C2E2, Chicago's biggest pop-culture blowout, is heading back to McCormick Place for a three-day run from March 27 through March 29, 2026. The ReedPop-produced convention is set to pack the South Loop with TV and film guests, writers and artists, gaming activations and sprawling cosplay showcases. For local fans who treat cons like a contact sport, organizers promise a weekend packed with panels, photo-ops and show-floor exclusives.
When and Where
The convention takes over the South Building at McCormick Place (2301 S. Lake Shore Drive). General show hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The March 27 to 29 run pulls in creators, exhibitors and fans from across the Midwest. Dates, hours and venue details are listed by the city's event guide, as detailed by Choose Chicago.
ChicagoNow Talks With ReedPop
ChicagoNow sat down with ReedPop events manager Chris D'Lando to break down what is headed to the McCormick Place stages and show floor, with the conversation featured in a short video segment on FOX 32 Chicago's site. D'Lando spotlighted the mix of celebrity Q&As, creator panels and fan-driven programming that ReedPop says anchors the weekend schedule. The full clip is available as a video feature on the local FOX affiliate, as presented on FOX 32 Chicago.
Guest Highlights and Panels
According to ReedPop's press release, early guest announcements include Tyler Hoechlin, Bitsie Tulloch and Michael Cudlitz, along with voice actors, comic creators and artists slated for panels, signings and photo-ops. Organizers say more guests and programming will roll out in the weeks leading up to the show. The guest lineup and initial programming details come from ReedPop's announcement, as outlined by C2E2.
Tickets and Pricing
Ticket options range from single-day badges to three-day passes. The city's guide lists single-day prices at roughly $66 for Friday, $81 for Saturday and $71 for Sunday, with a three-day pass near $140 and higher-priced VIP packages. Kid tickets and family discounts are available with an adult purchase. See the full ticket breakdown and purchase details on the local event guide, as outlined by Choose Chicago.
Cosplay Central and Competitions
Cosplay Central will once again be a marquee section of C2E2, hosting the Cosplay Central Crown Championships with regional qualifiers and weekend finals. The event's official rules state that the Crown Championships USA Final and the Championships Final will both take place on Saturday, March 28, with cash prizes and passes to future shows for top finishers. Full competition rules and prize details are published in the event's official documents, as detailed on C2E2.
Getting There and Local Tips
McCormick Place is served by the Cermak-McCormick Place Green Line station and several CTA bus routes that stop nearby, though attendees should expect heavy foot traffic and lines at event gates during peak hours. On-site parking is available but often fills early for big conventions, so public transit or booking a nearby hotel can be the easier play for out-of-town visitors. Transit maps and parking information are available on the venue's site, as listed on McCormick Place.
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