Philadelphia Auto Show 2027: Tickets, Displays & Family Activities

Car fans in Pennsylvania have a date to mark. The Philadelphia Auto Show returns on January 16 to January 24, 2027. The event fills the Pennsylvania Convention Center for nine days. It brings hundreds of new vehicles under one roof in the middle of winter.

This guide helps you plan every part of your visit. You will find ticket tips, car display highlights, family activities and practical travel advice. Additionally, the article lists common questions at the end, so you can find quick answers.

Please note one point first. The organizers have not yet released full 2027 details, such as final prices and daily hours. Therefore, this guide uses the 2026 show as a reference and says so each time. Check the official website before you buy.

Table of Contents

Philadelphia Auto Show 2027 at a Glance

The table below gives the key facts in one place.

Detail	Information
Dates	January 16 to January 24, 2027
Length	Nine days
Venue	Pennsylvania Convention Center
Address	12th and Arch Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Organizer	Auto Dealers Association of Greater Philadelphia
Hours	Not yet announced. The 2026 show opened at 10 a.m. on weekends and at noon on weekdays.
Tickets	Not yet announced. The 2026 adult price was $20.

Dates and Location

Why January Works So Well

Winter in Philadelphia is cold and gray. However, the convention center stays warm and bright. The show gives local families an easy indoor outing during a slow part of the year. Moreover, shoppers get a rare chance to compare many brands in a single afternoon.

Nine days also give you plenty of choice. Weekend crowds can be large. Weekdays, in contrast, tend to feel calmer, so you can sit in cars and talk with staff without a long wait.

Where to Find the Venue

The Pennsylvania Convention Center sits in the heart of Center City. Its main entrance faces Arch Street near 12th Street. The Reading Terminal Market stands right across the street. Consequently, you can enjoy a meal or snack before or after your visit.

Tickets and Prices

What to Expect for Ticket Costs

The organizers have not posted the 2027 prices yet. For planning, look at what the 2026 show charged. Those prices often stay close from one year to the next, although they can change.

Ticket Type	2026 Price (Reference Only)
Adult	$20
Seniors with valid ID	$15
Military with valid ID	$15
Children ages 7 to 12	$12
Children age 6 and under	Free with a ticketed adult

Where and When to Buy

Buy your tickets online ahead of time whenever you can. The 2026 box office accepted cash only, so card users should plan ahead. Online tickets also save time at the door. In addition, you avoid carrying cash around the city.

Use only the official show website or its listed partners. Resale sites may charge much more than face value. Therefore, compare prices before you click the buy button.

Special Nights and Discounts

The show often adds themed days and community nights. The 2026 schedule included these examples:

Technician Appreciation Night, with evening hours for auto repair workers.
First Responders Night, with free all-day admission for first responders who show valid identification.
Senior and military pricing at the box office with valid ID.

The 2027 calendar may look different. Check the official site in December for new offers.

The Black Tie Tailgate Preview

The show opens with a ticketed charity preview called the Black Tie Tailgate. The 2026 event took place the night before opening day and supported Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Guests dress up, see the cars first and enjoy a more relaxed pace. If you want a special night out, watch for the 2027 date and ticket details.

Car Displays and Exhibits

New Models From Major Brands

Auto makers use the show to present their latest cars, trucks and SUVs. You can walk from one brand to the next without leaving the building. Furthermore, you can open doors, sit in the driver seat and check cargo space. Photos and spec sheets rarely give you that feel.

Expect displays from many popular brands. Look for family SUVs, compact cars, pickup trucks and hybrids. Staff members stand nearby to answer questions about features, safety systems and pricing.

Electric and Hybrid Vehicles

Electric vehicles draw some of the biggest crowds. The 2026 show offered an indoor electric track, so visitors could try electric models without going outside. A separate luxury track let guests test high-end electric cars.

If you are curious about going electric, this is a low-pressure way to start. You can compare range, charging options and cabin space. Additionally, you can ask staff about tax credits and home charging.

