The Chicago Auto Show 2026 marks the 118th edition of North America’s largest and longest-running auto exposition. As a Chicago-based auto transport company, this is our hometown show. Here’s everything you need to know before you go. We’ve also included a few practical tips for visitors coming from out of state or planning to buy a vehicle.
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When Is the Chicago Auto Show 2026?
The public show runs Saturday, February 7 through Monday, February 16, 2026, at McCormick Place, 2301 S. King Drive, Chicago. Show hours run 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on most days, with Sunday, February 8 closing earlier at 6 p.m. and the final day, February 16, closing at 8 p.m. A media preview and VIP tours take place the day before the public show opens, on February 6.
Tickets and What’s Included
Adult tickets run $20, with discounted pricing for seniors (62+) and children ages 4-12 at $15 each; kids 3 and under get in free. Tickets are sold directly through the show’s official site. For the full schedule of special days — including Automotive Career Day and First Responders & Military Appreciation Day — check the official Chicago Auto Show site closer to the event, since exact dates and offers can shift year to year.
What to Expect at the 2026 Show
With roughly 1,000 vehicles and 500+ exhibitors spread across more than 800,000 square feet of McCormick Place, the Chicago Auto Show is built for browsing at your own pace. Here’s what’s worth planning around.
First Look for Charity Gala. The night before the public show opens — Friday, February 6, 7 to 11 p.m. — is a black-tie preview event where attendees get the whole show floor to themselves, along with food, drinks, and vehicle raffles benefiting Chicago-area charities. It’s a separate, higher-priced ticket from general admission, and it tends to sell out, so it’s worth deciding early if that’s part of your plan.
Themed days. A few dates come with extras worth building your visit around: the Miles Per Hour Run on February 8 (a timed run through the show floor before doors open to the public), First Responders & Military Appreciation Day on February 10 (discounted or free admission with valid ID), and Automotive Career Day on February 11 (geared toward students, with discounted advance tickets).
Interactive zones. The 2026 show brings back Chicago Drives Electric (indoor EV test tracks), Camp Jeep (an off-road course built inside the venue), Built Wild by Ford (an off-road incline challenge), and the Family Zone, alongside the new Chi-Town Alley spotlighting Chicago’s own car culture.
Getting There and Parking
McCormick Place is served directly by the Metra Electric Line, with extra stops added at the McCormick Place station during the show — a solid option if you’d rather skip driving into the area entirely. CTA bus service also runs close to the venue.
If you’re driving, McCormick Place has several on-site lots, with daily rates generally running in the $25-$30 range. Given the scale of a 10-day show like this, arriving earlier in the day — especially on weekends — makes for a much easier parking experience than showing up midafternoon.
Visiting From Out of State? A Few Practical Notes
The Chicago Auto Show draws visitors well beyond the metro area, and a few things are worth planning ahead for if you’re making the trip:
If you’re buying while you’re here. Some attendees use the show to compare models in person before buying locally or back home. If you end up purchasing a vehicle in the Chicago area and need it shipped rather than driven back, that’s a standard out-of-state car purchase shipment — see our guide on how car shipping works for what that process looks like.
If you’re local and shipping a vehicle around show season. February can bring winter weather that affects pickup scheduling — our guide on transporting a car during winter covers what to expect if you have a shipment planned around the same time as the show.
Parking fills up fast. McCormick Place has on-site parking, but given the scale of the event, arriving early or using transit is the more predictable option, especially on weekends.
About Mile Auto Transport’s Chicago Roots
We’re based right here in Chicago, not writing about it from across the country. That matters in practical ways: we know that McCormick Place traffic backs up fast on Lake Shore Drive during a show this size, that Metra’s extra stops are genuinely worth using over driving in on a weekend, and that a Chicago February means any vehicle shipment around show season should be planned with winter weather in mind, not just ticket dates. If you’re shipping a vehicle to or from the Chicago area — show season or not — our Chicago vehicle shipping guide covers routes, pricing, and what to expect.
FAQ
When is the Chicago Auto Show 2026?
The public show runs February 7 through February 16, 2026, at McCormick Place in Chicago.
How much are Chicago Auto Show 2026 tickets?
Adult tickets are $20, seniors (62+) and children ages 4-12 are $15, and kids 3 and under are free.
Where is the Chicago Auto Show held?
McCormick Place, 2301 S. King Drive, Chicago, IL 60616.
How many vehicles are at the Chicago Auto Show?
The 2026 show features roughly 1,000 vehicles from 500+ exhibitors.
Is the Chicago Auto Show the largest in the US?
Yes — it’s recognized as the largest and longest-running auto exposition in North America, first held in 1901.
How much is parking at the Chicago Auto Show?
On-site lots at McCormick Place generally run $25-$30 per day. Arriving early, especially on weekends, makes parking noticeably easier.
What is First Look for Charity?
It’s a black-tie preview event the night before the public show opens (Friday, February 6), with full access to the show floor, food and drinks, and proceeds benefiting Chicago-area charities. It requires a separate ticket from general admission.
Shipping a vehicle to, from, or around Chicago?