January in Detroit means one thing: the return of the Detroit Auto Show. This year’s event takes place Jan. 14–25 at Huntington Place, kicking off with The Gallery event, which benefits a local charity, and ending with Racing Day, which brings world-class race cars and top motorsports stars together for an interactive experience.
The Gallery (Jan. 13)
Taking place before the show opens, The Gallery showcases luxury cars in an elegant setting. The ticketed evening event benefits Forgotten Harvest and features more than 50 cars from brands like Aston Martin, Rolls-Royce, and Ferrari.
Tickets are $250 each or $400 for a pair. detroitautoshow.com/the-gallery
Mobility Global Forum and Media and Industry Days (Jan. 14-15)
This year’s Mobility Global Forum—where more than 60 industry experts and leaders in mobility, design, technology, and talent gather for panels and fireside chats—welcomes former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg as the keynote speaker. Industry experts include Founder and CEO of Apptronik Jeff Cardenas, President and CEO of the Center for Automotive Research Elizabeth Krear, Founder and CEO of Walker-Miller Energy Services Carla Walker-Miller, and President and CEO of Valvoline Global Operations Jamal Muashsher.
The Forum is held during Media and Industry Days, allowing industry professionals a chance to access the Detroit Auto Show from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Industry tickets are $55 for one day or $80 for a two-day pass. detroitautoshow.com/industry-days-tickets
Charity Preview (Jan. 16)
Since its start in 1976, the Charity Preview has raised more than $125 million for children’s charities in southeast Michigan. This year’s event is headlined by award-winning artist Robin Thicke, with Jalen Rose as the master of ceremonies and a special performance from Detroit rapper Trick Trick.
Tickets are $400. detroitautoshow.com/charity-preview-tickets
Public Show (Jan. 17-25)
For nine days, the Detroit Auto Show will be available to everyone, giving visitors a chance to interact with leading brands like Toyota, Ford, GM, and Stellantis. Check out the latest in automotive and EV technology with experiential track activations and interactive displays. Modded Detroit will be there, showcasing local cars with both performance and cosmetic modifications. Detroit DJs like Andrea Ghita, Erno, and Craig Gonzalez will be performing throughout the event.
Early bird tickets are available for $20 before Dec. 1 and $25 after. detroitautoshow.com/public-show-tickets
Racing Day (Jan. 20)
Presented by the Detroit Grand Prix, the event offers ways for fans to interact with the biggest names in motorsports and the cars they drive. Visitors have the chance to ride alongside world-class drivers on an indoor course honoring the Detroit Grand Prix’s street circuit. Iconic IndyCar and IMSA vehicles will be on display, in addition to autograph opportunities and hands-on experiences.
For more information on the 2026 Detroit Auto Show, visit detroitautoshow.com.
Ford Racing Season Launch
For the first time in Ford’s 125 years of racing, the motorsports season launch will take place in Detroit. The invite-only event will take place at Michigan Central on Jan. 15, with a livestream available on the venue’s website.
The highlight of the launch will be Ford’s return to Formula 1 in a partnership with Red Bull first announced in 2023. Both racing teams will reveal their liveries along with their drivers. Ford will also offer an exclusive sneak peek at an all-new racing production road car.
This story originally appeared in the January 2026 issue of Hour Detroit magazine. To read more, pick up a copy of Hour Detroit at a local retail outlet. Click here to get our digital edition.
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