From immersive track experiences and dozens of vehicle brands to a curated showcase of exotic marques, thought-provoking industry conversations, and community-driven moments that leave a lasting impact, the 2026 Detroit Auto Show is a two-week celebration of mobility, innovation, and the spirit of the Motor City. The show runs from Tuesday, Jan. 13 (The Gallery) – Sunday, Jan. 25 at Detroit’s Huntington Place.
Tickets to the Detroit Auto Show, including The Gallery Fundraiser, Media & Industry Days, Charity Preview, and the Public Show are available at detroitautoshow.com.
“The minute visitors walk through the doors, they’ll feel the energy as they’re welcomed by more brands, more cars, more immersive experiences, and awesome digital activations that appeal to all ages and across generations,” said 2026 Detroit Auto Show Chairman Todd Szott.
Here’s a look at some of the highlights of the 2026 Detroit Auto Show:
Brands, Brands and More Brands
With 41 brands on display, including everything from popular mainstream nameplates and uber-luxury marques to exotic supercars and award-winning vehicles, the Detroit Auto Show is a hub for comparison shopping and a place to experience firsthand many of these brands.
From Indoor Tracks to Mountain Climbs
Returning in 2026 will be the exhilarating Detroit Grand Prix and Powering Michigan Experience indoor tracks. The tracks offer attendees ride-along experiences in ICE (internal combustion engine), hybrid, and electric vehicles. The Powering Michigan Experience is sponsored by Powering Michigan, representing the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 58, and the National Electrical Contractors Association. Camp Jeep and the Ford Bronco Built Wild Experience return, offering show visitors the opportunity to climb high into the “mountains” of Huntington Place.
A Display of Luxury and Exotic Eye Candy
Considered the show’s signature luxury automotive experience, The Gallery Fundraiser kicks off the 2026 Detroit Auto Show on Jan. 13. More than two dozen ultra-luxury and performance vehicles are featured at the ticketed event with proceeds benefitting Forgotten Harvest. The luxury and exotic vehicle showcase is sponsored by Delta Air Lines and curated by Metro Detroit dealerships and owner enthusiast collections and is exhibited throughout the Detroit Auto Show.
Step into the World of Outdoor Adventure
New for 2026 is the Michigan Overland Adventure, a rugged, immersive overland showcase featuring custom-built trucks, off-road SUVs, adventure-ready rigs, and expedition equipment built for exploration. Vehicles from Ford, Chevrolet, GMC, Jeep, Ram, Toyota, INEOS, Subaru and AEV (American Expedition Vehicles) will anchor the display. The Michigan Overland Adventure celebrates the vehicles, gear, and lifestyle of those who venture beyond the pavement.
Melding Music and Mobility with Community Impact
Multi-platinum recording artist and five-time GRAMMY Award nominee Robin Thicke will headline the signature black-tie Charity Preview on Friday, Jan. 16, delivering a dynamic performance that blends his chart-topping hits with Motown-inspired classics. The annual Detroit gala benefits six children’s charities and has raised more than $125 million since its inception in 1976. Legendary Detroit artist and cultural icon Trick Trick will also take the stage for a special performance, while DJ Rimarkable sets the tone with an energy-filled set throughout the evening. NBA legend and Detroit native Jalen Rose will serve as master of ceremonies. Charity Preview is presented by AHX Direct powered by Auto Hauler Exchange, with WXYZ-TV Channel 7 serving as the Official Television Partner. Tickets are available at detroitautoshow.com.
Two Days of Conversation Shaping the Industry
Sixty-plus speakers, 16 panels, two fireside chats and three industry award presentations provide a high-powered roster at the Mobility Global Forum (MGF) held during Media and Industry Days, Jan. 14-15. The symposium is presented by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Office of Future Mobility and Electrification on Wednesday, Jan. 14 and Walker-Miller Energy Services on Thursday, Jan. 15. Industry-significant awards, including the 2026 North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards, the EyesOn Design Awards and the 30th Annual S&P Global Mobility Loyalty Awards will be presented on Jan. 14. For tickets and a rundown of MGF programming, visit detroitautoshow.com/mobility-global-forum/.
