The 2026 show is bringing back special themed days and events, including: » Exclusive VIP Tours on Friday, Feb. 6: Experience the Chicago Auto Show like never before with an exclusive 60-minute VIP Tour led in person by some of the best and brightest experts in the automotive industry. » Miles Per Hour Run on Sunday, Feb. 8: Runners can experience the auto show via a 2.4-mile loop inside McCormick Place before the event doors open to the public. » Automotive Career Day on Tuesday, Feb. 10: Students of all ages are encouraged to learn more about various careers within the automotive industry through a series of presentations and activations; special ticket prices are offered for advanced sales at $10 per ticket. » First Responders & Military Appreciation Day on Wednesday, Feb. 11: Present your badge or military ID for free entry. Guests who accompany first responders or military personnel on this day receive a voucher for $5 off adult admission. » Chicago Auto Show Food Drive held Wednesday-Friday, Feb. 11-13: Bring three cans of food for A Safe Haven’s Food Bank and get a $5 voucher off regular admission. » Chicago Friday Night Flights on Friday, Feb. 13: A one-of-a-kind indoor craft beer sampling event, along with full access to the show. Returning specialty exhibits include: » Overlanding Chicago is a space dedicated to showcasing the overlanding and outdoor lifestyle. In its first year on the show floor in 2025, Overlanding Chicago drew a unique crowd of showgoers looking to explore life outside the urban jungle with their vehicles. With a focus on the overlanding lifestyle, the space features manufacturer displays of specialty vehicles, upfitting vendors, off-road accessories and much more. Attendees can look for an expanded space focusing on demonstrations, education and specific product features. » Family Zone returns to the show as a dedicated area designed specifically for families and aimed at entertaining children aged 2-16. This safe and fun environment allows kids to enjoy themselves while being immersed in the auto show experience. Families will find a great variety of activities within the exhibit and around the show floor, including a kids’ Power Wheels track and more. “The momentum behind the Chicago Auto Show has never been stronger,” said Morand. “With the introduction of Chi-Town Alley and the return of popular attractions like the Family Zone and Overlanding Chicago, we are transforming the show into an even more dynamic, consumer-focused experience.” The show’s 2026 Media Preview will be held Feb. 6, and its black-tie charity gala, First Look for Charity, will be held the evening of Friday, Feb. 6 at McCormick Place. Since its inception, First Look for Charity has raised more than $65 million for local charities, positively impacting individuals in the Chicagoland community. Attendees can once again expect an evening of gourmet food, beverages, musical entertainment and even the chance to win a brand-new 2026 Chevrolet Equinox and a 2026 Toyota Land Cruiser Hybrid, all while supporting those in need. Tickets and more information for First Look for Charity can be found at FirstLookforCharity.org. Tickets to the 2026 Chicago Auto Show are currently on sale at ChicagoAutoShow.com. The 2026 show runs Feb. 7-16 at McCormick Place and opens to the public daily at 10 a.m. Adult ticket prices are $20; seniors ages 62 and older are $15; children ages 4-12 are $15; kids 3 and younger are free. Show hours vary by day, so please check the site for details. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit ChicagoAutoShow.com. CATA UP TO SPEED 8
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