Car fans in the Northeast have a date to mark. The Philadelphia Auto Show runs from January 16 to January 24, 2027, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. It fills nine days with new models, concept cars, test drives and family fun. Whether you love trucks, electric cars or exotic sports cars, you will find something to enjoy.
This guide covers what you need before you go. First, you will see the dates and venue. Next, you will learn about opening hours and ticket options. After that, you will find event highlights, planning tips and answers to common questions.
Please note that organizers have not yet released the full 2027 schedule or prices. Therefore, this guide uses the 2026 show as a reference. Check the official website before you buy anything.
Show Dates and Venue
When the Show Runs
The event opens on Saturday, January 16, 2027. It closes on Sunday, January 24, 2027. That gives you two full weekends and five weekdays to visit. Monday, January 18, falls on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, so many locals will have the day off.
The show has a long history. It started in 1902, and it has grown into one of the largest car events in the region. In recent years, it has drawn hundreds of thousands of visitors.
Where to Go
The show takes place at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch Street, in Center City Philadelphia. The building sits at 12th and Arch Streets. Reading Terminal Market is right next door. Chinatown is just a few steps away. As a result, you can combine your car day with a great meal.
Opening Hours for January 16 to 24, 2027
Organizers usually share the daily schedule a few weeks before the doors open. The 2027 hours are not final yet. However, the show follows a steady pattern from year to year. The table below shows the likely hours, based on the 2026 schedule.
| Date | Day | Likely Hours |
| January 16 | Saturday | 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. |
| January 17 | Sunday | 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. |
| January 18 | Monday (MLK Day) | Check the official site |
| January 19 to 21 | Tuesday to Thursday | 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. |
| January 22 | Friday | 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. |
| January 23 | Saturday | 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. |
| January 24 | Sunday | 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. |
Holiday hours can change. For example, the 2025 show closed early on MLK Day, at 5 p.m. Therefore, confirm the hours for January 18 before you plan that day.
Best Times to Visit
Weekends bring the biggest crowds. Saturday afternoon is usually the busiest time. If you prefer space to look at cars, choose a weekday. Weekday afternoons and early evenings tend to feel calmer.
- Visit on a weekday for shorter lines at popular displays.
- Arrive when the doors open on a weekend to beat the rush.
- Go in the evening if you want to see the cars with fewer people around.
- Plan three to four hours for a full walk through the halls.
Ticket Options and Prices
Ticket prices for 2027 have not been announced. However, recent years give a good guide. The table below lists the 2026 prices, including fees. Expect the 2027 prices to land close to these numbers.
| Ticket Type | 2026 Price (with fees) | Who Qualifies |
| Adult | $21.50 | Ages 13 and older |
| Child | $13.50 | Ages 7 to 12 |
| Senior or military | $16.50 | Ages 62 and older, or military with ID |
| Young children | Free | Children age 6 and under with a paying adult |
| Group | About $15 each | Groups of 20 or more (2025 rate) |
Where to Buy Tickets
Start with the official show website. It links to the approved ticket seller. In 2026, organizers sold tickets online through Eventim. You can also check the Pennsylvania Convention Center site for event listings.
Be careful with resale sites. Prices there can run well above face value. Additionally, some listings are not valid. Buy from the official source whenever you can.
Ways to Save Money
- Ask about senior and military discounts, and bring a valid ID.
- Bring a group of 20 or more to unlock the group rate.
- Bring young children, since children age 6 and under usually enter free.
- Sign up for show alerts to hear about early sales and special offers.
Event Highlights to Expect
The final 2027 lineup is still taking shape. Nevertheless, the show keeps a familiar format. The features below appeared at recent shows, and they will likely return in some form.
Hundreds of New Vehicles
The 2025 show featured more than 700 vehicles. The 2026 show hosted 27 brands, which was the largest lineup since before the pandemic. You can compare sedans, SUVs, trucks and electric models side by side. Moreover, you can sit inside most of them. That makes it easy to test the seats, screens and cargo space.
Camp Jeep and Test Drives
Camp Jeep is a fan favorite. It is an indoor off-road course with steep hills and rough terrain. Visitors can ride along or drive a new Jeep on the track. In addition, the show has offered electric vehicle test tracks and other driving experiences, both inside and outside the building.
Exotic and Luxury Cars
Dream cars draw big crowds. In 2026, the McLaren Elva and the Ford GT each carried a price tag above $1 million. Brands such as Lotus and McLaren have also appeared in recent years. Bring your camera, because these displays make great photos.
Custom Alley
Custom Alley shows off cars built by local enthusiasts. You will see classic restorations, lifted trucks and wild paint jobs. It offers a nice break from the factory showrooms. Besides that, you can chat with the owners about their builds.
