The Detroit Auto Show has confirmed its dates for January 2026, set to take place from January 14-25 at Huntington Place in downtown Detroit. The event is expected to draw a quarter of a million spectators and have an economic impact of up to $370 million, according to WXYZ. The 2026 schedule will include Media and Industry Days on January 14 and 15, a Charity Preview on January 16, and public access from January 17 to 25.
"January is synonymous with cars in the Motor City, and we expect plenty of auto-centric experiences to, once again, be on tap for the 2026 show," said Todd Szott, 2026 Detroit Auto Show Chair. The 2026 show will feature highlights such as the return of Racing Day, hosted by the Detroit Grand Prix. The 2025 show displayed 34 brands, nearly 500 vehicles, and four immersive indoor ride-and-drive tracks, along with The Gallery, which featured over 50 high-end vehicles, as reported by DBusiness.
As per the CBS Detroit, the Detroit Auto Show, which began in 1965, has faced challenges due to global crises. The show shifted from its traditional January dates to fall after the COVID-19 pandemic canceled the event in 2020 and 2021. It returned to mid-January in 2025, a move that organizers are maintaining for 2026.
The Detroit Auto Dealers Association is expected to announce additional programming leading up to the 2026 event, focusing on innovation and industry connections. Despite recent schedule and format changes, the return to January has been well-received, signaling a resurgence for the city's auto showcase. The success of the 2025 show has increased anticipation for the 2026 event among car enthusiasts and industry professionals.
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