Arizona’s Big Car Event Season 2026–2027: The Ultimate Guide

Arizona’s big car event season runs from late November 2026 through April 2027, and it peaks during Arizona Car Week, January 22 to 31, 2027. That window holds Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale, the Arizona Concours d’Elegance and RM Sotheby’s Arizona Auction, with Goodguys, FuelFest and race weekends around it.

Many visitors plan their whole trip around these dates, and some book an exotic and luxury car rental in Scottsdale and Phoenix so the drive to each show feels like part of the event.

This guide lists the car events Arizona has confirmed for 2026-27 in date order, with venues, ticket prices and notes on anything still unannounced, checked in mid-October 2026.

November and December 2026

1. Goodguys Southwest Nationals: November 20 to 22

The season’s first big car show in Arizona fills WestWorld of Scottsdale with hot rods, customs, trucks and muscle cars. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.

Adult tickets (13 and up) are $27 online or $30 at the gate on Friday and Saturday, and $20 online or $22 at the gate on Sunday. Kids 7 to 12 are $10 online, kids 6 and under are free, and WestWorld charges $10 for parking.

For American performance fans, a Chevrolet Corvette Z06 is a fitting car to arrive in. Goodguys does not allow ticket resale and says tickets from unauthorized sellers may be void, so buy only through its official links.

Beyond the ticket details, the appeal is walking through rows of custom builds and seeing how owners interpret American automotive history. Look closely at engine bays, paintwork, interior restoration and the differences between original and modified cars. Visitors can enjoy comparing generations of muscle cars, photographing distinctive hot rods and talking with exhibitors when they are available. Plan a route around the display areas instead of rushing through everything at once, and check the Goodguys Southwest Nationals program for any scheduled demonstrations, awards or activities. Comfortable shoes, water and an early arrival will help you enjoy the large show grounds.

2. Arizona International Auto Show: Thanksgiving Weekend

The Phoenix Convention Center show puts new models from many brands under one roof. Past shows have also added exotic and modified displays. Ticket listings show November 26 to 29, 2026, so confirm hours and prices with the organizer.

This event is especially useful if you like comparing new cars without visiting several dealerships. Walk between vehicle displays to inspect cabin layouts, seating space, exterior design and the newest available technology. Where exhibitors permit it, spend time sitting in different models and comparing how they feel. Families can choose a few vehicle categories to focus on, while enthusiasts may prefer performance models, electric vehicles or specialty displays if included in that year’s lineup. Check the Arizona International Auto Show website for confirmed exhibitors and visitor activities before traveling. Taking photos or notes of favorite models can help you remember the differences afterward.

3. FuelFest Phoenix: December 5

Firebird Motorsports Park in Chandler hosts FuelFest from 1 to 8 p.m. It combines a car show with drift demos from 50-plus drivers, quarter-mile drag runs, a JDM section and a concert. Tickets are sold through Eventbrite, and kids 12 and under get in free with a ticket holder.

FuelFest appeals to visitors who want more than a static display. You can move between modified show cars, Japanese performance vehicles, drifting demonstrations and live entertainment throughout the day. Watching drivers control cars through turns is very different from looking at them parked, so check the FuelFest schedule and choose the driving sessions you most want to see. Between demonstrations, look at wheel setups, custom bodywork and interior modifications on display vehicles, and speak with owners if they welcome questions. Allow time for queues and breaks, stay within spectator areas, and consider hearing protection for younger visitors because track activities can be loud.

Arizona Car Week: January 22 to 31, 2027

Arizona Car Week is the heart of the season, when auctions, concours and many smaller meets share the same ten days. Planning a full trip around them? These winter exotic car adventures in Arizona are easy to fit between events.

4. Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale: January 23 to 31

For 2027, Barrett-Jackson grows to nine days of live bidding at WestWorld, across two weekends, with more than 2,000 collector vehicles and a large automobilia sale expected. The Rock the Block concert opens the week on January 21, followed by an invitation-only gala on January 22.

The mix leans American, from muscle cars to restomods, and general admission lets you watch cars cross the block and browse the vendor areas.

Ticket prices weren’t posted at the time of writing, so buy through barrett-jackson.com once they go live. Groups heading to an auction night often prefer the space of a Rolls-Royce Cullinan over a two-seater.

There is plenty to enjoy here even if you never intend to place a bid. Start by looking through the vehicle catalog and choosing a few cars whose stories interest you, then try to see them in person before watching them cross the auction stage. The excitement comes from seeing the presentation, hearing the auctioneer and following how buyers respond to rare or unusual vehicles. Beyond the bidding, visitors can browse automotive memorabilia and displays where their ticket permits access. Use the Barrett-Jackson website to check the daily program and admission rules. Because the grounds and schedule are extensive, leave time between highlights rather than planning every minute.

