Unreal Fest Chicago 2026: last days for discounted tickets

The next edition of Unreal Fest Chicago 2026, the international event dedicated to real-time technologies developed by Epic Games, will take place from June 16 to 18, 2026, in Chicago.
As the event approaches, an important deadline is also getting closer: the early bird ticket cutoff.

Pricing and availability

Early bird passes are currently available for $649 until April 30, 2026.
After this date, the standard price will increase to $749.

A discounted student ticket is also available at $499 for those with a valid .edu email address.
This initiative reflects Epic Games’ commitment to supporting the next generation of developers and industry professionals.

A key event for real-time technologies

Unreal Fest has become one of the most important events for the ecosystem surrounding Unreal Engine.
It brings together developers, technical artists, filmmakers, and professionals from a wide range of industries, including architecture, automotive, and virtual production.

The 2026 edition continues this trajectory, offering a structured agenda that combines technical deep dives, case studies, and direct interaction with Epic’s development teams.

Content and sessions

Key topics expected at the event include:

• Updates on the latest Unreal Engine features, focusing on rendering, performance, and development pipelines

• Deep dives into core technologies such as Nanite and Lumen

• Sessions on virtual production with real-world film and TV workflows

• Talks on MetaHuman and advancements in digital animation

• Case studies from game development projects, including best practices and optimization strategies

• A preview of upcoming features in Unreal Engine 5.8

Accommodation near the venue

Attendees can book official hotel accommodations near McCormick Place.

Main options include:

• Hyatt Regency McCormick Place

• Marriott Marquis Chicago

Both hotels are part of the official event blocks and provide immediate access to the venue, eliminating the need for commuting.

Networking opportunities

Unreal Fest provides a strong networking environment.
Expo areas, live demos, and side events enable direct interaction with other professionals and Epic Games teams.

For many attendees, this is one of the most valuable aspects of the event.

For more information, visit the official event page for a full list of speakers and to purchase tickets.