An Insider's Guide to 5 Can’t-Miss Car Shows in 2024

According to the National Auto Dealers Association, about 11 million people attend auto shows every year in the United States. Whether you're a car enthusiast or a potential buyer looking to explore new vehicles without sales pressure, there's no better place to be.

 

Exhibitors tend to save their most exciting displays for the year's biggest shows, and you'll want these events on your radar. To that end, we're profiling five of the best car shows in the U.S. for 2024 (that haven’t happened yet).

 

Quick note: While the Detroit Auto Show would normally headline this list, there won't be one in 2024. After holding the show in September in 2022 and 2023, organizers decided to move back to their traditional January timeslot. The next NAIAS will be held in January 2025.

 

These five car shows will deliver plenty of excitement in its absence:

Chicago Auto Show

February 10-19

 

The Chicago Auto Show has long enjoyed a reputation as one of the best car shows in the U.S. It's also the largest and longest-running show of its kind in the country. This year's event will take place in February at McCormick Place, which is about a mile from Soldier Field.

 

What to Expect

You'll find a lot more than cars at the Chicago Auto Show. Among other attractions, this year's busy lineup includes NASCAR activities, EV education exhibits, celebrity meet-and-greets, test drives, and even pet adoption events.

 

What You'll See

Twenty-five major automakers will showcase their products at this year's Chicago Auto Show. The vehicle lineup includes everything from standard passenger vehicles to stunning concept cars. 

 

More than two dozen upcoming models from famous domestic, international, and luxury manufacturers will debut at the show. Companies including Acura, BMW, Buick, Chevrolet, Ford, Honda, Lexus, Nissan, Tesla, Toyota, and more will unveil cars set to go on sale in 2025.

 

Milwaukee International Auto Show
February 24–March 3

 

We’re looking forward to this year's Milwaukee International Auto Show at the Baird Center in downtown Milwaukee. OWI proudly participates in the show's Technicians of Tomorrow program, a hands-on event in which high-school auto technicians compete for valuable prizes and scholarships. 

 

What to Expect

Test drives and immersive experiences highlight the show's event lineup. You can also participate in a charity mini-golf event, with proceeds going to Feeding America of Western Wisconsin.

Important note: this is a cashless event. Visitors must complete all purchases, including tickets, with a credit or debit card.

 

What You'll See

You'll have the chance to explore hundreds of new automobiles in a complete range of vehicle classes, including amazing luxury and exotic cars. Milwaukee's Bennett Coachworks also hosts a featured showcase of customized hot-rods.

 

New York International Auto Show
March 29–April 7

 

The New York International Auto Show has been one of the U.S. auto industry's marquee events since 1900. More than a million people attend in a typical year, and the 2024 edition is shaping up to be extra exciting. It runs from March 29–April 7 at the Jacob Javitz Convention Center in midtown Manhattan.

 

What to Expect

One thing you're certain to encounter is a lot of people. Weekends are usually extra busy, so if you're looking to avoid crowds, try a midweek visit if you can swing it.

 

"Ride & Drive" has been a popular part of the New York International Auto Show since the event's earliest days. Here’s what you need to know about the experience:
 

• You need to be at least 18 years old to participate in a Ride & Drive
• Those under 18 require adult accompaniment
• Babies, infants, and children less than 40 inches tall are not permitted

 

What You'll See

Fifteen of the world's leading automakers will debut or display their newest vehicles at the 2024 New York International Auto Show. You'll see the latest exciting products from manufacturers like Acura, Buick, Chevrolet, Ford, Genesis, Honda, Infiniti, Lexus, Nissan, and more.

 

Another six companies (Chevy, Ford, Kia, Lexus, Nissan, and Volkswagen) will participate in the 2024 EV Test Track event. Here, you can see the latest cutting-edge electric vehicle technologies.

 

If you're heading to the show, chances are you're interested in seeing exotic cars, and you'll be in luck. This year's Exotics Display will feature jaw-dropping vehicles by Bentley, Lamborghini, Lotus, Porsche, Rewaco, Rimac, and Rolls-Royce.

 

Los Angeles Auto Show
November 22–December 1

 

Running for ten packed days at the Los Angeles Convention Center, the L.A. Auto Show is an influential fixture for the global auto industry. Since its 1907 founding, the event has evolved to become an experiential marketing showcase in one of the world's most passionate automotive culture hotspots.

 

What to Expect

This sprawling, massive event covers more than 1 million square feet of exhibition space. Popular highlights include an exciting lineup of test drives along with brand activations and the famous Aftermarket Garage, where you can see rare collector pieces and customized supercars.

Hollywood star Kevin Hart made a huge splash at the 2023 event with his "Kevin Hart Kollection" of megacars. The hugely popular exhibit made a major splash with both visitors and the media. While its return hasn't been confirmed for 2024, it's something to keep an eye on.

 

What You'll See

The event's organizers invite every major auto manufacturer in the world to exhibit their products at the L.A. Auto Show. Most of them happily oblige: the 2023 event featured more than 1,000 vehicles from dozens of domestic and international automakers.

 

Every type of vehicle you can imagine will be on display, from conventional gas-powered cars to plug-in hybrids and fully electric vehicles. It's an ideal place for consumers to research new cars and emerging automotive trends.

 

San Francisco International Auto Show
November 27–December 1

 

In 2024, the San Francisco International Auto Show will mark its 63rd anniversary. Organizers tout the popular event as the largest annual exhibition in Northern California, bar none. It's also the second-biggest auto show in the western United States.

 

This year's show will be held at the Moscone Center in San Francisco's South of Market neighborhood.

 

What to Expect

This popular event is a Thanksgiving tradition in San Francisco, and Thanksgiving Thursday is always one of the show's busiest days. Keep that in mind if you're attending—you have the best chance of avoiding the thickest crowds by visiting on a regular weekday.

You can buy tickets in person at the Moscone Center (cash only). Advance tickets are available online. Adults pay just $10 per person, and kids 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult.

 

What You'll See

As one of the biggest and best auto shows in the U.S., the San Francisco Auto Show attracts industry heavyweights from around the globe. You'll see hundreds of new vehicles and concept cars from all the major manufacturers. Select automakers also offer test drives if you want to try out a new car free of sales pressure.

 

Premium, luxury, and exotic manufacturers will also have a strong presence. Aston Martin, Bentley, Jaguar, Lamborghini, Maserati, Porsche, Rolls-Royce, and others are scheduled to display their ‘Gram-worthy rides.

 

Plan Ahead

The best car shows in the U.S. have a lot to offer visitors. Make the most of your experience by following these tips:

 

• If you're researching new cars, make a list of the makes and models you want to see, along with questions to ask. Representatives will be on-site to answer them.
• You'll be covering massive amounts of floor space on foot. Comfortable shoes are a must.
• Many first-time visitors are surprised at the sheer scale of major car shows. Plan your day around the show to make sure you have plenty of time for your visit. 

 

Enjoy!