Car fans around the world mark January on their calendars for one reason. Detroit opens its doors, and the Motor City turns into the center of the auto world. The Detroit Auto Show 2027 runs from January 14 to January 24, and it promises eleven days of cars, trucks, racing and hands-on fun.
This guide covers everything you need to plan your visit. You will find the schedule, the venue, ticket prices, attractions and the trends shaping the industry. Additionally, you will get practical tips on parking, transit and timing. Let’s start with a quick overview.
Quick Facts at a Glance
Here is a snapshot of the main details. Organizers published these in October 2026, so check the official website before you buy, since plans can change.
| Detail | Information |
| Event dates | January 14 to January 24, 2027 |
| Venue | Huntington Place, downtown Detroit |
| Media and Industry Day | Thursday, January 14 |
| Charity Preview | Friday, January 15 |
| Public days | Saturday, January 16 to Sunday, January 24 |
| Racing Day | Tuesday, January 19 |
| Official tickets | detroitautoshow.com |
Dates and Schedule
The event stretches across eleven days. However, each stretch of the calendar serves a different audience. Knowing the difference helps you choose the right day.
Media and Industry Day: January 14
The opening day belongs to the press and the trade. Automakers, suppliers and journalists meet on the floor, and brands often use this day for announcements. Media credential applications opened on November 2. Industry tickets cost $60. Regular fans cannot attend on this day, so plan for later dates.
Charity Preview: January 15
Friday evening brings the black-tie Charity Preview. The gala raises money for children’s charities across Southeast Michigan. Guests see the show before the public does, and they support a good cause while they do it. Organizers planned to release tickets in early November, though they had not listed a price at the time of writing.
Public Days: January 16 to 24
The doors open to everyone on Saturday, January 16. Public days run for nine straight days, including two weekends. Therefore, you have plenty of choice. Weekends draw the biggest crowds, while weekdays usually feel calmer. If you want more time to sit in cars and talk with brand staff, pick a weekday.
Organizers had not posted daily hours in the sources reviewed for this article. Consequently, confirm opening and closing times on the official website before you leave home.
Venue: Huntington Place in Downtown Detroit
The show returns to Huntington Place, the large convention center on the Detroit riverfront. Many locals still remember it as TCF Center. The building offers wide halls, easy access and a short walk to the water. Its size gives automakers room for big displays and test tracks.
Getting There by Car
Drivers can reach the center from several major highways. Parking is available at Huntington Place and at other garages and lots downtown. Organizers suggest that visitors book parking ahead through SpotHero. This step saves time, and it often saves stress as well.
Getting There by Transit
Public transit makes a smart option for many visitors. The Detroit People Mover is free, and it stops at Huntington Place. On weekends during the show, it starts running at 8 a.m. You can park near the Renaissance Center or in Bricktown and ride the loop. Alternatively, you can park farther north on Woodward Avenue, then take the QLine streetcar to Grand Circus and walk or connect from there.
| Travel Option | Best For | Quick Tip |
| Parking at the venue | Families with gear | Book ahead online |
| Parking in Bricktown | Budget-minded drivers | Ride the free People Mover |
| Parking near Woodward | Visitors staying north | Take the QLine to Grand Circus |
| People Mover | Downtown hotel guests | Starts at 8 a.m. on weekends |
Tickets and Pricing
Ticket prices follow a sliding scale. Early buyers pay less, so the date you purchase matters. Special pricing for the Detroit Auto Show 2027 runs through November 30, and prices climb after that.
| Ticket Type | Through Nov. 30 | Later Dates |
| Adult (ages 13 and up) | $20 | $23 through Jan. 15, then $27 on Jan. 16 to 24 |
| Senior (ages 65 and up) | $12 | $15 |
| Child (ages 3 to 12) | $10 | $10 |
| Child (ages 2 and under) | Free | Free |
| Family Pass (2 adults, 3 children) | $50 | $60 |
How to Save Money
The math is simple. An adult who buys before the deadline saves $7 compared with a purchase at the door on public days. A family of five saves $10 with the pass when they buy early. Moreover, the family pass beats separate tickets by a wide margin.
- Buy before November 30 to lock in the lowest price.
- Choose the Family Pass if you bring two adults and three children.
- Use official channels only, and avoid unknown resellers.
- Check for test-track details, since rides come with your ticket at no extra fee.
Where to Buy
Purchase tickets on the official website at detroitautoshow.com. Buying direct protects you from fake listings and surprise fees. In addition, it gives you the clearest view of current prices.
Attractions and Experiences
Walking the show floor is only part of the fun. Organizers build the schedule around action, so visitors can ride, race and explore. These attractions drew attention in the latest announcements.
Ford Bronco Built Wild Track
Ford brings a rugged course, Built Wild. Riders tackle obstacles with names like Rock Crawl and Tilt Ridge. You feel every angle as the truck climbs and tips. The course shows what an off-road vehicle can do, and it makes the spec sheet come alive.
Camp Jeep
Jeep returns with its own off-road experience at Camp Jeep. The track tests steep climbs and rough terrain. Families love it because kids see the vehicles tackle real challenges. Test-track rides cost nothing extra with your ticket.
Racing Day on January 19
The Detroit Grand Prix presents Racing Day on Tuesday, January 19. Fans can meet drivers from the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and INDY NXT. The day also features photo spots, Winner’s Circle activities and autograph sessions. Additionally, an indoor track lets guests ride in production vehicles with professional drivers. The course honors landmarks from the Detroit Grand Prix street circuit.
Visitors can also see race cars from the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Q&A sessions and a panel with drivers and industry insiders round out the day. Moreover, the official 2027 Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix poster will make its debut. Organizers had not announced the driver lineup or the ride times yet, so watch for updates.