Charity and Career Events
The show opens with the Black Tie Tailgate, a gala that raises money for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Later in the week, Tech Tuesday brings industry experts together. High school seniors also compete for scholarship money in an auto technology contest. These events show that the show supports both the community and the next generation of workers.
A Chance to Compare Electric and Gas Models
Car shopping can feel stressful. Dealer lots are spread out, and sales staff may push one brand. At the show, however, many makers sit under one roof. You can check an electric crossover, a hybrid and a gas truck in a single afternoon. Additionally, brand specialists are on hand to answer questions about range, charging and fuel costs. You do not need to buy anything, so you can learn at your own pace.
Why the Show Suits Every Visitor
Some guests come to shop for a new car. Others come to dream. Many just want a fun winter outing with friends or family. The event works for all three groups. Because the halls are indoors, rain, snow and cold do not matter. As a result, January is a smart time to hold a car show in this city.
Sample One-Day Plan
A little structure helps you see more. Here is an easy plan for a weekday visit. You can adjust it to fit your own interests.
- Noon: Arrive, pick up a floor map and walk the main halls first.
- 1:30 p.m.: Visit the brands you care about most and sit inside your favorites.
- 3:00 p.m.: Take a test drive or try an off-road ride.
- 4:30 p.m.: Stop at Custom Alley and the luxury displays for photos.
- 5:30 p.m.: Eat at Reading Terminal Market or in nearby Chinatown.
- 7:00 p.m.: Return for a last look at any display you missed.
On a weekend, start earlier. Moreover, skip the lines for the busiest displays and return to them later in the day.
Tips for Planning Your Visit
Getting There by Transit
Public transit is often the easiest choice. SEPTA Regional Rail stops at Jefferson Station, which is close to the convention center. The Market-Frankford Line also serves the area. Because the building sits in Center City, many bus routes pass nearby.
Parking Near the Venue
Parking garages surround the convention center. However, they fill up fast on weekends and holidays. Arrive early, or reserve a spot online if the garage allows it. Rideshare is another option, but expect busy drop-off zones on Saturdays.
Staying Comfortable
The convention center is large, and you will walk a lot. Therefore, wear shoes you trust. Water fountains and food stands sit throughout the building. Finally, set a meeting spot with your group in case someone gets separated.
What to Bring
- Comfortable shoes, because the halls are large.
- A light jacket for the winter walk outside.
- A charged phone for photos and your digital tickets.
- A small bag, since large bags may face extra checks.
Making It a Family Day
The show works well for kids. Many displays let children climb in and explore. Still, plan breaks to avoid tired legs. Reading Terminal Market has plenty of snacks and sit-down meals nearby. Therefore, you can easily turn your visit into a full outing.
Conclusion
The Philadelphia Auto Show 2027 promises nine days of cars, hands-on fun and local energy. It runs from January 16 to January 24 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Hours will likely follow the 2026 pattern, with later closing times on Fridays and Saturdays. Ticket prices should stay near $21.50 for adults, $16.50 for seniors and military, and $13.50 for kids.
Expect favorites such as Camp Jeep, test drives, luxury displays and Custom Alley. However, details can change, so check the official site before you go. Buy your tickets early, pick a quiet weekday if you can, and take transit. With a little planning, you will enjoy every minute.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When is the 2027 show?
The show runs from Saturday, January 16, to Sunday, January 24, 2027. It lasts nine days.
2. Where does the show take place?
It takes place at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch Street, Philadelphia.
3. What are the opening hours?
Organizers have not posted final hours yet. Based on 2026, expect noon to 8 or 9 p.m. on weekdays, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays, and shorter hours on Sundays.
4. How much do tickets cost?
The 2027 prices are not out yet. In 2026, adults paid $21.50, kids paid $13.50, and seniors and military paid $16.50, all with fees.
5. Do children get in free?
In recent years, children age 6 and under entered free with a paying adult. Confirm this rule for 2027 before you go.
6. Are there senior or military discounts?
Yes. Recent shows offered a reduced price to seniors age 62 and older and to military members with valid ID.
7. Can I buy tickets at the door?
Usually, yes. However, buying online is faster and often helps you skip the longest lines.
8. Is there a group rate?
Recent shows offered a group price for parties of 20 or more. Ask the organizers about the 2027 group rate.
9. Can I test drive cars at the show?
Yes. Past shows have offered test drives inside and outside the building, plus Camp Jeep and electric vehicle tracks. Rules and ID requirements may apply.
10. What is the best day to visit?
Weekdays are quieter. If you can only go on a weekend, arrive when the doors open.
View This Location on Google Maps:
Thomas Walker is an accomplished writer with expertise in the basics of car accessories. With a keen eye for detail, Thomas has established himself as an authority on the subject, with a passion for all things automotive. Based in Jasper, Thomas is dedicated to providing readers with the information they need to make informed decisions when it comes to their car accessories.
