Know Before You Go

First Look for Charity – Know Before You Go 

Thank you for supporting the Chicago Auto Show’s First Look for Charity! Before you arrive at the gala, below is the key event information you will need to know. 

Event Information 

  • Friday, February 6 | 7-11 p.m. | McCormick Place | Chicago, IL 

Parking & Transportation 

  • McCormick Place parking lots A and C will be open on the night of First Look for Charity. Parking does fill up quickly so please plan accordingly and leave yourself time to find parking and walk to the show floor. 
  • If you are arriving in an Uber/Lyft, you will be dropped off at Gate 4. 

Security & Bag Policy 

  • All gala attendees will be screened before entering the show floor. Please allow yourself extra time when arriving to the venue to go through security. 
  • All items are subject to visual inspection by security personnel. Only clear tote bags (12″x12″x6″ or smaller) and clutch purses (under 9″ x 5″ x 2″ or smaller) are allowed. When an infant is present, diaper bags and strollers are permitted. 
  • No weapons of any kind are allowed, per McCormick Place. This includes concealed carry permit holders. 

Vehicle Giveaway 

  • This year, two lucky attendees will walk away with the keys to a brand-new 2026 Chevrolet Equinox, courtesy of the Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana Chevy Dealers, or a 2026 Toyota Land Cruiser Hybrid, courtesy of the Chicagoland Toyota Dealers. The giveaway will take place at 8:30 p.m. on the main stage located to the north of the Grand Concourse. Winners must be present to win, and you only have a few minutes once the number is drawn to make your way to the stage with your digital ticket. 

Black Tie Attire 

  • The First Look for Charity gala is strictly a black-tie-mandatory event. Guests not in black-tie attire will be turned away.
  • We will have limited tuxedo rental available on site through Men’s Wearhouse on a first-come, first-serve basis. The pop-up store is located in the Grand Ballroom, S100.  

Food & Beverage 

  • First Look for Charity wouldn’t be complete without the wonderful gourmet food and drink provided by our sponsoring restaurants. You will find food and beverage stations throughout the show floor, each with unique bites and themes. 
  • Click here for a complete menu.  

Thank you to our restaurant partners: 

  • Andy’s Frozen Custard
  • Bitoy’s Sweet Treats
  • Carnivale
  • Catered by Design
  • Eris Brewery & Cider House
  • Fre Wines
  • Goose Island Beer Company
  • Ida’s Artisan Ice Cream & Treats
  • Michael’s Grill and Salad Bar
  • Morton’s The Steakhouse
  • Norman’s Bistro
  • OVG360
  • Signature Steak
  • Springview Sweets
  • Tres Agaves Tequila
  • Trinchero Family Estates Wines

Live Music 

  • There will be live music to keep the party going all night! Here’s a listing of where you can dance the night away: 
  • 7th Heaven Band – located in Buick GMC 
  • Michael Lynch Band – located in Ford 

Walk the Red Carpet with Val & Ryan 

  • ABC 7 Chicago’s Val Warner and Ryan Chiaverini will be hosting a red-carpet takeover from 7-8 p.m. Make your way to the Grand Concourse and meet Val and Ryan under the Chicago Auto Show globe to get your picture taken on the red carpet. 

Share Your Experience 

  • We encourage you to share your First Look fun on social media using #FLFC2026 or #FirstLookforCharity and tag the Chicago Auto Show in your post.