C2E2 2026
Chicago's premier pop culture convention with a welcoming cosplay community and diverse programming.
Event concluded
Convention tips
location
McCormick Place is isolated on the lakefront south of downtown, not walkable to most hotels. Plan transit carefully.
transit
CTA #3 King Drive bus runs every 15 minutes. Metra Electric also stops nearby. Use SpotHero to pre-book if driving.
food
Chinatown is a 7-minute drive (Joy Yee for bubble tea, Bonchon for Korean fried chicken). Connie's Pizza on Level 2 inside.
layout
McCormick Place spans four buildings (2.6 million sq ft). C2E2 uses the South Building. Comfortable shoes are mandatory.
weather
April in Chicago is unpredictable (40-65F). Lake wind makes it feel colder. Bring real layers, not just a hoodie.
Weekend cost estimate
Estimated cost for attending C2E2 2026 in Chicago, IL. These are ballpark ranges based on convention size and typical venue-area pricing. Your actual costs will vary based on travel distance, hotel choice, and spending habits.
| Expense | Solo | Split with friend | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
Badge Prices go up closer to the event. Buy early. | $35-$180 | $35-$180 | $35-$180 |
Hotel (2 nights) Split rate assumes 2 people per room. | $300–$560 | $150–$280 | $300–$560 |
Food (3 days) Convention center meals run $12–$18 each. | $135 | $135 | $135 |
Artist alley and vendors Set a cash budget before the doors open. | $80–$200 | $80–$200 | $80–$200 |
Parking or transit Split if you carpool. Many venues have paid lots only. | $45 | $0–$45 | $45 |
| Total estimate | $595–$1120 | $400–$795 | $595–$1120 |
Plan your full budget with the convention budget calculator. Travel costs (gas, flights, tolls) are not included above.
Packing Checklist
Check items off as you pack for C2E2 2026.
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Prep for C2E2 2026
Tools and guides to get your build ready.
Packing Checklist
88-item checklist for C2E2 2026. Check off items as you pack.
C2E2 2026 Budget Calculator
Estimate badge, hotel, travel, food, and artist alley costs before the weekend sneaks up on you.
Prop Scaling Calculator
Scale reference images to your body measurements.
Prop Weight Estimator
Estimate finished weight from dimensions and material. Checks if it's comfortable for all-day carry.
How Much Does EVA Foam Armor Cost?
Real build budgets with specific products and dollar amounts.
Cosplay Commission Cost Breakdown
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EVA Foam Sealing Methods Compared
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Cosplay on Costumary
Templates, tools, and workspace built for cosplay makers.
Convention Calendar
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Cosplay templates
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Commission Workflow
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Free Commission Tracker
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Cosplay Commission Guide
Pricing, client intake, approval gates, and delivery for cosplay commissioners.
Cosplay Beginner Guide
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What Should I Cosplay?
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Beginner Cosplay Ideas
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