New Onsite Hosts Tell Auto Show Story as it Happens
The Detroit Auto Show is bringing its story to life in real time with a dynamic team of onsite hosts for 2026. TV host and car enthusiast Cristy Lee, journalist and storyteller Sarah Michals, media personality Clift Roach, and Colin, the show’s special Kid Correspondent, will be live from the show floor throughout the event, engaging with attendees, jumping into experiences, and capturing the energy that defines the Detroit Auto Show. From live hits and interviews to spontaneous moments across the floor, this host team will spotlight the innovation, personality, and people behind the vehicles—helping audiences experience the Detroit Auto Show as it unfolds, from every angle and every generation.
Turbocharging the Motor City
Racing Day presented by the Detroit Grand Prix returns on Tuesday, Jan. 20. The turbocharged event features some of the top stars of motorsports, along with championship race cars, fun family activities and one of the most prestigious trophies in auto racing, the Astor Cup. World-class drivers in attendance will provide ride-along experiences in production vehicles on the Detroit Grand Prix-inspired track to select Detroit Auto Show visitors. Drivers and special guests in attendance will host a special panel discussion on motorsports on the show floor, in addition to a free autograph session with drivers.
Planting the Seeds of Innovation for All Ages
A new immersive Visit Detroit Interactive Experience will bring a family-friendly showcase to Huntington Place Atrium, featuring hands-on STEM activities, immersive racing simulations and even a track for some of the youngest show visitors. The experience is designed to spark curiosity, creativity and career inspiration for the next generation of automotive and mobility leaders. The activation brings together interactive partners, including the Michigan Science Center, Code 313, Pit Lane Sim Racing, and a kid-focused Power Wheels track presented by Jeep and Ram. The Michigan Science Center display is sponsored by DTE, Comcast Business, and Ford Motor Company.
A Love Affair with Autos and the Mother Road
See the “Detroit Auto Show: Route 66 Centennial Exhibition” and experience a part of history melding America’s love affair with automobiles and 100 years of the Mother Road. The exhibition spotlights “The Drive Home VII: Route 66 – A Century of Adventure,” a 10-day cross-country vehicle convoy that began in Santa Monica, Calif., and concludes at the Detroit Auto Show on Tuesday, Jan. 13. A collaboration between the Detroit Auto Show, America’s Automotive Trust, and the Route 66 Centennial Commission, the exhibit will showcase classic and modern Route 66-inspired vehicles.
Showcasing the Motor City’s Underground Car Scene
Following on the heels of the popular Detroit Auto Show/Modded Detroit indoor exhibit in 2025, the partnership continues for 2026 with a showcase of 150 community vehicles in Hall E. Modded Detroit is one of Michigan’s premier automotive enthusiast groups. Modded (or modified vehicles) have intrigued car enthusiasts for years with a blend of under-the-hood high-performance tweaks and exterior cosmetic enhancements. Vehicle owners from throughout Metro Detroit will be onsite to discuss the evolution and transformation of their vehicles.
Future Leaders to Explore Career Pathways
Supported by General Motors with assistance from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the Future Leaders Program will host 1,300 students at the Detroit Auto Show. Designed to highlight career opportunities in the automotive and mobility technology sectors, the program exposes students to new products and technologies and important conversations on career pathways. Under the direction of The Engineering Society of Detroit, 300 college students from 10 state universities with engineering programs will visit the show on Thursday, Jan. 15. The following week, more than 1,000 high school students from 30 different schools in eight different counties will visit the show Jan. 21-22, as part of the program. Twelve of those schools participating are part of the Detroit Public Schools Community District and are bringing approximately 500 students to the show.
Detroit Auto Show 5K Opens Public Show
Whether chasing a personal best, getting in some easy miles with friends, or strolling with the kids, the Detroit Auto Show 5K at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 17, is there to help usher in the first weekend of the Public Show. Hosted in partnership with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the Detroit Auto Show and the Friends of the Outdoor Adventure Center, the run begins and finishes near Huntington Place and takes participants on a scenic stretch by the water. Proceeds from the event support new exhibits at the Outdoor Adventure Center. To register for the Detroit Auto Show 5K, visit detroitautoshow.com/detroit-auto-show-5k/.
