The Chicago Auto Show, one of the largest and longest-running auto exhibitions in North America, is set to return to McCormick Place from February 7-16, 2026. This 118th edition of the event offers a comprehensive experience for attendees, featuring the latest vehicles, indoor test tracks, outdoor test drives, and specialized showcases like an overlanding lifestyle exhibit and a family-friendly area. While the primary focus is on automotive displays and hands-on opportunities, the show’s structure provides specific avenues for cost savings and value-added benefits through discount admission programs, free entry for certain groups, and community-driven initiatives. This article details the available admission options, eligibility rules, and promotional offers based on the official information provided for the 2026 Chicago Auto Show.
Admission Pricing and General Ticket Information
For the 2026 Chicago Auto Show, the standard admission pricing is clearly defined. General admission tickets are priced at $20. A discounted rate of $15 is available for seniors aged 62 and older. For children, tickets are $15 for those aged 4-12. Children aged 3 and younger receive free admission when accompanied by a paying adult, with the free entry applicable only to family members.
All ticket sales are final. Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the show’s box office. It is important to note that McCormick Place is a cashless facility; therefore, all ticket purchases, whether online or on-site, must be made using a credit or debit card. The show’s official information emphasizes that discounted tickets are subject to specific terms and conditions.
Discount Admission Programs and Coupons
The Chicago Auto Show partners with local organizations to offer various discount admission coupons. These discounts provide a pathway to reduce the cost of attendance for eligible individuals. Key details regarding these programs are outlined below.
General Discount Coupon Terms
Several types of discount admission coupons are available for the 2026 event. However, all coupons are subject to specific terms and conditions that must be understood before attempting to use them. The official rules for these coupons are as follows: - All coupons must be redeemed on-site at a designated Chicago Auto Show ticket booth. They cannot be used for online purchases. - Discounts apply only to full-price adult admission tickets. They cannot be used to reduce the price of senior, child, or already-discounted tickets. - Discounts cannot be applied to tickets that have already been purchased. Coupons must be used at the time of the initial ticket purchase.
Special Discount Day: First Responders and Military Personnel
A significant discount opportunity is available for first responders and military personnel on a specific day of the show. - Free Entry for Military: Active duty and veteran military members receive free entry on February 10, 2026. To gain free admission, they must show a valid military badge or military ID at a designated area on-site. - Guest Discount for Military and First Responders: Guests accompanying a first responder or a military member on February 10 will receive a $5 discount voucher for adult admission. This voucher can be redeemed at the show’s ticket box office.
Community-Driven Discount: Chicago Auto Show Food Drive
In partnership with A Safe Haven Foundation, the Chicago Auto Show offers a discount for attendees who participate in a community food drive. - Offer: Attendees who donate three (3) cans of food will receive a coupon for $5 off adult admission. - Valid Dates: This food drive discount is available on Wednesday, February 11, Thursday, February 12, and Friday, February 13, 2026. - Redemption Process: Cans of food can be redeemed for the $5 discount coupon at the show’s ticket box office. All food collected through this initiative will benefit A Safe Haven Foundation.
Understanding the Limits and Rules of Discounts
The provided information highlights several critical limitations that consumers should be aware of when seeking discounted admission. Understanding these rules is essential for a smooth experience at the ticket booth.
First, the distinction between a "voucher" and a "coupon" is important. The $5 discount offered to guests of first responders and military personnel is described as a "voucher," while the food drive discount is a "coupon." While both provide a $5 reduction for adult admission, the specific redemption process may differ, though both must be handled on-site.
Second, the restriction that discounts apply only to full-price adult admission tickets is a key constraint. This means that families with children or seniors in their party cannot apply these coupons to reduce the cost of those specific tickets. The discount is strictly for the adult portion of the purchase.
Third, the requirement to redeem coupons on-site, rather than online, is a significant logistical consideration. Attendees planning to use a discount must factor in additional time at the show’s entrance to process the coupon or voucher. It is also crucial to note that no discounts can be applied to tickets already purchased; all discount coupons must be used at the point of sale.
Finally, the cashless policy at McCormick Place reinforces the need for a credit or debit card for all transactions, including the purchase of discounted tickets. Cash will not be accepted for ticket sales.
The Show Experience: Value Beyond the Ticket Price
While the article focuses on admission costs and discounts, the official description of the Chicago Auto Show indicates that the value of attendance extends beyond the ticket price. The 2026 event is designed as an immersive experience.
Attendees can expect to see the latest vehicles from a wide range of manufacturers. The show offers hands-on opportunities that are often not available in traditional car dealerships, including indoor test tracks and outdoor test drives. This provides a unique, no-cost (beyond admission) trial experience for potential vehicle buyers.
For those interested in a specific lifestyle, the show features an overlanding exhibit. This showcase includes specialty vehicles and gear for adventure travel, catering to a niche automotive community. Additionally, a dedicated family-friendly area is designed to entertain children and immerse them in the excitement of the auto show, making it a suitable outing for parents and families.
The event’s long history—being the first staged in 1901 and held more times than any other auto exposition on the continent—underscores its established role in the North American automotive landscape. For 2026, it continues to celebrate Chicago’s vibrant car culture and invites visitors to engage with diverse automotive communities.
Conclusion
The 2026 Chicago Auto Show provides multiple avenues for cost-effective admission through structured discount programs. The primary general admission ticket is $20, with age-based discounts for seniors and children, and free entry for very young children. Beyond standard pricing, significant savings are available through specific, time-bound initiatives. Free admission is granted to active duty and veteran military personnel on February 10, with a $5 discount available for their guests. Furthermore, a community food drive allows attendees to receive a $5 coupon for adult admission on February 11, 12, and 13 by donating three canned goods to A Safe Haven Foundation.
All discount coupons and vouchers have strict terms: they must be redeemed on-site, apply only to full-price adult tickets, and cannot be used for already-purchased tickets. The cashless facility at McCormick Place requires the use of a credit or debit card for all transactions. For attendees, the value proposition combines potential cost savings with access to a large-scale automotive exhibition featuring the latest vehicles, hands-on test experiences, and specialized lifestyle exhibits. Planning ahead to understand and utilize these discount opportunities can make the 2026 Chicago Auto Show an accessible and valuable event for a wide range of consumers.