5. Arizona Concours d’Elegance: January 24

The 9th edition places about 100 rare cars across 16 judged classes on the Scottsdale Civic Center lawns, presented with Scottsdale Arts and benefiting Make-A-Wish Arizona. Ferrari is the honored marque, celebrating its 80th anniversary, which makes this the top pick among exotic car shows Arizona hosts this season.

General admission is $97.50 through November 30, 2026, then $112.50, with gates opening at 9 a.m. Concours PLUS, with 7:30 a.m. entry, runs $122.50 early and $137.50 later. A Saturday seminar series on January 23 costs $31. Arriving in a Ferrari 488 Spider suits the theme perfectly.

Still choosing a supercar? This Ferrari vs Lamborghini vs McLaren comparison breaks down how each one drives.

A concours rewards a slower, more attentive visit than a typical car meet. Spend time noticing restoration details, coachwork, interiors and the historical differences between vehicles competing in different classes. Reading display descriptions can reveal why an apparently modest-looking classic is especially significant. Visitors who enjoy photography may prefer arriving early for less crowded views, while those interested in automotive history should check whether talks or presentations are available. The Arizona Concours d’Elegance organizer publishes visitor guidance and program information. Walk the lawns at a relaxed pace, respect the judging areas and avoid touching the vehicles, even when they are displayed close to the paths.

6. RM Sotheby’s Arizona Auction: January 29

This one-day Phoenix sale is known for blue-chip European sports cars and significant classics. Previewing the lots is a great way to see top-tier cars up close, even if you’re not bidding. Check preview times on rmsothebys.com closer to the sale.

The experience is partly about the vehicles and partly about the stories behind them. Before visiting, browse the available catalog to learn about interesting models, production histories and unusual specifications. If public preview access is offered, compare the cars in person and study their design details before watching selected lots reach the auction stage. It can be compelling to follow a particular vehicle from its description to the final bidding, even as a spectator. The RM Sotheby’s website is the best place to confirm catalog releases, viewing opportunities and admission conditions. Do not assume that viewing the catalog gives automatic access to bidder-only or private event areas.

Car Week Supercar Meets

Free dealership supercar mornings, cars and coffee gatherings and club drives fill the rest of the week. The 2027 lineup isn’t posted yet, so check each host the week before. A top-down Lamborghini Huracán Spyder fits right in at a sunrise supercar meet.

These gatherings tend to feel more informal than the major auctions, giving visitors time to appreciate supercars in a relaxed setting. Depending on the host, you might see different generations of Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche or McLaren models parked together. Enjoy the design details, take respectful photographs and talk with owners when they seem open to conversation. Arriving early can make it easier to find parking and view cars before the gathering gets busy. Since individual meetings can change locations or schedules, consult Arizona Car Week listings and the actual host’s announcements shortly before attending. Never assume a specific car or marque will appear.

February to April 2027

7. Concours in the Hills: February 20

Fountain Park in Fountain Hills hosts a free charity show from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with sports cars, race cars, off-road trucks, military vehicles and motorcycles. Clubs from Ferrari, Porsche and Corvette take part, and proceeds go to Phoenix Children’s.

Pair the show with these scenic routes near Fountain Hills for a full day out.

This outdoor show is well suited to a leisurely visit because its displays cover several very different automotive interests. Walk among sports cars, vintage vehicles, performance machines and specialty exhibits, comparing the engineering and styling of each group. Clubs and owners may be available to discuss restoration choices, performance modifications or the history of their cars. The park setting also gives families a chance to combine the displays with a day outdoors. Check the Concours in the Hills organizer’s information for the event layout and visitor guidance. Bring water and sun protection, respect vehicle boundaries and allow extra time if you want to photograph your favorites.

8. Goodguys Spring Nationals: March 12 and 13

WestWorld welcomes an estimated 2,500-plus cars from 1999 and earlier, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Adult tickets are $27 online or $30 at the gate, a two-day pass is $40 online or $45 at the gate, and juniors 7 to 12 are $10 online.

The Spring Nationals offer a chance to compare thousands of older vehicles, ranging from faithfully restored classics to modernized custom builds. Rather than treating it as a quick walk-through, spend time examining how owners have approached paint, wheels, engines and interior design. Visitors interested in craftsmanship can often learn more by looking closely at the details than by trying to see every car. Check the Goodguys event program for announced demonstrations, displays or awards, and decide which you want to prioritize. An early start, comfortable shoes and short breaks make a big show more enjoyable, especially if you are visiting with children or a group.

