The Charlotte Auto Show is rolling back into Uptown next week, bringing a multi-day lineup of vehicles under one roof at the Charlotte Convention Center. The show runs Thursday, November 19, through Sunday, November 22, and organizers say kids 12 and under get in free. As reported by WCNC, the event is billed as a mix of test tracks, custom cars and family-friendly activities.
The show takes place at the Charlotte Convention Center, located at 501 S College St., according to the Charlotte Auto Show's own FAQ page. That same page notes the venue will offer self-serve ticket kiosks staffed with attendants on hand to help anyone who needs it, and wheelchairs are available in the Convention Center's show office for attendees who need one.
What's New on the Track This Year
For 2026, the show's indoor Track Experience is expanding beyond just gas-powered vehicles. The event's track page says this year's lineup adds hybrid and electric vehicles alongside traditional gas models, giving attendees a broader range of what they can actually get behind the wheel of before stepping back out onto the show floor. Each track experience includes two laps along with vehicle information shared during the ride, per the same source.
Beyond the indoor track, there's also a separate Ride & Drive experience set up outside in the taxi layby along College Street. That program lets visitors test drive current models from Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Alfa Romeo and Ram, with registration happening at The Drive! Stellantis Tent near the show's main entrance.
Who Can Get Behind the Wheel
Not just anyone can hop in for a Ride & Drive spin. Drivers must be at least 18 years old, produce a valid driver's license, provide follow-up contact information, sign a liability waiver, and pass a breathalyzer test before getting on the road, the show's own guidelines state. Every participant is paired with an in-vehicle host who can answer questions about the vehicle along the way.
For families debating whether to make the trip Uptown, the free admission for children 12 and under is likely to be the deciding factor, especially paired with the hands-on nature of both the indoor track and outdoor Ride & Drive setup. Organizers haven't published general ticket pricing details beyond that children's policy, so attendees planning the trip will want to check the show's site directly for the latest information before heading downtown.
