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Chicago Auto Show's 2026
First Look for Charity Gala
The Chicago Auto Show’s 34th First Look for Charity gala will take place on Friday, Feb. 6, from 7-11 p.m at McCormick Place. The gala is produced by the Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), the organization that represents local new-car dealers, and raises more than $2 million annually for 18 Chicago area charities.
This black-tie affair offers an exclusive, first chance to experience the Chicago Auto Show ahead of the 10-day public opening at McCormick Place on Feb. 7. Guests will be treated to a variety of gourmet food and drink stations from local restaurants, specialty cocktails, and live music across the show floor. Participating restaurant and beverage sponsors include, but are not limited to, 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, Signature Steak, Springview Sweets, Tres Agaves Tequila, Trinchero Family Estates Wines, along with McCormick Place’s in-house caterer, OVG360.
Gala attendees also have the chance to walk away with the keys to a brand-new vehicle. This year, two new vehicles will be given away, a 2026 Chevrolet Equinox and a 2026 Toyota Land Cruiser Hybrid. Any attendee who has purchased a ticket is eligible to win. However, the winner must be present at the time of the drawing.
Tickets for the 2026 gala are available at FirstLookforCharity.org
For the first time, all tickets are fully digital, providing quicker access, streamlined check-in and a more seamless guest experience. Attendees may designate which charity, or charities, will receive their donation, with the option to divide it evenly among all 18 beneficiaries. Tickets are priced at $325, of which $283.84 is tax-deductible as a charitable contribution.
First Look for Charity Gala
The Chicago Auto Show’s 34th First Look for Charity gala will take place on Friday, Feb. 6, from 7-11 p.m at McCormick Place. The gala is produced by the Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), the organization that represents local new-car dealers, and raises more than $2 million annually for 18 Chicago area charities.
This black-tie affair offers an exclusive, first chance to experience the Chicago Auto Show ahead of the 10-day public opening at McCormick Place on Feb. 7. Guests will be treated to a variety of gourmet food and drink stations from local restaurants, specialty cocktails, and live music across the show floor. Participating restaurant and beverage sponsors include, but are not limited to, 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, Signature Steak, Springview Sweets, Tres Agaves Tequila, Trinchero Family Estates Wines, along with McCormick Place’s in-house caterer, OVG360.
Gala attendees also have the chance to walk away with the keys to a brand-new vehicle. This year, two new vehicles will be given away, a 2026 Chevrolet Equinox and a 2026 Toyota Land Cruiser Hybrid. Any attendee who has purchased a ticket is eligible to win. However, the winner must be present at the time of the drawing.
Tickets for the 2026 gala are available at FirstLookforCharity.org
For the first time, all tickets are fully digital, providing quicker access, streamlined check-in and a more seamless guest experience. Attendees may designate which charity, or charities, will receive their donation, with the option to divide it evenly among all 18 beneficiaries. Tickets are priced at $325, of which $283.84 is tax-deductible as a charitable contribution.
Make-A-Wish Illinois: I Wish to Party
February 21, 2026, 8:00pm
The Make-A-Wish Illinois Associate Board invites you to I Wish to Party. A premier Chicago charity event for young professionals, tickets include premium open bar, passed appetizers, bites from Chicago’s hottest restaurants, silent auction, and live music.
Morgan Manufacturing
401 N Morgan Street, Chicago, IL
Tickets visit https://wish.org/illinois/i-wish-party
February 21, 2026, 8:00pm
The Make-A-Wish Illinois Associate Board invites you to I Wish to Party. A premier Chicago charity event for young professionals, tickets include premium open bar, passed appetizers, bites from Chicago’s hottest restaurants, silent auction, and live music.
