The automotive industry remains as chaotic as ever. Tariff and trade policies that seemed to change daily plus the end of the federal EV tax credit caused a surge of purchases in the first six months of 2025. Since then, sales have cooled considerably, with affordability (or rather, the lack thereof) being at the top of consumers’ minds as average transaction prices for new vehicles hover around the $50,000 mark. With automaker marketing budgets likely remaining tight, we expect most auto shows to continue in a scaled-back state relative to the days before the COVID-19 pandemic. Still, they will go on, and here’s a list of the places and dates where major-market shows will happen in the US and Canada.
2026 Auto Show Schedule
“The Big 4”
Detroit Auto Show
January 14-25, 2026
Huntington Place
Detroit, Michigan
The Detroit Auto Show remains largely industry-focused versus more consumer-oriented exhibitions like Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles. Manufacturer-supported booths from the local automakers (Ford, General Motors, Stellantis) will be there, along with Kia, Rivian, Toyota, and Volkswagen. Local dealers, however, are stepping up to provide vehicles from other brands, including BMW, Honda, and Hyundai, among others. Luxury and exotic makers will be represented in something called “The Gallery,” which according to the show’s website is, “…curated by enthusiasts and supporters.”
Chicago Auto Show
February 7-16
McCormick Place
Chicago, Illinois
It may not have the sheer volume of brands and vehicles like it did in years past, but the Chicago Auto Show will still have plenty to see and do. Among the highlights will be expansive indoor and outdoor test tracks that give consumers the opportunity to have some real “seat time” without a dealership salesperson breathing down their necks.
New York Auto Show
April 3-12
Jacob K. Javits Convention Center
New York City, New York
While you’ll find plenty of mainstream brands, The New York Auto Show remains a haven for high-end vehicle shoppers. There are dedicated booths for Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche, plus ultra-luxury marques such as Bentley and Rolls-Royce.
Los Angeles Auto Show
Dates TBD
Los Angeles Convention Center
Los Angeles, California
There were some key reveals at the 2025 edition of the LA Auto Show, including the Jeep Recon and Hyundai CRATER Concept. Expect the same to be the case for the 2026 edition of this southern California staple. Hopefully next time we’ll see more premium brands make an appearance as most of the ones mentioned above in New York have been conspicuously absent in LA over the last several years.
Other Notable Shows
Twin Cities Auto Show
January 3-11
Minneapolis Convention Center
Minneapolis, Minnesota
The Twin Cities Auto Show has been a fixture in Land of 10,000 Lakes for more than 50 years, and with strong backing by local dealers, showgoers should find a comprehensive selection of vehicles to browse.
Montreal International Auto Show
January 16-25
Palais Des Congres
Montreal, Quebec
Montreal marks the 81st edition of its auto show with the return of Audi and BMW. The German automakers have been absent from this exhibition since 2019 and 2020, respectively. Also noteworthy are the appearances of niche British exotic brands Lotus and McLaren.
Buffalo Auto Show
January 29-February 1
Buffalo Conventio Center
Buffalo, New York
Dealers operating in the Buffalo/Niagara Falls region bring this auto show to life. Despite only operating for a single weekend, it’s a feature-packed event with some surprising brands making an appearance including Ferrari and Lotus.
Canadian International AutoShow
February 13-22
Metro Toronto Convention Centre
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Canada’s biggest auto show will have the industry’s biggest brands on display. Among exotic manufacturers, attendees can expect to see Aston Martin, Bugatti, Lamborghini, and Pagani.
Cleveland Auto Show
February 20-March 1
I-X Center
Cleveland, Ohio
Ohio remains an important state for manufacturing, research, and development for many car brands, most of whom will be represented at the Cleveland Auto Show.
Miami Auto Show
Dates TBD
Miami Beach Convention Center
Miami Beach, Florida
As a playground for the well-to-do, expect luxury brands that might not exhibit in other markets to make their presence known in Miami.
San Francisco Auto Show
Discontinued
Moscone Center
San Francisco, California
The San Fransisco Auto Show has been on hiatus since 2019. The official site is operational, but presents on information regarding a 2026 edition of the show.
The Texas Shows
Houston Auto Show
January 28-February 1
NRG Park
Houston, Texas
North Texas Auto Expo
Dates TBD
Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center
Dallas, Texas
Texas Auto Show
Dates TBD
Texas State Fairgrounds
Dallas, Texas
The Houston and North Texas auto shows serve as a prelude to the main event, which takes place during the massive State Fair of Texas. Expect the fall program to continue to have a dedicated truck pavilion where automakers will compete for consumers’ dollars.
Other Significant Car-related shows
CES
January 6-9
Las Vegas Convention Center
Las Vegas, Nevada
Whether you believe AI is just a fad or here to stay, count on there being a lot of discussion about it and related technologies for the car business at the annual Consumer Electronics Show.
SEMA
November 3-6
Las Vegas Convention Center
Las Vegas, Nevada
SEMA is the show where car companies and their accessory divisions go hog wild with performance and dress-up gear. The first three days are for industry personnel and media only while the last will be open to the public.
