The Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo is set to return for its 16th year Friday, March 27, through Sunday, March 29. C2E2 2026 will be held at McCormick Place South, 2301 S. Lake Shore Drive. According to Choose Chicago, last year drew over 85,000 visitors to this Midwest pop culture hub.
Expect hundreds of exhibitors, artists, and interactive panels at this year’s event. Cosplay contests, celebrity meet-ups, and after-hours parties also fill the schedule. General hours will run from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Choose Chicago confirmed.
“One Chicago” stars headline live podcast taping
“One Chicago” fans get a treat at C2E2 2026. According to NBC, stars from “Chicago Fire,” “Chicago P.D.,” and “Chicago Med” will join a live “One Chicago Podcast” taping. Hosted by P.D. producer Brian Luce, it will offer behind-the-scenes talks.
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Panelists include “Chicago Fire's” Hanako Greensmith (Violet Mikami) and Jocelyn Hudon (Lizzy Novak), NBC noted. From “Chicago P.D.”: LaRoyce Hawkins (Kevin Atwater) and Benjamin Levy Aguilar (Dante Torres). “Chicago Med's” Jessy Schram (Dr. Hannah Asher) rounds out the group, as reported by NBC.
The event takes place Saturday, March 28, from 12:30-1:30 p.m. CT. NBC confirmed that fans will hear stories from Chicago sets, where the city stars in high-stakes rescues.
Photo by Wikimedia Commons
Tickets and areas to explore
Tickets are on sale now with the following ticket costs for single days:
Friday: $71
Saturday: $87
Sunday: $76
Kids’ pass: $33
Choose Chicago notes to check out Artist Alley for comic creators; Cosplay Central hosts costume fun, Family HQ offers kid-friendly spots, and Writers Block draws book lovers. Side Quest features games and tournaments, while The Tavern provides chill zones, plus fandom meetups.
Getting there and more
Reach McCormick Place via CTA Green Line to Cermak-McCormick Place, Choose Chicago reports. Buses #3 King Drive and #21 Cermak also connect. Parking lots are available on-site.
Grab tickets early for this Windy City spectacle.
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