What You Need to Know: 2026 Detroit Auto Show Activities

The Detroit Auto Show returns Jan. 13-25, 2026, showcasing the latest in automotive design, technology, and innovation. As one of the most influential automotive events in the world, the show serves as a dynamic stage for global mobility trends, groundbreaking vehicles, and immersive brand experiences. From hands-on activations to next-gen product reveals, the Detroit Auto Show invites attendees to experience the future of mobility in the heart of the Motor City. 

“Our show is so much more than walking around and looking at cars,” said Detroit Auto Show Executive Director Sam Klemet. “It’s about getting behind the wheel, feeling the power, and understanding the incredible technology driving today’s vehicles — whether they run on electricity, hybrid systems, or traditional gas engines … It’s a celebration of innovation, energy, and the spirit of Detroit.” 

Here’s what you need to know about the array of industry and media events, public showcases, product reveals, and immersive experiences happening during the Detroit Auto Show: 

Kicking off the Detroit Auto Show in a premier showcase area on Jan. 13, from 6-9 p.m., the Gallery is an exclusive event that will feature over 50 ultra-luxury and performance vehicles from globally renowned brands, including Aston Martin, Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, and Rolls-Royce. 

Tickets are $250 each or $400 for a pair and must be purchased in advance. Each ticket sold for The Gallery will help Forgotten Harvest provide thousands of meals to families across Southeast Michigan, reinforcing the Detroit Auto Show’s broader commitment to being a community steward.  

Presented by the Detroit Auto Dealers Association and SAE International, Industry Days offers exclusive advance access to the press and industry executives, as well as several industry-significant award programs, on Jan. 14-15, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

Industry Days centers around the two-day Mobility Global Forum event, packed with keynotes, panels, and fireside chats with selected industry experts who have powerful insights on the symposium’s overarching theme, “Transforming Mobility: Innovation, Integration and Impact.” 

One of the most anticipated sessions is the fireside chat with Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg. President of Michigan State University, a MichAuto investor, Kevin Guskiewicz, will moderate the conversation. Expect candid insights, forward-thinking perspectives, and actionable takeaways that will spark dialogue across the industry.

Related | MichAuto Takes on the 2025 Detroit Auto Show

Tickets for Industry Days are $55 for an individual-day pass and $80 for a two-day pass. 

The Detroit Auto Show’s signature black-tie Charity Preview gala on Jan. 16 from 5-9 p.m., gives attendees an exclusive preview of the latest innovative vehicles while celebrating Detroit cultural pride and community impact.

Multi-platinum recording artist Robin Thicke will headline this year’s Charity Preview, while legendary Detroit artist and cultural icon Trick Trick and Detroit native and “party starter” DJ Rimarkable will round out the entertainment lineup for the event. “Fab Five” legend and NBA Star Jalen Rose will serve as Master of Ceremonies for the event, guiding the night of entertainment.

Charity Preview has raised over $100 million for children’s charities in Southeast Michigan in the past 25 years alone. In total, the event has generated over $125 million since its inception in 1976. Beneficiaries of the 2026 Charity Preview Presented by Auto Hauler Exchange include:

• Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan
• The Children’s Center
• The Children’s Foundation
• Detroit Auto Dealers Association Charitable Foundation Fund, a fund of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan
• Detroit PAL
• University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital

Tickets are $400 each or $700 for a pair.

The Detroit Auto Show’s Public Show features family and enthusiast fun with innovative vehicle and technology displays, experiential track activations, activity zones, and much more.

Among the activities is the return of the popular “Racing Day,” in partnership with the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix, which will feature a vehicle demo track, hands-on experiences, and sessions with IndyCar drivers during the public days.

New to 2026, Levegh, the Paris-based automotive art atelier renowned for its bespoke, handcrafted 1/8-scale recreations of iconic sports and race cars, will make its exclusive U.S. debut at the 2026 show.

2026 Public Show Schedule:

• Saturday, Jan. 17 – Saturday, Jan. 24 (10 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
• Sunday, Jan. 25 (10 a.m. to 7 p.m.)

Tickets:

• Adults – $25
• Senior 65 and older – $15
• Child 3-12 years – $10
• Child 2 and under – Free
• Family Pass (Two adults and three children) – $60
• Advance group sales of 30 or more Public Show tickets – $18 each and must be purchased before 9 a.m. on Jan. 17.