Engines Roar as Chicago Auto Show Takes Over McCormick Place

2026 Chicago Auto Show Drawing Crowds to McCormick Place — Final Day Is Feb. 16

The Chicago Auto Show returned to McCormick Place this week, and after a packed opening weekend, it’s clear that Chicago’s signature winter event is once again in full throttle.

Now in its 118th year, the show opened Feb. 7 and has been drawing steady crowds ever since. From serious car shoppers to families looking for fun, the energy inside the halls has been electric. The final day to attend is Monday, Feb. 16 — with many local schools out for Presidents Day, it’s the perfect time to head downtown and catch it before it wraps up.

Some of the major manufacturers — including Chevrolet, Fiat, Ford, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, Jeep, Kia, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota, and Volkswagen — filled the show floor with everything from sleek sedans and family SUVs to heavy-duty trucks, high-performance models, and next-generation electric vehicles. Attendees could climb inside, compare features side-by-side, and talk directly with brand representatives — an experience that can’t be replicated online.

Interactive Test Tracks Remain a Major Draw

True to its hands-on reputation, the indoor test tracks were among the busiest attractions all weekend.

The popular Chicago Drives Electric course gave visitors the chance to experience all-electric, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid vehicles in action. Nearby, Ford’s Built Wild track showcased the Bronco lineup on a rugged, purpose-built course, highlighting its off-road capabilities.

As always, Camp Jeep delivered thrills with steep climbs and dramatic obstacles that drew long — but enthusiastic — lines throughout the day.

Outside, guests enjoyed real-world test drives, getting behind the wheel for a true on-the-road feel that goes far beyond a typical dealership visit.

New Energy with Chi-Town Alley

One of the biggest additions this year was Chi-Town Alley, an immersive exhibit celebrating Chicago’s vibrant car culture. The space spotlighted custom builds, performance vehicles, street-inspired rides, and exotics, bringing a fresh, hometown feel to the show floor while highlighting the creativity of local automotive enthusiasts.

Returning favorites also made a strong showing. Overlanding Chicago expanded its footprint with adventure-ready vehicles and outdoor lifestyle displays, while the Family Zone kept younger visitors entertained with interactive exhibits and a popular Power Wheels track.

Supercar galleries, engineering showcases, and enthusiast club displays rounded out the experience, offering something for virtually every type of automotive fan.

More Than Just Cars

Beyond the vehicles, the week featured several themed events that added depth to the show:

Automotive Career Day welcomed students interested in exploring industry pathways.

First Responders and Military Appreciation Day honored those who serve with complimentary admission.

Chicago Auto Show Food Drive encouraged attendees to bring canned goods benefiting A Safe Haven in exchange for discounted tickets.

Chicago Friday Night Flights paired craft beer sampling with full access to the exhibits, creating a lively after-hours atmosphere inside McCormick Place.

The show kicked off with a Media Preview and the annual First Look for Charity gala, raising funds for local nonprofits while giving attendees the chance to win a 2026 Chevrolet Equinox or a 2026 Toyota Land Cruiser Hybrid.

Fun Awaits on the Show Floor

The Chicago Auto Show isn’t just about cars — it’s a playground for the whole family. In the Family Zone, visitors can explore Britax’s hands-on car seat demos, try kid-friendly activities, grab a 360° Glam Cam snapshot, and see the new Galaxy360™ convertible car seat. Sample Garrett’s Popcorn, test your skills in Pop-A-Shot, and guess how many toy vehicles are in the box.

Thrill-seekers can hit Sim Drive Racing Simulators, tackle Ford’s Bronco off-road course, or race on Jeep’s Camp Jeep track. Nissan pushes vehicles to the limit, while Toyota adds cornhole and fishing fun. Subaru Loves Pets even hosts on-site pet adoptions!

Military booths bring high-energy action too — try pull-ups, flight simulators, monster trucks, and esports challenges while chatting with Army, Marine Corps, and Navy pros.

From games and giveaways to racing and pets, there’s something for everyone — don’t just visit the show, play it!

Last Day to Go

If opening weekend proved anything, it’s that the Chicago Auto Show remains one of the city’s most anticipated traditions. With schools out for many families and a wide range of exhibits, ride-alongs, and hands-on activities still running, there’s still time to make a day of it.

The 2026 Chicago Auto Show runs through Feb. 16, opening daily at 10 a.m.

You can purchase tickets online.

We’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the incredible sponsors who helped make this year’s Chicago Auto Show an unforgettable experience. A special shout-out goes to Fun Times Soda Pop, AAA, Alovar Carnelli Forged, The Art Cave Company, Belle Tire, Capture Company, Carbon Studios, ChiTown Exotic Car Group, CTB Garage, Autoplates: Custom Engraving, Danley’s Garages, Drifter, Fresh Links, Fully Drivn, Garage Store, Guardian Lifts, Hoyt’s Inspection Stickers, Middleton Motorsports, Northern Mustang Corral, Orale! Chicago Car Club, Pocono Marketing Int., Scentz4U, Society of Automotive Engineers at UIC, and Viga Design Studio. Your support fuels our passion for automotive excellence, and we couldn’t have done it without you!