Evening one
Saturday 13 FebruaryAfter the show floor closes: dinner and a short evening outing.
- EveningGangsters and ghosts tour
- EatPequod's
Chicago Auto Show 2027: what to do in Chicago after hours
13 to 22 February 2027 · ExpectedChicago, United States
Chicago Auto Show keeps attendees on the show floor all day and leaves the evenings, the day after and partners' days free. This guide covers dinners that need booking, evening outings, a companion day and the day after in Chicago.
Airport to McCormick Place
O'Hare (ORD) has the CTA Blue Line to the Loop in 45 minutes; Midway (MDW) has the Orange Line in 25 minutes.
Metra Electric to McCormick Place or shuttles from hotels.
Public transport directions to McCormick Place
Where to stay by budget
| Budget | Where | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | West Loop and South Loop | Near McCormick Place and the trains. |
| Mid-range | River North and the Loop | Walk to the river and Millennium Park. |
| Splurge | Magnificent Mile and Gold Coast | Grand hotels by the lake. |
Three hotels we would book
- Budget: Hotel Chicago West Loop
- Mid-range: Hotel Julian Chicago
- Splurge: The Peninsula Chicago
Day plans for the free hours
Built around the usual show week schedule for 13 to 22 February 2027. Session times change: check the official timetable and move the blocks around.
Evening two
Sunday 14 FebruaryTeam dinner night. Book early: every group in town wants the same tables.
- EatLou Malnati's
- After darkRiver North and Wicker Park.
Companion day
Sunday 14 FebruaryFor partners who came along and do not have a badge.
- Free ideaMillennium Park and the Bean.
The day after the show
Tuesday 23 FebruaryPush the flight back a day. A full free day costs little and the city empties out.
- Half-dayBike tour of the lakefront
- EatPortillo's
- FreeLincoln Park Zoo.
Team outing
For corporate groups of 10 to 40: private tours and tastings book out first.
- EatAu Cheval
- EveningBlues club night
Family-friendly picks
Half day · Low walking · Family
Chicago Architecture Center river cruise
The famous 90-minute river cruise.
- Field Museum.
- Shedd Aquarium.
- Museum of Science and Industry.
Evening and day-trip tours
After dark
- River North and Wicker Park.
8 tours worth booking for Chicago Auto Show
| Tour | Length | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Bike tour of the lakefront | Half day | Families |
| Art Institute of Chicago | Half day | Bad weather, Tired legs |
| Chicago Architecture Center river cruise | Half day | Tired legs, Families |
| Deep-dish pizza and food tour | Half day | Food lovers |
| Skydeck at Willis Tower | Half day | Families, Bad weather |
| Gangsters and ghosts tour | Evening | Night owls |
| Blues club night | Evening | Night owls |
| Lake Michigan sunset cruise | Evening | Tired legs, Night owls |
Where to eat
Rainy-day backups
- Art Institute.
- Field Museum.
Getting around on event days
- CTA L trains and buses take contactless. McCormick Place has a Metra station and the #3 bus.
Day trips from Chicago
- Milwaukee: 1.5 hours by train
- Indiana Dunes: 1 hour
Bringing a group?
Corporate hospitality, fan clubs, teams and families travelling together: tell us the dates and group size and we will put together tours, transfers and a group dinner for Chicago Auto Show.
Plan a group tripQuestions people ask
When is Chicago Auto Show 2027?
The next edition is 13 to 22 February 2027, following the usual pattern. The organiser has not confirmed it yet.
How do I get from the airport to McCormick Place?
O'Hare (ORD) has the CTA Blue Line to the Loop in 45 minutes; Midway (MDW) has the Orange Line in 25 minutes. Metra Electric to McCormick Place or shuttles from hotels.
Where should I stay for Chicago Auto Show?
For most visitors the best base is River North and the Loop: Walk to the river and Millennium Park.
What can we do between sessions at Chicago Auto Show?
Good short outings in Chicago include Chicago Architecture Center river cruise, Deep-dish pizza and food tour, Skydeck at Willis Tower. See the day plans on this page for a full schedule.
What is there for kids and families near Chicago Auto Show?
Family-friendly picks: Chicago Architecture Center river cruise, Skydeck at Willis Tower, Bike tour of the lakefront. Field Museum.
How far is McCormick Place from Chicago centre?
About 3 km in a straight line. Metra Electric to McCormick Place or shuttles from hotels.
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