Showgoers can once again expect an engaging show with the latest new vehicles, outdoor ride-and-drives and indoor test tracks, including the return of Chicago Drives Electric, a one-stop-shop for electric vehicle ride-alongs and education, organizers said.
The show's black-tie charity gala, First Look for Charity, was held the evening of Friday, Feb. 6 at McCormick Place. Since its inception, First Look for Charity has raised millions for local charities, positively impacting individuals in the Chicagoland community. Attendees experienced an evening of gourmet food, beverages and musical entertainment, all while supporting those in need. More information for First Look for Charity can be found at FirstLookforCharity.org.
The goal was to raise more than $2 million, and the First Look for Charity accomplished just that.
"First look for charity is actually the largest local single day fundraiser for the city of Chicago," Chicago Auto Show general manager Jennifer Morand said.
ABC 7's Mark Rivera hosted a reception for Turning Pointe Autism, one of the 18 charities benefiting from Friday night's event.
"It's helped us raise over a million dollars to support our families as they navigate the lifelong journey with autism," Turning Pointe Autism Foundation executive director Carrie Provenzale said.
This year's Chicago Auto Show is all about what's next, with more electric vehicles, more hands-on experiences and more tech than ever before.
"People are taking actual test drives and riding along in the back of a Bronco and camp Jeep in in their black tie, which is such a sight to see," Morand said.
And for the very first time in Chicago, the new Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC will be featured.
"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.