All three major US auto shows were canceled in 2020 due to the global pandemic. With the world slowly returning to normal, a few of these auto shows will take place in 2021. New York is scheduled in August, the Detroit show will become a smaller outdoor event in September, and LA will conclude the calendar in November. But before any of the three largest US-based auto shows occur, the 2021 Chicago Auto Show will take place in July.

Though Chicago is a smaller auto show than NY, Detroit, and LA, it still featured a ton of important reveals last year, including the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica and Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The 2020 Chicago Auto Show was the last event to happen before the coronavirus pandemic emerged, and automakers are eager to return to McCormick Place with their latest 2021 models.

Chicago Auto Show officials are calling the 2021 event a "Special Edition." This show normally takes place in February when temperatures are freezing, but this year's event will be hosted from July 15 to July 19. Moving the show to later in the year will allow organizers to plan more outdoor test drive opportunities, test tracks, and technology demonstrations.

These outdoor activities will happen on Indiana Avenue, with popular returning events such as Camp Jeep, Ram Truck test tracks, and Subaru pet adoption. Ford will show up in Chicago with new experiences for auto show attendees, featuring the Bronco, Bronco Sport, and Mustang Mach-E SUV.

"While we believe February is the right time for the Chicago Auto Show to have its biggest impact on the industry and the area economy, we're thrilled to be able to experiment with the July dates," said Chicago Auto Show General Manager Dave Sloan. "The timing has allowed us to get creative and try new things and the automakers have really embraced it."

"We've been working with McCormick Place officials for months on an opening plan, and very early on, they saw that our show may provide a pathway to re-opening the facility," said Sloan. "We stand committed to providing a safe environment for all involved and will carefully adhere to the health and safety protocols and guidelines set forth by city and state officials. McCormick Place is an important economic engine for our city and state, and we take very seriously the responsibility that comes with helping to get it running again."

This year's show will feature an all-electronic ticketing process with a preferred attendance date and time to control the crowd capacity each day. Tickets cost $13 or $10 for seniors and kids. Attendees can pre-register for activities like the ride and drives. Masks will be required at the show.