Car events in Illinois

Chicago Auto Show fills McCormick Place every February as North America’s longest-running dealer-association floor; Wekfest Chicago adds a curated indoor tuner weekend when you want screened builds instead of third-row comparisons.

Region guide All events

Upcoming

Show / gatherSun, Sep 6, 2026

Wekfest Chicago 2026

Wekfest Chicago 2026 at Navy Pier Festival Hall: Sunday, September 6 tickets, hours, and how it differs from the Chicago Auto Show.

Chicago, IL

FeaturedFeb 13–21, 2027

Chicago Auto Show 2027

February 13–21, 2027 at McCormick Place: North America’s longest-running auto show returns — hours, bag policy, and Midwest shopping tips.

Chicago, IL

Past & recaps

RecapFeb 7–16, 2026

Chicago Auto Show 2026

Chicago Auto Show 2026: McCormick Place still rewards the shortlist crowd

Chicago, IL

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New dates land here when we verify them. Pair the state list with Drive Notes, or get email when we publish an update worth the drive.

Full Car Culture Calendar→
Other states and provinces when the trip crosses borders.
Latest Drive Notes→
Culture and market notes between weekends.
Road Trips→
Corridors that turn a show weekend into a longer drive.

Car Culture Calendar

Dates when we publish

New Illinois events and calendar notes when we publish — plus Drive Notes for Asian North American drivers.

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