The Los Angeles Auto Show is one of the biggest car shows in North America and one of LA’s signature late-fall events. In 2026 it runs for ten days, from Friday, November 20 to Sunday, November 29, at the Los Angeles Convention Center in downtown, right over Thanksgiving weekend.
You can see hundreds of new cars, trucks and electric vehicles, sit behind the wheel, take free test drives on downtown streets and browse custom lowriders and exotics. This guide covers tickets, hours, test drives, parking and tips.
In this guide
For more fall events, see our Los Angeles events calendar and our guide to Thanksgiving in Los Angeles.
LA Auto Show 2026 at a glance
- Dates: November 20 to 29, 2026 (open on Thanksgiving)
- Where: Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 S. Figueroa St., downtown LA
- Tickets: adults (13+) from $20 to $25; seniors and kids 6 to 12 from $9 to $13; under 6 free
- Tickets: online only; the show is cashless
- Test drives: included with admission
- Nearest Metro: Pico station (A and E Lines)
Tickets and prices
Tickets are sold online only, and there are no box office sales at the venue. 2026 prices, including fees:
| Ticket | Adult (13+) | Senior (65+) | Child (6 to 12) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Any Day | $25 | $13 | $13 |
| Opening Day (Fri, Nov 20) | $20 | $9 | $9 |
| Weekdays (Mon to Thu, Nov 23 to 26) | $22 | $11 | $11 |
| Weekend Priority Entry (Sat and Sun) | $45 | $23 | $23 |
Children under 6 get in free. A Family Four Pack for $66 is valid on Wednesday, November 25 and Thursday, November 26. VIP guided tours are sold separately and include a show ticket.
Ticket tips
- Opening day and weekdays are the cheapest and least crowded.
- Weekend Priority Entry gets you in an hour before the general crowd.
- All sales are final, so pick your date carefully.
- You can leave and come back the same day with a hand stamp.
What to see at the show
The LA Auto Show fills the Convention Center’s South and West Halls. Expect:
- New models from major brands, with many vehicles unlocked so you can sit inside.
- Electric vehicles and new technology, a big focus for California buyers.
- The Underground: a car culture hall with lowriders, custom builds, tuners and exotics, celebrating Southern California’s car scene.
- Hall showcases of muscle cars, rare classics and restorations.
- Debuts and announcements, often revealed during media days just before the public opening.
The show is preceded by AutoMobility LA, the media and industry day on November 19, which is not open to the public.
Test drives and ride-alongs
Test drives are one of the best parts of the show, and they are included with your ticket:
- Street test drives on public roads around downtown LA, with a valid driver’s license.
- Indoor and outdoor tracks, including an electric vehicle test track.
- Off-road courses such as Camp Jeep and a Ford Bronco course, where a professional driver takes you over steep obstacles.
Lines for the popular courses build quickly, so head there first after you arrive.
Hours
The show is open daily from November 20 to 29, including Thanksgiving Day, with longer hours on weekends. Check the official LA Auto Show website for daily opening and closing times, since they can change.
Getting there and parking
The Convention Center is next to Crypto.com Arena and L.A. Live in downtown.
- Metro: take the A or E Line to Pico station, across the street from the Convention Center. See our LA Metro guide.
- Parking: Convention Center garages are next to the halls and usually cost $25 to $35, first come, first served. Reserving through a parking app is often cheaper. Garages fill up on weekends and when there are games or concerts at the arena.
Rules and what to bring
- Bag size limit: bags must be smaller than 12 by 15 inches. Rolling suitcases, wagons and oversized strollers are not allowed.
- Water: up to two factory-sealed bottles per person.
- Not allowed: alcohol, glass, weapons and pets (service animals excepted).
- Bring a driver’s license if you want to do street test drives.
Tips for visiting
- Go on a weekday for shorter lines at test drives.
- Plan three to four hours to see the halls and do a test drive or two.
- Wear comfortable shoes; the halls are huge.
- Eat at L.A. Live or bring snacks; venue food is pricey.
Frequently asked questions
When is the LA Auto Show 2026?
From Friday, November 20 to Sunday, November 29, 2026, at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
How much are LA Auto Show tickets?
Adult tickets cost $20 to $25 for most days, with weekend priority entry at $45. Seniors and kids 6 to 12 pay less, and kids under 6 are free.
Is the LA Auto Show open on Thanksgiving?
Yes. The show is open on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 2026.
Can you test drive cars at the LA Auto Show?
Yes. Street test drives and track rides are included with admission. Bring a valid driver’s license.
Can you buy tickets at the door?
No. The show is cashless and tickets are sold online only.
Photo credits
Featured image: Tracey Adams from Atascadero, USA / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0.
