LA Auto Show 2026
November 20–29 at the Los Angeles Convention Center: ten public days including Thanksgiving, with Pico Station access and sit-in shopping across South and West Halls.
- Nov 20–29, 2026
- Los Angeles Convention Center
Los Angeles, CA - paid
The short version
The 2026 LA Auto Show runs November 20–29 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Official know-before-you-go hours open most Fridays/Saturdays 9:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m., shorten midweek to 11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m., list Thanksgiving (November 26) as 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., and close the final Sunday at 6:00 p.m. Organizers recommend Metro to Pico Station (one block away), note Convention Center parking typically $25–$35, and confirm attendees can sit in unlocked display vehicles while test drives run indoors and outdoors.
Background
The Los Angeles show dates to 1907 and remains one of North America’s four major OICA-linked consumer expos. Late-fall timing puts it after SEMA week and inside the region’s densest car-buying market — more comparison shopping than Detroit-style January theater.
Verified details
- Public dates: November 20–29, 2026 (open Thanksgiving Day).
- Entrances: South Hall at Pico & Figueroa; West Hall off Gilbert Lindsay Plaza near Crypto.com Arena.
- Customs/classics/lowriders often appear in Underground, Concourse, and Petree Halls in addition to new-vehicle stands.
- Tickets: laautoshow.com (Eventim fulfillment); hours subject to change.
Planning tips
- Take Metro to Pico. Organizers push transit for a reason; LACC garages are first-come and $25–$35, with SpotHero as the advance alternative.
- Least crowded windows per the official FAQ: weekdays Monday–Wednesday and early mornings. Weekend VIP Early Entry buys one hour before general doors.
- Thanksgiving Day is open but short (9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.). Good for a focused shortlist walk; bad if you expected Saturday-length hours.
- Bag limit is 12″×15″; sealed water only (two bottles). Wagons are banned; strollers are allowed and rentable at West and South lobbies.
- Any Day tickets cover one visit on a day you choose — useful if Thanksgiving travel plans are still fluid. No onsite ticket sales; buy online before you queue.
Common questions
- Is the show open on Thanksgiving?
- Yes in 2026 materials — Thanksgiving Day hours are shorter (9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.). Useful for a focused shortlist walk; bad if you expected Saturday-length hours.
- Should I drive or take Metro?
- Organizers push Metro to Pico Station (one block away). Convention Center parking is typically $25–$35 and first-come; SpotHero is the advance alternative.
- Can I sit in the cars?
- Yes — organizers confirm attendees can sit in unlocked display vehicles, with indoor/outdoor test drives when scheduled. Bring a shortlist so seat time does not become aimless wandering.
- How does LA relate to SEMA?
- SEMA is the trade/aftermarket week in Las Vegas earlier in November. LA Auto Show is the consumer shopping floor. Different badges, different bag rules, different trip plans.
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