Chicago Auto Show 2026: dates, venue, and a new interactive format

Michael Powers, Editor

19:40 11-12-2025

The international auto show in Chicago ranks among the most significant annual automotive events in North America. Each year it attracts thousands of car enthusiasts, automakers, and technology fans from around the globe.

In 2026, the event will adopt a new format, giving visitors fresh ways to explore the latest achievements in vehicle engineering along with innovations in transport and sustainable technologies.

The 2026 show opens on February 7 and runs through February 16. As tradition holds, it will take place at McCormick Place, the city’s best-known exhibition center and a regular host to major international expos. The venue choice underscores the scale the organizers are aiming for.

In a statement, show chairman Jason Roberts said the organizers intend to elevate the event in 2026. He noted that the Chicago auto show evolves every year but that the upcoming edition is designed to set a new benchmark for auto exhibitions, with the aim of giving guests interactive ways to experience the future of mobility. That emphasis suggests a shift toward more engaging, hands-on encounters rather than static showcases—exactly the kind of approach that helps new technology connect with everyday drivers.