San Diego International Auto Show 2027: Event Schedule, Tickets, Exhibitors and Highlights

The San Diego International Auto Show 2027 kicks off on December 31, 2026. It runs through January 3, 2027. Car fans can ring in the new year with hundreds of new models under one roof. The show fills the San Diego Convention Center, right on the waterfront.

This guide covers everything you need to plan your visit. You will find the schedule, ticket prices, and exhibitor details. You will also see the top attractions and a few smart tips. Additionally, the guide flags a few details that you should confirm before you go.

Event Overview

The show is one of the biggest car events on the West Coast at the start of each year. It lets shoppers see the latest cars, trucks, SUVs, and crossovers in one place. Visitors can sit inside new models and compare them side by side. Therefore, it saves hours of driving between dealerships.

The organizers describe the event with the tagline “Where the Cars are the Stars.” That fits well. Besides mainstream models, the floor includes exotics, classics, and automotive products. Moreover, electric and hybrid vehicles now take up a large share of the space.

Quick Facts at a Glance

Detail	Information
Event	San Diego International Auto Show
Dates	December 31, 2026 to January 3, 2027
Venue	San Diego Convention Center
Address	111 W. Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
Tickets	Online only, with no fees on e-tickets
Main draws	New debuts, test drives, EV test track, Electric Avenue, Mobility Zone

Event Schedule and Hours

The show runs for four days. Hours change from day to day, so check the table before you plan your trip. Two days stay open late, which gives you more time to explore.

Daily Show Hours

Date	Day	Hours
December 31, 2026	Thursday	10 am to 6 pm
January 1, 2027	Friday	10 am to 9 pm
January 2, 2027	Saturday	10 am to 9 pm
January 3, 2027	Sunday	10 am to 6 pm

Keep one rule in mind. The entrance closes one hour before the show ends. Therefore, arrive early if you want to see the full floor. A late arrival leaves you rushing through the halls.

Family Day

The official website mentions a Family Day for children 12 and under. Kids enter free with an adult on that day. However, the site places Family Day on Sunday, January 4, which falls after the listed closing date of January 3. Some pages also show the show as running through January 4. Therefore, confirm the final dates on the official website before you buy tickets or book travel.

Venue and Location

The San Diego Convention Center sits on Harbor Drive in downtown San Diego. It stands within walking distance of Seaport Village and the Gaslamp Quarter. As a result, you can pair your visit with a meal, a harbor walk, or a night out. The area also offers plenty of hotels, which suits out-of-town visitors.

Tickets and Pricing

Tickets for the San Diego International Auto Show 2027 sell online only. The organizer uses an official ticketing partner, and e-tickets carry no extra fees. Therefore, you should avoid third-party resale sites. They often charge more and offer less protection.

Ticket Prices

Ticket Type	Who Qualifies	Price
Adult	Ages 13 to 61	$18
Senior	Ages 62 and older	$15
Military	Active duty with ID	$15
Child	Ages 7 to 12	$12
Young child	Ages 6 and under	Free with an adult

Discounts and Promotions

Seniors and active-duty military save $3 off the adult price. In addition, Toyota sponsors a Military Appreciation ticket promotion. Details appear on the official site. Families can also look at Family Day, when children 12 and under enter free with an adult.

The website showed a “Tickets on Sale Soon” notice at one point. Prices may change when sales open fully. Therefore, treat the numbers above as current listings and check the checkout page for the final cost.

Smart Ways to Buy

• Buy early to skip any line at the door.
• Save your e-ticket on your phone and bring a charged battery.
• Bring military ID if you want the military price.
• Check the age rules before you buy for children.
• Use only the official ticket link from the show website.

Exhibitors and Brands

The organizers publish the full exhibitor list and floor plan on a separate page of the show website. At the time of writing, that list was not yet available. Therefore, this guide does not claim which brands will attend. Instead, it points to what the organizers have confirmed and what past shows suggest.

Confirmed Sponsors

Four sponsors stand out on the official site. Toyota backs the Military Appreciation promotion. SDG&E, the local energy utility, supports electric vehicle programs. LENZ Charging adds charging expertise. Finally, the New Car Dealers Association, shown as NCDA, helps shoppers find local dealers.

What Brands Usually Bring

Major shows in this market usually draw a mix of mainstream and premium makers. Expect displays of sedans, pickups, family SUVs, and compact crossovers. Luxury and performance models often take center stage near the entrance. Additionally, many brands park their newest electric models in the most visible spots.

Images on the official site hint at Jeep and Hyundai. They show a Camp Jeep style setup and the Hyundai IONIQ 5. However, these are image labels only. They do not confirm that either brand will exhibit. Check the exhibitor page for the final list.

Show Highlights

The San Diego International Auto Show 2027 packs the floor with hands-on activities. These features turn a simple walk-through into a full day out. Here are the main attractions that the organizers promote.

Debuts and New Releases

Visitors can see vehicles that have not reached showrooms yet. These early looks give you a head start on your next purchase. You can sit inside, check the cargo space, and test the tech. Moreover, you can compare prices and features across brands without a sales call.

Test Drives

Test drives remain a fan favorite. You can try cars, trucks, SUVs, and crossovers on a guided route. This setup lets you compare several models in one afternoon. Bring your driver’s license, since staff will likely ask to see it.

EV Test Track

The EV test track gives you a chance to feel instant electric torque. Quiet cabins and smooth power surprise many first-time riders. As a result, the track helps buyers decide whether an electric car fits their daily routine.

