IMTS runs six days, so you'll have an evening or two to enjoy Chicago. McCormick Place sits in the South Loop, walkable to Chinatown and a short ride from downtown, with plenty of food and sights close by.
For food near the halls, the South Loop and neighboring blocks cover the range — deep-dish and thin-crust at spots like Pizano's, brewpub fare and big beer lists at places like Fatpour Tap Works, seafood at Chicago Oyster House, and upscale-casual Italian at Il Culaccino near Wintrust Arena. Chinatown is walkable from McCormick Place for some of the best-value meals in the city.
For a break from the floor, the lakefront Museum Campus is close by — the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium cluster right on the lake. Downtown, the Loop and Michigan Avenue (Millennium Park, the Bean, the Art Institute, the Riverwalk) are a quick Green Line ride north.
If you're entertaining customers or a crew after the show, book dinner reservations early — IMTS week fills the best South Loop tables fast, same as the hotels.
| Eat | South Loop + Chinatown (walkable) — pizza, brewpubs, seafood, Italian, and Chinatown value. |
|---|---|
| See | Museum Campus on the lake — Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium. |
| Downtown | Green Line to the Loop — Millennium Park, the Bean, Art Institute, Riverwalk, Michigan Ave. |
A quick orientation, not an endorsement — check current hours and book ahead during IMTS week.
Official show site: imts.com · Dates: September 14–19, 2026 · Venue: McCormick Place, Chicago, Illinois.
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