Music Drives the Beat During Public Show
Special music performances and a DJ Showcase will drive the beat during the Public Show, including shows by GMAC Cash (Saturday, Jan. 17), The Crampton Brothers (Sunday, Jan. 18) and Skonie and the Klouds (Saturday, Jan. 24). The special performances will be featured on the show floor and are provided free to anyone with a Detroit Auto Show ticket. For a schedule of artists and DJs performing, visit detroitautoshow.com/drive-the-beat/.
Celebrating Young Artists Across Michigan
Winners of the Detroit Auto Show’s 2026 High School Poster Contest will be recognized with a special on-stage ceremony on Sunday, Jan. 18. Over 200 entries from 47 high schools were received as part of the statewide competition. The contest was open to high school students across Michigan, inviting them to submit original poster designs inspired by the Detroit Auto Show and the future of the automotive industry. The submissions were evaluated by a distinguished panel of automotive and design professionals. Winning posters will be displayed throughout the 2026 Detroit Auto Show. View the poster winners at detroitautoshow.com/poster-contest/.
Driven by Service: Warming Hearts and Students
The Detroit Auto Show is partnering with the Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) for the second year on Driven by Service, a community initiative focused on collecting winter essentials for Detroit students in need. The public is encouraged to donate new winter items, including coats, hats, scarves, gloves, mittens, earmuffs, and socks. Monetary donations are also accepted at www.dpscdfoundation.org/driven.
Attendees can drop off donations at the Detroit Auto Show through Jan. 25. Items are also being accepted at select Detroit Fire Department locations through Jan. 17, with collection hours from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and after 4 p.m. Drop-off locations include Engine 30/Medic 3 (16543 Meyers Rd.), Engine Company 9/Ladder Company 6 (3787 E. Lafayette St.), and HazMat Unit 1 (3050 Russell St.). The initiative will culminate on Driven by Service Day at the show, Monday, Jan. 19(Martin Luther King Jr. Day), featuring performances by DPSCD student groups and a community volunteer activation honoring Dr. King’s legacy of service.
Social Media Contest Highlights Community Storytellers
The winning videos (detroitautoshow.com/creator-contest/) in the first-ever Detroit Auto Show x Creator Con Social Media Contest will be screened throughout the Public Show and at Charity Preview, in partnership with Creator Con. The new creative challenge – designed to elevate local creators and show the automotive story through fresh, authentic voices – drew more than 50 entries capturing the energy, emotion, and culture that define the Detroit Auto Show and the Motor City.
Perils of Distracted Driving Highlighted in Vehicle Safety Zone
Show visitors will get a hands-on look at the dangers of impaired and distracted driving through a display of interactive activities, simulators and educational materials as part of the General Motors-supported Vehicle Safety Zone. Located in the concourse of Huntington Place, the Vehicle Safety Zone will feature activations from the Courageous Persuaders program, the Kiefer Foundation, Don’t Engage N Road Rage, the Secretary of State and Wayne State University, featuring its impaired/distracted driving simulator.
“There is Only One Motor City”
Exclusive Detroit Auto Show poster-inspired merch – from snapbacks and hoodies to t-shirts and crewneck sweatshirts – will be on sale at this year’s show, produced by Metro Detroiter Adam Steiner and his Steiner Merchandise team. The Detroit Auto Show items, together with “There is Only One Motor City” merch, embody the spirit of Detroit pride and celebrate one of the city’s most iconic events. Merchandise is currently available online at shopdetroitautoshow.com.
About the Detroit Auto Show
Recognized as one of the world’s most influential automotive events, the Detroit Auto Show offers a platform for cutting-edge automotive and mobility innovations. With immersive experiences, brand-defining vehicles, and hands-on activations, the show invites attendees to experience the future of mobility and the heart of Detroit’s creative energy.
2026 Detroit Auto Show Highlights
The Gallery Fundraiser: Tuesday, Jan. 13
Media & Industry Days: Wednesday–Thursday, Jan. 14–15
Mobility Global Forum: Wednesday–Thursday, Jan. 14–15
Future Leaders Program (University Student Access & Career Pathways): Thursday, Jan. 15
Charity Preview: Friday, Jan. 16
Public Show: Saturday–Sunday, Jan. 17–25
Racing Day presented by the Detroit Grand Prix: Tuesday, Jan. 20
Future Leaders Program (High School Student Access & Career Pathways): Wednesday–Thursday, Jan. 21-22
Press Contacts:
Heather George – Detroit Auto Show,hgeorge@loviogeorge.com