Electric Avenue

Electric Avenue focuses on education. Experts explain charging, range, home setups, and incentives. Furthermore, you can ask questions about costs and maintenance. The area suits both curious beginners and current owners who want an upgrade.

Mobility Zone

The Mobility Zone looks beyond cars. It explores new ways to move around cities and neighborhoods. Expect to see fresh ideas about transport, along with products that make driving easier.

Exotics, Classics and Products

Fans of rare cars will find plenty to admire. Exotics bring bold shapes and loud colors. Classics bring history and craftsmanship. Meanwhile, automotive product booths offer accessories, care products, and upgrades.

Why the Show Matters for Car Shoppers

Buying a car takes time. Most people visit several dealerships, wait for sales staff, and compare prices by phone. The show changes that routine. Dozens of brands stand within a few steps of each other, so you can judge fit, comfort, and features in a single afternoon.

Additionally, the staff on the floor usually come ready to talk. They explain trim levels, safety systems, and new technology in plain terms. As a result, you leave with a short list instead of a long list. That focus alone can save weeks of research.

How to Shop Smart on the Floor

A little planning makes the visit far more useful. Set a budget before you arrive. Then pick three or four vehicle types that suit your life. Use this short checklist to stay on track.

• Write down your must-have features, such as seating, cargo space, or range.
• Sit in the back seat of every model, not only the driver seat.
• Check the screen, the controls, and the visibility from inside.
• Take photos of window stickers so you can compare prices later.
• Ask about incentives, tax credits, and charging options for electric models.

Electric and Hybrid Trends

Electric and hybrid vehicles keep growing in popularity across California. Many drivers now ask about range, charging time, and home installation. Therefore, the show gives these topics plenty of room.

Electric Avenue and the EV test track let you test claims for yourself. You can feel the acceleration, hear the quiet cabin, and talk with experts. In addition, hybrid models give cautious buyers a middle path. They cut fuel costs without the need for a plug at home. Compare both options before you decide.

Tips for Families With Kids

Cars appeal to children of all ages. Many kids love climbing into SUVs and pickups. However, a four-day show can feel long for little ones. Plan a short route, and save the busiest halls for early in the day. Finally, set a meeting spot in case your group splits up.

Tips for Planning Your Visit

Getting There and Parking

Downtown San Diego draws big crowds at the end of the year. Therefore, plan your route ahead. The trolley and bus lines serve the area, and they cut down on parking stress. If you drive, check the official Getting Here page for parking details. Arrive early, because nearby lots fill fast on weekends.

Best Time to Go

Weekday-style crowds are rare during the holidays. Still, Thursday offers the shortest day, so expect fewer people late in the afternoon. Friday and Saturday run until 9 pm, which helps if you want a calmer evening visit. Sunday closes at 6 pm, so families often arrive right at 10 am.

What to Bring

• Your e-ticket and a photo ID
• A valid driver’s license for test drives
• Comfortable shoes, since the halls are large
• A small bag, because bigger bags may slow security
• A phone charger or power bank for photos and notes

Accessibility and Comfort

The official site links to wheelchair rental information and a hotel page. Visit those pages before you go. Guests with mobility needs can then plan a smooth day. Additionally, take breaks. The floor covers a lot of ground, and a short rest keeps the day fun.

Make It a Full Trip

The convention center sits close to Seaport Village, the Gaslamp Quarter, and the bay. Therefore, you can mix car shopping with sightseeing. Book hotels early, since New Year travel pushes prices up.

Conclusion

The San Diego International Auto Show 2027 offers four days of cars, tech, and family fun. It runs from December 31, 2026, to January 3, 2027, at the San Diego Convention Center. Adult tickets cost $18, while seniors and military pay $15, and young children enter at lower prices or free. Visitors can enjoy debuts, test drives, an EV test track, Electric Avenue, and the Mobility Zone.

However, a few details need a final check. The exhibitor list is not yet public, and the Family Day date does not match the show dates. Therefore, visit the official website before you go. Then buy your tickets early, plan your parking, and enjoy the start of the new year.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When is the San Diego auto show in 2027?

It starts on December 31, 2026, and runs through January 3, 2027. Check the official site, because some pages show slightly different dates.

2. Where does the show take place?

It takes place at the San Diego Convention Center, 111 W. Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101.

3. What are the show hours?

Hours are 10 am to 6 pm on December 31 and January 3. On January 1 and 2, the show runs from 10 am to 9 pm.

4. How much do tickets cost?

Adults aged 13 to 61 pay $18. Seniors and military pay $15. Children aged 7 to 12 pay $12. Children 6 and under enter free with an adult.

5. Where can I buy tickets?

Buy them online through the official ticketing page on the show website. The organizer sells tickets online only.

6. Do e-tickets have extra fees?

The organizer lists no fees on e-tickets bought online. Always review the final price at checkout.

7. Is there a military discount?

Yes. Active-duty military with ID pay $15. Toyota also sponsors a Military Appreciation promotion.

8. Is there a Family Day?

Yes. Children 12 and under enter free with an adult. However, the site lists it for January 4, so confirm the date.

9. Can I test drive cars at the show?

Yes. The show offers test drives of cars, trucks, SUVs, and crossovers, plus an EV test track. Bring your driver’s license.

10. When should I arrive?

Arrive early. The entrance closes one hour before closing time, and weekend crowds build by midday.

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