9. Phoenix Raceway: March 12 to 14

Phoenix Raceway in Avondale runs ARCA on Friday, a NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and IndyCar doubleheader on Saturday, and the NASCAR Cup Series on Sunday. Race fans who want something track-bred for the drive out can book a Porsche 911 GT3.

It overlaps with Goodguys on the opposite side of the Valley, so plan one event per day.

Race weekend feels entirely different from a parked-car exhibition. Spectators can follow multiple competition formats, watch pit strategies unfold and experience the sound and speed of cars on track. If you are attending more than one race, review the sessions in advance so you understand how the weekend fits together. Choose seating based on the viewing experience you prefer, and check what bags, food or other items the venue permits. The Phoenix Raceway website provides official ticketing and race-weekend information. Arrive with time for traffic, security lines and finding your seat, and use hearing protection where needed, particularly for younger race fans.

10. Mecum Glendale: March 2027

Mecum’s spring auction at State Farm Stadium leans toward American muscle and classics. Resale listings point to March 2027, so confirm the dates on mecum.com.

For visitors who love American collector cars, the fun is seeing familiar muscle-car names alongside less common models and restorations. Browse the available vehicle information before your visit and pick several lots you would like to follow. If permitted by your ticket, spend time in the preview areas examining trim, paintwork and the differences between stock and modified examples. Watching the bidding can add drama to the experience, even when you are only there to observe. Use the Mecum Auctions website for confirmed Glendale dates, catalogs and admission terms rather than relying on resale listings. Preview access and bidding privileges may be separate, so check before booking travel.

11. Copperstate 1000: April

This four-day rally for cars generally 1973 and older is run by the Men’s Arts Council to support the Phoenix Art Museum. In 2026 it left from Tempe Diablo Stadium on April 12, with a kickoff car show that drew more than 200 cars. The 2027 dates hadn’t been announced.

For your own road trip after the rally season, try these scenic drives across Arizona for supercar adventures.

The Copperstate 1000 is primarily a driving rally, so the most accessible spectator experience may be the public kickoff display when one is scheduled. That is where enthusiasts can appreciate the older sports and touring cars before they begin their route. Take time to examine the different eras of design and ask participants about their vehicles when they are available and not preparing to depart. Watching the cars assemble can be a memorable alternative to a conventional static show, but the rally itself should not be treated as an open public drive. Follow updates from the Men’s Arts Council for confirmed public viewing details, locations and timing.

Weekly Car Shows Scottsdale & Phoenix

Searches for Arizona car shows today usually lead to recurring meets rather than headline events. The best-known is the free Saturday evening show at The Pavilions at Talking Stick, a local tradition for more than two decades, which 2026 listings show running from 4 to 8 p.m.

Smaller car shows in Phoenix and the East Valley change often, so check the host’s page that morning. Between shows, these top things to do in Scottsdale are close by.

Mistakes to Avoid at Upcoming Car Shows in Arizona

• Old calendars: Some listing sites still show last year’s dates, so confirm on the organizer’s own site.
• Resale tickets: Goodguys warns resold tickets may be void, so buy direct.
• Missed early pricing: Concours tickets rise $15 on December 1.
• Too many venues: WestWorld, Phoenix Raceway and Firebird sit far apart, so plan one major event per day.

Renting for event week? Read these things to keep in mind before renting a luxury car and book early, since Car Week demand runs high.

For families or groups, a Mercedes-AMG G63 carries everyone in comfort. Keep in mind a rental doesn’t include event tickets, parking or show entry.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Arizona Car Week 2027?

It runs January 22 to 31, 2027. Barrett-Jackson runs January 23 to 31, the Arizona Concours is January 24, and RM Sotheby’s sells on January 29.

Are there free car shows in Arizona?

Yes. Concours in the Hills on February 20, 2027, is free for spectators, and so is the Saturday show at The Pavilions at Talking Stick.

Can you attend Barrett-Jackson without bidding?

Yes. Most visitors buy general admission to watch. Bidding requires separate registration.

What is the best event for exotic car fans?

The Arizona Concours on January 24, 2027, with Ferrari as its honored marque for the brand’s 80th anniversary.

Where are most Scottsdale car shows held?

Barrett-Jackson and both Goodguys shows take place at WestWorld of Scottsdale on North Pima Road. The Arizona Concours d’Elegance is held on the Scottsdale Civic Center lawns in Old Town.

Are Arizona car shows good for kids?

Many are. Kids 6 and under get into Goodguys shows free, kids 12 and under get into FuelFest free with a ticket holder, and Concours in the Hills is free for everyone.