2026 CHICAGO AUTO SHOW

The 2026 Chicago Auto Show returns to McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois, running from Saturday, February 7 through Monday, February 16, 2026. As one of North America’s largest and longest-running auto expositions (first staged in 1901), the Chicago Auto Show is a major destination for anyone who wants to see the newest vehicles, explore emerging technology, and experience hands-on attractions in one place. Dates, Location, and Hours The show takes place at McCormick Place, located at 2301 S. King Dr, Chicago, IL 60616. Doors open daily at 10:00 a.m. Public closing times vary by day: Feb 7 & Feb 9–15: closes at 9:00 p.m. Feb 8: closes at 6:00 p.m. Feb 16: closes at 8:00 p.m. Important note: McCormick Place is a cashless venue (credit/debit only inside the building). Tickets (Official Pricing) General admission tickets for the 2026 show are: $20 — General admission $15 — Seniors (62+) $15 — Children (ages 4–12) Free — Children 3 and under with a paying adult (family members only) What You’ll See: Vehicles, Brands, and Show Floor Experience The Chicago Auto Show is built around a massive indoor show floor featuring nearly 1,000 vehicles across more than two dozen manufacturers, spanning everything from family sedans and SUVs to luxury models, trucks, performance cars, EVs, and concept-style showcases. You can expect displays from a wide mix of major brands, with show guides commonly highlighting names like Alfa Romeo, BMW, Cadillac, Ford, Jeep, Ram, Volkswagen, and many more—making it easy to compare new models, trims, and features side-by-side. A major highlight is how interactive the show is: many production vehicles are typically unlocked, so visitors can sit inside, check cabin space, explore tech screens, and compare interiors back-to-back—something you can’t do easily at a dealership. Test Tracks and Hands-On Experiences (Big 2026 Feature) The 2026 event puts a major focus on in-vehicle experiences, including multiple test tracks and ride-alongs: Chicago Drives Electric (ComEd partnership) returns in 2026, giving attendees EV ride-alongs on an indoor test track. Participating manufacturers listed for this experience include BMW, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ford, Kia, Lucid, Polestar, and VinFast. New for 2026, Chicago Drives adds a gas-powered/hybrid indoor experience, with participating manufacturers including Chevrolet, Kia, and Volkswagen. These experiences are a big reason Chicago stands out: you don’t just look at cars—you can feel ride quality, acceleration, tech, and cabin comfort in a real test-track setting (even as a passenger). Specialty Exhibits and Chicago Car Culture Beyond manufacturer booths, the show includes specialty areas and themed attractions designed for enthusiasts and families. A major 2026 addition is Chi-Town Alley, a dedicated space celebrating Chicago’s car culture—bringing together local clubs, vendors, merch, accessories, and a meetup-style atmosphere right on the show floor. Parking and Getting There McCormick Place offers on-site parking (Lots A, B, and C). For the auto show, parking is typically paid by card, lots are open during event hours, and there’s no overnight parking or in-and-out privileges.