It’s an annual rite of winter, and the Chicago Auto Show is fast approaching at McCormick Place.
The annual event brings together the world’s biggest car manufacturers, luxury vehicles and a slew of activities all under one roof, and it draws thousands of attendees every year.
Here is the information you need to know before you head to McCormick Place this month.
When is the Chicago Auto Show?
The first full day of this year’s Auto Show will be Saturday, February 7, and the show will remain open through Monday, February 16.
What vehicles will be on display at the auto show?
Most major car manufacturers will have displays at the auto show, ranging from Alfa Romeo to Volkswagen.
Some manufacturers will showcase their brand new vehicles at the show, including Toyota, which announced this week that it will bring its new RAV4 to the show.
Multiple manufacturers will offer vehicles for test drives, including Dodge, Ford, Jeep, Subaru and Toyota, among others.
Jeep will also bring back its indoor track for the auto show, and Ford will let attendees check out its new Bronco on an indoor off-road course.
Electric vehicles will also be on display in the “Chicago Drives Electric” exhibit.
A supercar gallery will also be available for attendees, including numerous Maserati, Aston Martin, McClaren and Lamborghini vehicles.
Family-friendly activities
The Family Zone at the auto show features activities for children between the ages of 2 and 16, including racing simulators, a play area, an electric school bus and the kids’ power wheels track.
More information can be found on the auto show’s website.
How much are tickets?
General admission tickets are $20 plus fees, while seniors age 65 and older can purchase tickets for $15. Admission for children between the ages 4-to-12 is also $15.
Ticket information can be found on the auto show’s website.
When is the Chicago Auto Show open?
The show will open every day at 10 a.m. On the opening day of February 7 and then February 9-15, the show will close at 9 p.m., while on February 8 the show will close at 6 p.m.
The final day of the auto show is Monday, Feb. 16, with the show closing at 8 p.m.
What are some of the special events available at the show?
The show officially opens on Saturday, but the annual First Look for Charity will take place on Friday at McCormick Place.
Tickets are $325 plus fees for the first look, and the event is a black tie affair, according to organizers.
A number of charities benefit from the sale of tickets, and attendees can either split their ticket price among charities or choose one to purchase the tickets through.
Friday, Feb. 13 will mark the “Friday Night Flights” event at the auto show, with local craft beers available between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. to ticketholders. The event comes with a souvenir sampling glass, and will feature offerings from breweries like Begyle, Haymarket, Moody Tongue and more.
On First Responders and Military Appreciation Day, all first responders and military members will receive free admission on Wednesday, February 11.
If attendees bring three canned food items to the show between February 11-13, they will receive $5 off of their admission, with donations going toward A Safe Haven.
Other events can be found on the show’s website.