Morgan Manufacturing
401 N Morgan Street, Chicago, IL
Tickets visit https://wish.org/illinois/i-wish-party
Vernissage 2026
April 9, 2026 from 10:00am - 12:00 pm
The Women’s Board of the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago invites you to attend the Vernissage Brunch, a lavish benefit on the opening day of EXPO CHICAGO, taking place on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at Navy Pier’s Festival Hall. Vernissage supporters receive first access to EXPO CHICAGO beginning at 11:30 am on opening day—before the art fair opens to the public. Guests enjoy a luxurious brunch alongside curators, artists, and fellow art enthusiasts, while being among the first to experience Chicago’s most distinctive art fair. Tickets include access to EXPO CHICAGO for the entirety of the fair, beginning Thursday, April 9, through Sunday, April 12, at any time during General Admission hours.
Proceeds from this event raise significant funds in support of the MCA’s Learning programs, which offer compelling opportunities for Chicago youth to explore, discuss, and reflect on the MCA’s exhibitions and programs, as well as the world of contemporary art and culture.
https://visit.mcachicago.org/events/vernissage-2026/
April 9, 2026 from 10:00am - 12:00 pm
The Women’s Board of the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago invites you to attend the Vernissage Brunch, a lavish benefit on the opening day of EXPO CHICAGO, taking place on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at Navy Pier’s Festival Hall. Vernissage supporters receive first access to EXPO CHICAGO beginning at 11:30 am on opening day—before the art fair opens to the public. Guests enjoy a luxurious brunch alongside curators, artists, and fellow art enthusiasts, while being among the first to experience Chicago’s most distinctive art fair. Tickets include access to EXPO CHICAGO for the entirety of the fair, beginning Thursday, April 9, through Sunday, April 12, at any time during General Admission hours.
Proceeds from this event raise significant funds in support of the MCA’s Learning programs, which offer compelling opportunities for Chicago youth to explore, discuss, and reflect on the MCA’s exhibitions and programs, as well as the world of contemporary art and culture.
https://visit.mcachicago.org/events/vernissage-2026/
EXPO CHICAGO
Contemporary Art Fair
April 9–12, 2026
EXPO CHICAGO showcases leading contemporary and modern art galleries each April at Navy Pier’s Festival Hall, alongside a diverse and inventive program of talks, on-site installations, and public art initiatives. Inaugurated in 2012, EXPO CHICAGO draws upon the city’s rich history as a vibrant international cultural destination, while highlighting the region’s contemporary arts community.
www.expochicago.com
Contemporary Art Fair
April 9–12, 2026
EXPO CHICAGO showcases leading contemporary and modern art galleries each April at Navy Pier’s Festival Hall, alongside a diverse and inventive program of talks, on-site installations, and public art initiatives. Inaugurated in 2012, EXPO CHICAGO draws upon the city’s rich history as a vibrant international cultural destination, while highlighting the region’s contemporary arts community.
www.expochicago.com
Zoo-ologie
Friday, May 15th - 6pm
Pepper Family Wildlife Center
PARTY WITH THE AUXILIARY BOARD AND SUPPORT LINCOLN PARK ZOO!
Help your favorite animals and have an unforgettable night! Join the Auxiliary Board of Lincoln Park Zoo for the 14th anniversary of its signature cocktail party, Zoo-ologie! Tickets to the event include an open bar, bites from Chicago’s best restaurants, dancing, and a raffle—all inside the beautiful and historic Pepper Family Wildlife Center.
Funds raised from Zoo-ologie will help keep the zoo free and open to all 365 days a year. Your philanthropy also enables best-in-class animal care and welfare practices, global conservation initiatives, and community engagement programs.
www.zoo-ologie.org
Friday, May 15th - 6pm
Pepper Family Wildlife Center
PARTY WITH THE AUXILIARY BOARD AND SUPPORT LINCOLN PARK ZOO!
Help your favorite animals and have an unforgettable night! Join the Auxiliary Board of Lincoln Park Zoo for the 14th anniversary of its signature cocktail party, Zoo-ologie! Tickets to the event include an open bar, bites from Chicago’s best restaurants, dancing, and a raffle—all inside the beautiful and historic Pepper Family Wildlife Center.
Funds raised from Zoo-ologie will help keep the zoo free and open to all 365 days a year. Your philanthropy also enables best-in-class animal care and welfare practices, global conservation initiatives, and community engagement programs.
www.zoo-ologie.org