Ride and Drive Experiences

Test drives sit at the heart of the show. The 2026 Ride and Drive program came with regular admission. It included an indoor electric track and an outdoor course with several brands. Because lines can grow long, arrive early on busy days.

Custom Alley and Special Builds

Not every car on the floor comes from a factory showroom. Custom Alley features modified cars, trucks and unique builds from local shops and car clubs. You may see bright paint, large wheels and detailed engine work. For many fans, this area becomes the favorite stop.

Luxury and Concept Cars

Luxury sedans, sports cars and concept vehicles add extra excitement. These cars often sit on raised stages with bright lights. Although most are look-only, they make great photo spots. Concept cars also show where the industry may head in the coming years.

Family Activities

Fun for Kids and Teens

The show welcomes children of all ages. Younger kids enjoy climbing into cars and pressing buttons. Teens often love the electric models and custom builds. Meanwhile, parents can talk with sales staff in a friendly setting.

Camp Jeep stood out at the 2026 show. This indoor obstacle course sent vehicles up steep hills and over rough ground. Riders felt every bump. Kids and adults alike called it a highlight. Watch for a similar attraction in 2027, though the organizers have not confirmed it.

Family Pricing

Children ages 7 to 12 paid a lower price in 2026, and kids age 6 and under entered free. As a result, a family of four can often visit for less than the cost of a movie night with snacks. Confirm the 2027 rules before you go.

Tips for Visiting With Children

Arrive at opening time to avoid the biggest crowds.
Bring a small stroller for toddlers, since the halls are large and the walking adds up.
Set a meeting spot in case someone gets separated.
Plan snack breaks, and use the nearby market for a bigger meal.
Let each child pick one must-see display.
Wear comfortable shoes, because you will walk for hours.

Visitor Information

Getting There by Public Transit

Public transit is the easiest option. The convention center sits close to several SEPTA stops. Jefferson Station serves Regional Rail riders and lies a short walk away. The Market-Frankford Line also stops nearby on Market Street. Therefore, many visitors skip the stress of city driving.

Driving and Parking

Drivers will find several garages and lots in Center City. Prices change by location and by time of day. Additionally, large events can fill nearby garages quickly. Reserve a space online if a garage offers that option, and arrive early on weekends.

Food and Rest Areas

The convention center has food stands inside. However, lines can grow long at lunchtime. The Reading Terminal Market offers a wide range of choices, from sandwiches to desserts. Many visitors enjoy making a meal there part of their day.

Best Times to Visit

Day	What to Expect
Weekday afternoons	Smaller crowds and shorter test drive lines
Weekday evenings	Good for working adults and special nights
Saturdays	Largest crowds and the most energy
Sundays	Busy, but often calmer late in the day
Final day, January 24	Good for deals, though some displays may thin out

Accessibility

Large convention centers usually offer elevators, wide aisles and accessible restrooms. Guests who use wheelchairs or mobility scooters should contact the venue or the organizers before the visit. In addition, ask about the best entrance and drop-off point.

Smart Planning Tips

A little planning makes the day smoother. Follow these steps to get the most from your trip.

Buy tickets online and save the confirmation on your phone.
Make a short list of the cars you most want to see.
Charge your phone, because you will take many photos.
Dress in layers, since the hall can feel warm while the street stays cold.
Visit early, then try the test drives before lunch.
Compare prices and features with a notebook or notes app.
Follow the official social media pages for last-minute news.

Furthermore, plan at least three to four hours for a full visit. Car lovers may want even more time. If you want to shop for a vehicle, bring your current insurance details and a list of questions.

Conclusion

The Philadelphia Auto Show 2027 runs from January 16 to January 24 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. It offers new models, electric test drives, custom builds and family fun, all in one warm location. Tickets for 2026 started at $20 for adults, and kids six and under entered free. Final 2027 prices and hours will come later.

To prepare, buy tickets online, choose a quiet weekday if possible and take public transit. Additionally, bring comfortable shoes and a plan for the kids. Above all, check the official website for updates before you go. With a little preparation, you can enjoy a great day out in Center City.