The Chicago Auto Show is shifting gears for 2026 with a brand-new, high-energy addition to the show floor: Chi-Town Alley. This immersive exhibit celebrates the city’s vibrant car culture and invites attendees to experience and engage with Chicago’s diverse automotive communities. Designed to spotlight the pride and creativity of local enthusiasts, Chi-Town Alley will reimagine the show’s former marketplace as a dynamic area showcasing everything from performance cars and custom builds to street-inspired rides and exotics.
“Chi-Town Alley is all about celebrating the heartbeat of Chicago’s car culture,” said Jim OBrill, Chicago Auto Show senior director of marketing & strategy. “From classic restorations to cutting-edge customizations, this space gives local car enthusiasts a place to share their passion and creativity with the entire city. It is truly a reflection of the community that keeps our automotive scene thriving year-round.”
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. Partners who have already confirmed participation in Chi-Town Alley include Chi-Town Exotic Car Group, Fully Drivn (JDM style/import vehicles), Orale Chicago Car Club (LowRiders), and Northern Mustang Corral among other custom shops and vendors. 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.
To kick off this exciting new feature, show organizers are launching the Chi-Town Alley Showcase, a contest encouraging car lovers from across the Chicagoland area to share their story. Entrants will have the opportunity for their vehicle to be featured at the 2026 Chicago Auto Show, taking place Feb. 7–16, 2026, at McCormick Place.
Car-lovers ready to be part of the action are encouraged to submit a 60-second video highlighting their vehicle and explaining why it deserves to be featured in the Chi-Town Alley exhibit. The top three finalists will have their vehicles displayed throughout the 2026 Chicago Auto Show, each receiving two complimentary show passes and the opportunity to stand proudly beside their ride.
“The Chi-Town Alley Showcase contest gives local enthusiasts a real opportunity to shine,” said OBrill. “We know Chicagoans take pride in their rides, and this contest lets the public decide who represents the best of our city’s car culture. It’s a fun, authentic way to bring that community spirit onto the show floor.”
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. Submissions for the contest close Monday, Dec. 1, 2025, with finalists announced in early December. To enter the Chi-Town Alley Showcase contest, visit https://m.shortstack.page/ffTPXd and complete the online entry form.
The 2026 Chicago Auto Show public event will take place Feb. 7-16 at McCormick Place. The Media Preview dates are Feb. 5-6, and the First Look for Charity black-tie gala will be held the evening of Feb. 6. For more information, visit ChicagoAutoShow.com.
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About the Chicago Auto Show
First staged in 1901, the Chicago Auto Show is the nation’s longest-running auto exposition in North America. The show is produced by the Chicagoland’s new-car dealer association, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association, which has staged the show since 1935. The 2026 public show is Feb. 7-16 at McCormick Place. For more information and the latest updates, visit ChicagoAutoShow.com.
About the Chicago Automobile Trade Association
Founded in 1904 and located in Oakbrook Terrace, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association is comprised of more than 400 franchised new-car dealers and an additional 150 allied members. The group’s dealer members employ approximately 19,000 people across the metropolitan area. The association has produced the world-famous Chicago Auto Show since 1935. For more information, please visit www.CATA.info.