The D.C. Auto Show, commonly called the “Public Policy Show”, is one of the more important events in the automobile industry in the United States.
The event not only allows the automotive industry to display all its latest innovations to the public, but it also brings together industry leaders, informed media contacts, and government policymakers to discuss the current state of the country’s automotive sector and future initiatives currently underway or being considered.
Now, aside from being an important event to the automotive industry, the event is one of the most fun and exciting annual events happening in January.
The Washington D.C. Auto Show isn’t just for car hobbyists, motorheads, or engine enthusiasts; there are numerous fun activities taking place, making it a perfect event to attend with friends or family!
So, with that in mind, let’s break down what you can expect to see in this year’s version of the D.C. Auto Show!
When is the Washington D.C. Auto Show taking place?
The auto show will be taking place between January 23rd and February 1st!
The show dates and times can be seen as follows:
- Friday, January 23rd – 12 pm – 9 pm
- Saturday, January 24th – 10 am – 9 pm
- Sunday, January 25th – 10 am – 6 pm
- Monday – Thursday (January 26th – 29th) – 12 pm – 8 pm
- Friday, January 30th – 12 pm – 9 pm
- Saturday, January 31st – 10 am – 9 pm
- Sunday, February 1st – 10 am – 6 pm
How much do tickets cost?
Three ticket packages can be purchased:
- General Admission Weekday: $15 per adult (13+), $7 per child (6-12), and free for children under 5.
- General Admission Weekend (Any day): $21.50 per adult (13+), $8 per child (6-12), and free for children under 5.
- VIP Tours: $51.50 per person
Where is the D.C. Auto Show?
The Washington D.C. Auto Show takes place at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, which can be found at 801 Allen Y. Lew Place NW.
What is there to see at the Washington D.C. Auto Show?
The Auto Show is split into several halls and pavilions, each with their own theme or topic, and here’s how they break down:
- On-The-Go Hall: A hall catering to the everyday driver with a focus on vehicles that cater towards that “on-the-go” lifestyle, whether that be carpooling and taking the kids to events on the weekends, or planning an off-road adventure.
- Performance Hall: Exactly what it sounds like, this hall is filled with cars built for power, speed, and driving pleasure.
- Get Outdoors: Filled with vehicles that meet the needs that are beyond your average everyday vehicle, whether that be campers for your next big outing, or motorcycles to cruise through the scenic Shenandoah Valley roads.
- Exotic Cars: Another self-explanatory hall, here you’d find the cream-of-the-crop vehicles of the automotive industry. These vehicles tend to be the quintessence of high-performance luxury.
- Classic Cars Club: An entire hall filled with four-wheeled history, the extensive display of classic cars features historic models from makers like Cadillac, Corvette, Mustang, and more.
- Commercial Truck Zone: While not the hall most apt for your average driver, this hall features all the latest and greatest in the world of commercial vehicles, including sections dedicated to both medium-duty and heavy-duty needs. Interestingly, this hall tends to be a favorite among families, with its massive trucks and friendly vendors being a hit among children.
What events are there at the Washington D.C. Auto Show?
In addition to the extensive roster of vehicles on display across the Auto Show’s several halls, there are also several activations taking place this year that are worth checking out, particularly if you are in the market for a new vehicle in 2026.
Here are the activations taking place this year:
- Toyota Ride & Drive
- Chevrolet Ride & Drive
- Tesla Outdoor Ride & Drive
- KIA Outdoor Ride & Drive
- Lucid Ride & Drive
- “Art-of-Motion” Exhibit – A display connecting art and the automotive industry, featuring real-time custom car painting, custom motorcycles, dynamic murals, and work from local artists.
- Subaru Loves Pets – Subaru has partnered with local animal shelters to help animals in need find their forever-home.
- Hands-On Steam Experience – An exhibit centered around the power of steam, “designed to inspire the next generation.”
- Strictly Ebikes – A space for visitors to see, experience, test-drive, and potentially even purchase some of the top Ebikes on the market.
- WowWheelz – One of the interactive exhibits explicitly for little ones, this family-friendly experience is filled with mini cars that the little ones can take out for a spin!
- Krazy Bounce – Another kid-focused activation, Krazy Bounce is an area dedicated to inflatable fun with several giant bounce houses, a couple of interactive games, and loads of fun.