daily Rates: $25 to $30
Overnight parking is not permitted
Public Transit
CTA Bus #3 stops near the main entrance
Green Line Cermak-McCormick Place Station is about a 10-minute walk
South Shore Line adds weekend service directly to McCormick Place during the show
Accessibility Services
Scooter and wheelchair rentals are available at Gate 4
Ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms throughout the facility
Companion seating is available at presentations and test ride areas
Why This Year’s Show Matters
This year’s show highlights how the event continues to grow and evolve. More brands are using it to connect directly with the public, not just show off new models.
Attendance in 2025 reached over 217,000 people
More than 100,000 attendees participated in ride-alongs
Larger displays are dedicated to electric vehicles and concept cars
Exhibits focus on real-world features and interactive learning instead of press-only launches
The 2026 show puts the spotlight on what drivers care about today, from technology to design to hands-on experience.
Pro Planning Tips
A little preparation goes a long way. These tips can help you avoid delays, reduce wait times, and maximize your visit.
Visit during off-peak hours: Weekday mornings are the least crowded. Late evenings after 6 p.m. tend to be calmer than midday.
Buy tickets early: Online ticket sales open in November 2025. Buying in advance helps you skip lines at the entrance.
Use the official event app: The free app includes an interactive map, live event updates, and real-time wait times for ride-alongs and test tracks.
Pack for comfort: Wear supportive shoes, bring a phone charger, and carry a water bottle. Food is available inside the venue, but local restaurants nearby can be a good option if you leave and re-enter.
Final Thoughts
The Chicago Auto Show 2026 brings together new vehicles, hands-on exhibits, and city-focused experiences in one place. It’s designed for car buyers, families, tech fans, and anyone curious about what’s next in the industry.
If you plan your visit ahead of time, you’ll avoid long lines, stay on track, and enjoy more of what the show has to offer. From EV test drives to specialty zones and local food spots nearby, there’s something for every type of visitor. Utilize the available tools, review the schedule, and allow yourself sufficient time to explore.
If you're showing or shipping a vintage or collector car, using top-load car transport can reduce the risk of exposure to road debris during transit.
Need Help Shipping Your Car?
If you're planning to attend the show from out of state or relocating soon, shipping your vehicle may be part of the process. AmeriFreight Car Shipping can help with that. We arrange reliable auto transport across the continental U.S. using vetted carriers that meet strict service standards.
Our goal is to make auto shipping as smooth as possible. Whether you're moving, buying, or attending a car show like this one, we’ll walk you through each step.
For added protection from weather and dirt during long-distance shipping, enclosed auto transport is a wise choice, especially for rare or high-end models.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does the Chicago Auto Show feature any historical vehicles or automotive heritage exhibits?
Yes. Some manufacturers showcase heritage models or milestone vehicles. These are usually part of their main exhibit space or placed near feature displays. Availability varies each year.
Are there specific days with fewer crowds at the Chicago Auto Show?
Weekday mornings are usually the least busy, especially Tuesday through Thursday. Early entry gives you more time at interactive zones and less time waiting in lines.
What kind of future car technology exhibits can I expect at the Chicago Auto Show?
You'll see electric vehicles, connected systems, and concept cars with advanced driver-assist features. Some booths also feature demos or touchscreen displays that demonstrate how new technology works.
Are there any celebrity appearances or special guest speakers at the Chicago Auto Show?
Yes, but not every day. Past shows have included athletes, media hosts, and product engineers. These appearances are announced closer to the event date through the show’s official site or mobile app.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Dates, pricing, and programming details for the 2026 Chicago Auto Show are subject to change by the event organizers. Please refer to the official Chicago Auto Show website for the most current information.
