KeyCon 2026

About the Event

Date: Saturday, June 13, 2026

Location: Irish American Heritage Center (Erin Room & 3rd Floor)

Address: 4626 N Knox Ave, Chicago, IL 60630

Join us for KeyCon 2026, a historic community-driven convention for mechanical keyboards! Taking place in the Erin Room (Main Hall) for our primary showroom and the adjacent room(s) on the 3rd Floor for breakout sessions and panels. Purchasing a ticket will give you access to:

• The event and all of its activities
• KeyCon Goodies

Tentative Schedule

10:00 AM: Doors Open

10:30 AM - 3:45 PM: Speaking Sessions / Panels

4:00 PM: Giveaways

4:30 PM: Closing Remarks

4:45 PM: Event Ends (hard out 5:15pm)

*This schedule is subject to minor alteration & edits prior to the event's starting date

Venue Travel Logistics

our commute & venue guide: keycon.info/commute

Parking: The venue has two large lots available that are free for all attendees on a first-come, first-served basis. Parking in the south lot and entering via the main entrance is recommended. If you choose to park on the street, be sure to check all signage as some streets require permits for parking or have other restrictions!

Transit: The venue is a short walk from the CTA Blue Line - Montrose Station, or a bit longer walk from the Metra - Mayfair Station (Milwaukee District North (MD-N) Line). The venue is also right off of the I-90 highway.

Airport: The nearest airport to the venue is O'Hare International Airport (ORD). It is directly connected to the I-90 highway and the CTA Blue Line train that goes into the city.

Accessibility: The venue has an ADA-compliant ramp along the north entrance to the building. There is also an elevator that goes to the third floor where the Erin Room (Main Hall) is located.

Hotels: We do not have any direct hotel suggestions. For ease of transportation, we suggest staying somewhere that is near either the I-90 highway if driving, or the CTA Blue Line if taking public transpiration. 

*Additional accessibility and navigation recommendations will be added as needed prior to the event

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How many of my keyboards can I display? 

A: Please display a maximum of 3 keyboards at once to ensure there is space for everyone. Please label your items with the keyboard cards that will be made available to all attendees. You are responsible for keeping watch over your own property.

Q: Is it okay to attend the event without bringing a keyboard?

A: Yes!

Q: Will there be food and drinks available on-site? 

• Drinks: There is a full bar inside the Erin Room (Main Hall) that serves alcohol, soft drinks, and water. Both card and cash are accepted. (1-2 drink purchases suggested to help cover the bar minimum!)

• Water: Available for all attendees.

• Food: The Fifth Province Pub within the venue is open from 6:00 PM - 1:00 AM on Saturday. Other restaurant options are available in the surrounding area such as on W Lawrence Ave. No homemade food is permitted on-site at the venue!

• Drink Restriction: NO OUTSIDE BEVERAGES ALLOWED IN THE VENUE!

Q: Can I buy things at the event? 

A: Yes! Only vendors are permitted to sell merchandise on-site. Most vendors accept card or digital payments, but bringing cash is recommended just in case. 

Q: Is the event all ages? 

A: Yes, though alcohol service at the bar requires valid ID. The venue staff will handle ID checks.

Q: Is there Wi-Fi?

A: Yes, the venue has Wi-Fi available for all attendees.

Q: Can I roam around the venue and check out the other floors and rooms during KeyCon 2026?

A: Please don't. All attendees should stay on the third floor during the event, as the venue has multiple different events that go on at the same time. We want to all be mindful of others at the venue, and not cause any disruptions or disturbances for them.

Q: Any advice for transportation, accessibility, and hotels?

• Parking: The venue has two large parking lots available with room for about 300 cars. These parking lots are free for all attendees. If you park on the street, be mindful of all signage, parking restrictions, and permit requirements as the surrounding area is residential. 

• Public Transit: The venue is a short walk from CTA Blue Line - Montrose Station, or a slightly longer walk from the Metra - Mayfair Station (Milwaukee District North (MD-N) Line). Taking the CTA Blue Line will be the easiest option for many, as it's readily accessible from places such as the Loop and O'Hare International Airport (ORD).

• Accessibility: The venue has an ADA-compliant ramp along the north entrance to the building. There is also an elevator that goes to the third floor where the Erin Room (Main Hall) is located.

• Hotels: We do not have any direct hotel suggestions. For ease of transportation, we suggest staying somewhere that is near either the I-90 highway if driving, or the CTA Blue Line if taking public transpiration.
  

KeyCon 2026 is a non-profit community event. Ticket proceeds go toward venue rental and operational costs.