Corvette E-Ray Ride-Alongs
Guests can ride with drivers in Chevrolet Corvette E-Rays. These cars served as pace cars for the Indy 500 and the Detroit Grand Prix. The hybrid supercar delivers quick launches in a small space, and the ride gives a taste of real performance.
Detroit Grand Prix Displays
Throughout the public days, Grand Prix exhibits fill the concourse and the show floor. They include video, historic images and interactive activities, along with open-wheel and sports cars. The Detroit Grand Prix itself returns to the downtown streets from June 4 to 6, 2027. Therefore, the display works as a preview for fans who plan a summer visit.
Automotive Trends to Watch
Auto shows reveal where the industry is heading. The next show is no exception. The following themes should shape many conversations on the floor. Because brands have not published full lineups yet, treat these as areas to watch rather than confirmed reveals.
Electric and Hybrid Choices
Buyers want options. Some drivers want a fully electric car, while others prefer a hybrid that needs no plug. As a result, many automakers now offer several power choices within one model line. Expect booths to highlight range, charging speed and real-world cost. Hybrids like the Corvette E-Ray show that electrification can add thrills, not just efficiency.
Software and Driver Assistance
Modern vehicles run on code as much as on steel. Large touchscreens, voice control and over-the-air updates now appear in many showrooms. Meanwhile, driver assistance systems keep growing smarter. Visitors should test the screens, ask about update plans and compare how easy each system feels in daily use.
Affordability and Value
Prices remain a top concern for shoppers. Therefore, brands increasingly talk about value, trim choices and ownership costs. The show floor gives you a rare chance to compare many brands in a single afternoon. Bring a short list, and sit in each vehicle. You will learn more in ten minutes than from hours of online browsing.
Trucks, SUVs and Off-Road Culture
The Bronco and Jeep tracks signal a strong trend. Adventure vehicles remain popular, and buyers want proof that they can handle tough ground. In contrast to a plain spec sheet, a ride on a rock course tells the full story. Look for new trims, accessories and outdoor gear.
Motorsport Influence
Racing technology often finds its way into road cars. Hybrid power, lightweight materials and advanced aerodynamics all began on the track. Racing Day lets visitors see that link up close. In addition, talking with drivers offers insight into how teams use data and engineering to win.
| Trend | What to Look For | Why It Matters |
| Electrification | Range, charging speed, hybrid options | Shapes your next purchase |
| Software | Screens, updates, assistance features | Affects daily ease of use |
| Value | Trims, pricing, ownership cost | Helps you set a budget |
| Adventure vehicles | Off-road trims and accessories | Shows real capability |
| Motorsport tech | Hybrid power, aerodynamics | Previews future road cars |
Tips for a Great Visit
A little planning goes a long way. Use these ideas to get the most from your day.
- Arrive early on weekends, because crowds build by midday.
- Wear comfortable shoes, since the halls are large.
- Bring a phone charger and a small bag.
- Make a list of five vehicles you want to see first.
- Book parking before you travel.
- Visit on Racing Day if you love motorsport.
- Choose a weekday for shorter lines at popular tracks.
Hotels and Dining Nearby
Many visitors turn the trip into a short getaway. Downtown hotels sit close to the venue and the People Mover line, so book your room early. Rooms fill fast during big weeks. Meanwhile, the riverfront, Bricktown and the Woodward corridor offer plenty of places to eat. Therefore, you can walk from a morning on the show floor to a relaxed dinner without a long drive.
Why Detroit Matters
Detroit earned its nickname through a century of manufacturing. Ford, General Motors and Stellantis all keep deep roots in the region. Consequently, the show carries a special energy. Engineers, designers and fans share the same halls, and the city feels proud to host them. Furthermore, downtown restaurants, hotels and attractions sit close to the venue, so you can turn a show visit into a full weekend trip.
Conclusion
The Detroit Auto Show 2027 offers something for every kind of fan. The dates run from January 14 to January 24, with public days starting on January 16. Huntington Place hosts the event, and transit options make arrival simple. Ticket prices start at $20 for adults before November 30, and the Family Pass delivers strong value. Attractions such as the Bronco track, Camp Jeep, Corvette E-Ray rides and Racing Day give visitors plenty to do. Finally, the trend themes of electrification, software, value and adventure will guide the conversation on the floor.
Buy early, plan your travel and check the official website for fresh updates. Then enjoy a week and a half of cars in the Motor City.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the show take place in 2027?
It runs from January 14 to January 24, 2027. Public days start on Saturday, January 16.
Where does the event happen?
Organizers host it at Huntington Place in downtown Detroit, which many people still call TCF Center.
How much does an adult ticket cost?
Adults aged 13 and up pay $20 through November 30, $23 through January 15, and $27 from January 16 to 24.
Is there a discount for seniors?
Yes. Visitors aged 65 and up pay $12 through November 30 and $15 after that.
How much do children pay?
Children aged 3 to 12 pay $10. Kids aged 2 and under enter free.
Is there a family ticket?
Yes. The Family Pass covers two adults and three children. It costs $50 through November 30 and $60 afterward.
What is the Charity Preview?
It is a black-tie gala on Friday, January 15. It benefits children’s charities in Southeast Michigan.
What is Racing Day?
The Detroit Grand Prix presents Racing Day on Tuesday, January 19. Fans meet drivers, see race cars and ride on an indoor track.
Do test-track rides cost extra?
No. The reported test-track rides come with your ticket at no extra fee.
What is the best way to reach the venue?
Many visitors park downtown and ride the free Detroit People Mover. Booking parking ahead through SpotHero also helps.
Open The Location in 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.
