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The Chicago Auto Show, organized by the Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), has announced its 2026 event schedule, set to take place from February 7th to 16th at McCormick Place.
Visitors can look forward to a dynamic experience showcasing the latest vehicle models, including outdoor ride-and-drive events and indoor test tracks. A notable highlight is the return of Chicago Drives Electric, which offers attendees the chance to learn about and experience electric vehicles firsthand, according to event organizers.
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This year’s event will feature the esteemed black-tie charity event, First Look for Charity, on the evening of February 6th at McCormick Place. Since it began, this gala has generated significant funds for local charities, benefiting many in the Chicagoland area. Participants can enjoy a night filled with exquisite cuisine, drinks, and live entertainment, all while contributing to a worthy cause. Further details and tickets are available at FirstLookforCharity.org.
The 2026 show promises to focus on future trends, offering increased exposure to electric vehicles, interactive experiences, and cutting-edge technology.
In an exciting debut for Chicago, the brand-new Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC will be showcased for the first time.
“We’ve been working on this vehicle for four years; it’s a combination of race breed technology, competition-inspired design. Kinda the heart of this vehicle is the 5.2 liter supercharged V8 engine. This is the same exact engine shared with the Mustang GTD supercar,” said Ryan Shaughnessy, the Mustang brand manager for Ford.
Over at Ram, there is a comeback.
“It’s back. This is the 2027 Ram 1500 SRT TRX. It’s not only a high performance truck that can go off-road, but it also rivals luxury vehicles. This is our bloodshot night edition, and it has these cool red-splash graphics, carbon fiber trim on the inside, black suede headliner. And the 777 horsepower truck can go over and do jumps. There’s massaging seats on the inside, heated seats in the front and rear,” said Kelley Enright, with Ram communications.
There’s also the Lucid Air sedan and the Gravity for those who like electric.
Tickets to the 2026 Chicago Auto Show are currently on sale at ChicagoAutoShow.com. The 2026 show opens to the public daily at 10 a.m.
Adult ticket prices are $20; seniors ages 62 and older are $15; and children ages 4-12 are $15 before fees. Kids 3 and younger are free. Show hours vary by day so please check the site for details.
McCormick Place, located at 2301 S. King Drive in Chicago, is a cashless facility.
Attendees will be subject to a security screening, organizers said.
Only clear tote bags (12″x12″x6″ or smaller) and clutch purses (under 9 x 5 x 2 or smaller) are allowed. When an infant is present, diaper bags and strollers are permitted.
The Chicago Auto Show is the nation’s longest-running auto exposition in North America. It’s in its 118th edition.
The Illinois secretary of state will also have a full-service DMV at the event.
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