After a brief experimental period holding the event in September, the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS)—commonly known as the Detroit Auto Show—is officially returning to its traditional winter schedule. The 2025 Detroit Auto Show will take place in January at Huntington Place, marking a significant shift back to the format that defined the event for decades. Organizers from the Detroit Auto Dealers Association (DADA) confirmed the move, citing the need to align better with the global automotive product cycle.
For Detroit residents and visitors planning to attend, the return to January means a shift from outdoor activations to a more concentrated indoor experience. This guide covers the essential logistical details announced so far, including the show schedule, ticket information, parking availability, and operating hours.
2025 Detroit Auto Show Dates and Hours
According to the official schedule released by the DADA, the 2025 show will kick off with media and industry days before opening to the general public. The shift back to January restores the event’s position as a calendar-opening global showcase.
Key Dates
- Media Day: Friday, Jan. 10, 2025
- Charity Preview: Friday, Jan. 10, 2025 (Evening)
- Industry Days: Wednesday, Jan. 15 – Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025
- Public Show: Saturday, Jan. 11 – Monday, Jan. 20, 2025 (Martin Luther King Jr. Day)
The public show will run for 10 days, including two weekends and the MLK holiday. Hours for the public show generally run from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on most days, though the final day usually sees an earlier closure at 7 p.m. to facilitate the move-out process. Residents should verify specific daily opening times on the official NAIAS website closer to the event.
Ticket Prices and Purchasing Options
Tickets for the Detroit Auto Show 2025 are available for purchase online and typically at the door, though advance digital purchase is encouraged to avoid queues at Huntington Place. Pricing structures remain consistent with previous years to ensure accessibility for local families.
General Admission: Adult tickets are expected to range between $20 and $25 based on previous pricing models.
Seniors (65+): Discounted rates are available, typically around $12–$15.
Children: Children usually receive discounted entry, with kids under a certain age (often 2 or 3) admitted free when accompanied by a parent.
The Charity Preview remains one of the highest-profile fundraising events in the nation. Tickets for this black-tie gala historically cost significantly more—often starting around $400 per person ($390 of which is tax-deductible)—with proceeds benefiting major children’s charities in southeastern Michigan.
Parking and Transportation Logistics
Parking in downtown Detroit during major events at Huntington Place requires planning. With the show returning to January, the weather will be a factor, making proximity and covered parking highly desirable.
Huntington Place Roof & Garage
The most convenient parking is located directly at Huntington Place (formerly Cobo Center). However, these spaces fill up rapidly, often by early morning. Visitors aiming for the rooftop parking should plan to arrive well before the doors open.
Surrounding Garages
Several parking structures are located within walking distance or a short transit ride from the venue:
- Ford Underground Garage: Located at 30 E. Jefferson Ave.
- Millennium Garage: Located at 432 W. Congress St.
- Grand Circus Park Garage: Located at 1601 Woodward Ave.
Parking rates during the auto show generally range from $15 to $30 depending on the proximity to the venue. Officials recommend using parking apps to reserve spots in advance where possible.
Public Transit Options
To avoid traffic congestion on Jefferson Avenue, attendees can utilize the Detroit People Mover, which has a station directly inside Huntington Place. The People Mover connects to various parking structures across the downtown loop.
Additionally, the QLINE streetcar runs along Woodward Avenue, allowing visitors to park in Midtown or New Center and take the streetcar south to Congress Street, followed by a short walk to the venue. For those unfamiliar with the system, check our Detroit People Mover Guide for route maps and fare details.
Impact on Detroit Residents and Businesses
The return of the Detroit Auto Show 2025 to January is expected to provide a substantial economic boost to the local hospitality industry during what is typically a slow season. While the September shows attempted to utilize outdoor spaces like Hart Plaza, the winter timing forces foot traffic into downtown restaurants, hotels, and bars.
Local business owners have expressed optimism regarding the schedule change. “January is traditionally a difficult month for hospitality in Detroit,” said a manager at a prominent Woodward Avenue restaurant. “Having the auto show crowds back in the winter fills hotels and dining rooms that might otherwise be quiet.”
However, the influx of visitors brings traffic challenges. The City of Detroit usually announces road closures along Jefferson Avenue and Washington Boulevard leading up to the event. Residents commuting downtown should anticipate delays, particularly during the Charity Preview evening and on the weekends of the public show.
What to Expect Inside the Show
While the outdoor ride-and-drives may be scaled back due to the winter weather, the 2025 show promises a robust indoor experience. The focus is shifting back to vehicle reveals, concept cars, and electric vehicle (EV) technology. The “AutoMobili-D” technology showcase is expected to return, highlighting Detroit’s role in mobility innovation.
Attendees can also expect various interactive tracks inside the convention center, allowing visitors to experience EV acceleration and handling in a climate-controlled environment.
For visitors looking to extend their stay downtown, there are plenty of dining options near Huntington Place that cater to the post-show crowd. With the auto show re-anchoring the winter calendar, Detroit is poised to reclaim the global automotive spotlight this January.
