Tickets for the 2025 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) are officially on sale, marking a significant pivot for one of Detroit’s most iconic institutions. After several years of experimenting with a fall schedule, the event is returning to its traditional winter roots at Huntington Place. For residents and automotive enthusiasts, securing Detroit Auto Show tickets this year means preparing for a show that organizers promise will revitalize the city’s hospitality sector during the colder months.
The show, running from January 10 through January 20, 2025, is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of visitors to downtown Detroit. The decision to move the event back to January comes after feedback from stakeholders, automakers, and the public, suggesting that the industry prefers the global spotlight available at the start of the calendar year.
Ticket Pricing and Access Tiers
According to the Detroit Auto Dealers Association (DADA), pricing structures for the 2025 show have been designed to remain accessible while accommodating inflation and increased operational costs. General admission tickets for adults remain the primary tier, but several discount options are available for specific demographics.
Current pricing for Detroit Auto Show tickets is structured as follows:
- Adults: $20 per person
- Seniors (65+): $12 per person
- Children (3-12): $10 per person
- Children 2 and under: Free with a ticketed adult
For families, the organizers have introduced a Family Pass option, which includes two adult tickets and two child tickets at a reduced bundled rate. This move addresses concerns raised in previous years regarding affordability for local families wishing to attend the event on weekends.
Rod Alberts, executive director of the Detroit Auto Dealers Association, noted in a press release that the goal is to ensure the show remains a community staple. "We want to ensure that Detroiters from all walks of life can experience the innovation happening right here in the Motor City," Alberts stated. Readers can find full purchase details on the North American International Auto Show official website.
The Strategic Return to January
The shift back to January is more than just a scheduling change; it is a strategic economic move. For years, the January auto show served as a post-holiday economic engine for downtown Detroit. Restaurants, hotels, and casinos relied on the influx of international media and industry executives to fill the mid-winter lull.
Data from the Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau indicates that the January iterations of the show historically generated significantly higher economic impact figures compared to the September shows held in 2022 and 2023. The indoor-focused nature of a winter show concentrates foot traffic within the convention center and immediate downtown area, benefiting the connected infrastructure.
Local business owners have expressed relief at the schedule change. "January is typically our slowest month," said a manager at a prominent restaurant near Campus Martius, speaking on condition of anonymity. "The auto show crowds in September were competing with warm weather and other outdoor events. In January, the show is the main event, and that drives people inside our doors."
Impact on Detroit Residents and Infrastructure
For locals, the return of the auto show brings both excitement and logistical considerations. With the anticipated increase in attendance, parking availability will be a primary concern. The city has advised residents to utilize the Detroit People Mover and the QLINE to mitigate traffic congestion around Huntington Place.
The influx of visitors often leads to road closures and detours, particularly during the Charity Preview and the opening weekend. Residents looking for advice on navigating the downtown area during major events should consult our detailed downtown Detroit parking guide for updated garage locations and rates.
Furthermore, the show creates temporary employment opportunities for hundreds of Detroit residents. From security and logistics to hospitality services within the convention center, the event acts as a temporary job creator. The DADA has partnered with local workforce development agencies to ensure that these positions are filled by local talent.
The Charity Preview: Detroit’s Premier Gala
Before the public show opens, the annual Charity Preview remains a highlight of the social calendar. Scheduled for January 10, 2025, this black-tie event is one of the largest single-night fundraisers in the world. Since 1976, the Charity Preview has raised more than $123 million for children’s charities in southeastern Michigan.
Tickets for the Charity Preview are significantly higher, typically priced around $400, providing exclusive access to the show floor before the general public. A portion of the ticket price is tax-deductible. Beneficiaries include the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan, The Children’s Center, and the Detroit Auto Dealers Association Charitable Foundation Fund.
For those attending the gala or the public show, dining reservations are highly recommended. Visitors should check out our list of the best restaurants near Huntington Place to plan their evening.
What to Expect on the Show Floor
The 2025 show will feature a heavy emphasis on electric vehicles (EVs) and autonomous technology, reflecting the industry’s rapid pivot toward electrification. Major automakers, including Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis, are expected to reveal new models and concept vehicles.
Unlike the outdoor demonstrations attempted during the September shows, the January format will focus on immersive indoor displays and the "AutoMobili-D" showcase, which highlights technology startups and mobility innovators. This section is particularly relevant for Detroit’s growing tech sector, offering networking opportunities for professionals in engineering and software development.
While the outdoor test tracks may be limited due to weather, several manufacturers are planning indoor ride-along activations, allowing ticket holders to experience the acceleration and handling of EVs within the safety of the convention center.
Future Outlook
As Detroit continues its resurgence, the success of the 2025 NAIAS will serve as a barometer for the health of the local events industry. If attendance numbers rebound to pre-pandemic levels, it is likely the show will remain a permanent fixture in January for the foreseeable future.
With Detroit Auto Show tickets now available, city officials are optimistic. "Detroit is the home of the automobile," said a representative from the Mayor’s office. "Bringing the show back to January feels like bringing it home."