Local Lake County Calendar of Events in Illinois (Chicago Auto Show Edition!)

We’re back with another fun community calendar of events, with a special spotlight on the annual Chicago Auto Show, and some valentine’s day date ideas!

About the Auto Show!

February is here and our adrenaline is pumping and our hearts are racing with excitement, because the 117th Chicago Auto Show is just around the corner!  From February 8th through February 17th, you can stop by McCormick Place Convention Center to experience the best, brightest, and most spectacular new advancements in the automotive industry!  

You’ll find everything from domestic and import designs to daily drivers to sports cars to experimental and concept cars and more!  You’ll have a chance to get an up-close look at antique and collector vehicles, special events and panels with guests, shop for automotive accessories, view the unique exhibits, take a peek at project cars, and so much more fun in store. More than 1,000 vehicles will be on hand for your enjoyment from 19 manufacturers!

Admission, Hours, and Other Pertinent Information:

This year’s event runs February 10th through February 17th at McCormick Place which is 2301 S. King Drive in Chicago. Hours of operations are 10 to 9 on February 8th and February 10th through 16th. February 9th hours are 10AM to 6PM, and February 17th from 10AM to 8PM.

We recommend you purchase your tickets in advance, but tickets will be available at the door.  Tickets for the auto show are available online (priced by age) and children under 3 are free with accompanying paid adult admission.  Group and school discounts are available!

For your safety, please be aware that all bags are subject to search by security, and attendees will be selected at random; clear tote bags and clutch purses or smaller will be permitted.  Diaper bags and strollers are permitted for those with infants in attendance. Scooter and Wheelchair daily rentals are available for your mobility and accessibility needs.  Other mobility devices are allowed, but may be checked by event management or security personnel.

Opening day events on the 8th will run from 10AM to 9PM, with the official ribbon cutting starting at 9:30 AM Other special attractions for the opening weekend  include the Chicago Drives Electric Test Track and EV Education Center event; Wheel of Fortune Auditions; outdoor test drives, Camp Jeep and Ford Built Wild Test Tracks, and the Chrysler Stow n Go Challenge event.

This year’s Toyota Miles Per Hour Run will take place on February 9th; this is a very unique opportunity for competitors to run at their own personal best pace and time on a track that weaves in and out of the showrooms and venue!

February 11th is First Responders/Military Appreciation Day.

February 12th is Automotive Career Day.  The Teen Innovation Summit is hosting a “Driving Future Leaders” career discovery event in partnership with Toyota and Toyota Lexus Minority Owners Dealership Association.  There will be lectures, student testimonials, a women in automotive panel, a Q&A discussion, and students will also have an opportunity to have lunch and explore the floor and speak with exhibitors.

On February 12th, 13th and 14th, attendees who donate 3+ cans of food will receive coupons for $5 off a full adult admission for the CAS Food Drive Discount event; collected food will benefit A Safe Haven Foundation.

February 14th from 5PM to 8PM, adults can grab a combo ticket to participate in the Chicago Friday Night Flights event.  This festival-like event offers an opportunity to sample craft beer flights from local breweries. Purchase your show ticket/beverage pass combo in advance to save on the price of admission.

February 17th is Family Day from 10AM to 8PM in the South Hall Events Area. Check the CAS website for more information as we get closer to the date.

Your Local Community Calendar of Events for Lake County Illinois Area

Wrap your loved ones in a handmade hug after you make and take this beautiful chunky knit blanket at Beer Bazaar’s Chunky Knit Blanket Workshop in Grayslake. The class starts February 5th for $65 or $85.

February 5th head over to the Heller Nature Center in Highland Park for “Stories in the Woods at Heller Center” – Pre registration is required and attendees 6mos to 6yr are welcome with an adult, admission is $6.

The Joyful Gourmet is hosting a very fun Cooking with Bourbon Class on February 6th from 6PM to 9PM in Libertyville.

You, Me and Four Roses event for Valentine’s Day is happening at 129 Center Cut in Grayslake on February 6th starting at 7PM.

Buffalo Creek Brewing is hosting Love on Tap in Long Grove on Friday February 7th from 5PM to 9PM, including a food truck and full bar with small shop vendors!

The Couple’s Paint Along at Fox Lake Park and Rec Department is taking place on February 7th in Fox Lake, with bite sized snacks and coffee or hot cocoa included.

Valentine’s Dessert Boards at the Joyful Gourmet is happening on February 7th from 10AM to Noon in Libertyville!

Cupid’s Court Event and Craft Show is taking place February 8th at the Hawthorn Mall in Vernon Hills.

Enjoy the Valentine’s Chocolate workshop at Ma and Pa’s Candy in Long Grove on Sunday February 9th.

The February Felting class at Rosewood Beach is happening on February 9th in Highland Park at the Rosewood Beach & Interpretive Center.

The Antioch Chamber of Commerce is hosting the Shining Abilities Market Multi-Chamber Valentine Mixer event on February 11th from 5PM to 7PM.

The Galentine’s Day High Mar-Tea-Ni event is happening at Side Lot in Wauconda on Thursday February 13th.

Bring the whole crew to the Family Valentine’s day Party at Timothy O’Toole’s in Libertyville from February 14th from 6PM to 8PM.

Have a Skate with the Date at the Top Shelf Ice Arena and Bar & Grill in Gurnee on February 14th.

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