Chi-Town Alley is a new space on the show floor in 2026, dedicated to car culture. This designated area will reimagine the show’s former marketplace as an area where car enthusiasts can join together to connect with other local car clubs, modification vendors, auto-themed merchandise, accessories and more. Immerse yourself among likeminded car people, share stories, share content, and connect as if you were at a local car meetup.
Chi-Town Alley will transform a section of the show floor into an energetic hub of automotive expression, featuring community-built vehicles, interactive displays and cultural touchpoints inspired by Chicago’s streets and neighborhoods. Debuting at the 2026 Chicago Auto Show, Chi-Town Alley is a fresh platform for the city’s homegrown car community. From sleek show cars to creative customizations, the space is designed to capture the individuality and energy that define Chicago’s car scene, bringing enthusiasts, creators and fans together to one exhilarating destination.
Chi-Town Alley Showcase: Contest Winners
To kick off this exciting new feature, show organizers launched the Chi-Town Alley Showcase, a contest inviting car lovers from across the Chicagoland area to share their story for a chance to have their vehicle featured at the 2026 Chicago Auto Show, held Feb. 7–16, 2026, at McCormick Place.
Car lovers eager to be part of the action were invited to submit a 60-second video highlighting their vehicle and explaining why it deserves to be featured in the Chi-Town Alley exhibit. The contest generated strong interest, receiving over 50 submissions. From those entries, six winners were selected, and their vehicles will be on display throughout the 2026 Chicago Auto Show. The final winner will be chosen by attendee voting during the show, making it a true celebration of the community that defines Chicagoland’s car scene.
For sponsorship or exhibiting inquiries & pricing, please contact:
Jim OBrill, Senior Director of Marketing, Sponsorship & Strategy
jobrill@drivechicago.com
Phone: 630-424-6085
Learn more here
