Top 10 Car Shows You Can’t Miss This Year

Here’s a *curated list of the Top 10 Car Shows & Automotive Events You Can’t Miss in 2026 — from global industry showcases and concept premieres to classic car festivals and custom culture gatherings:

🚗 Top 10 Car Shows in 2026

1. Detroit Auto Show (North American International Auto Show) – Detroit, USA

📅 January 14 – 25, 2026
One of the most iconic global auto shows where major manufacturers unveil new models, EVs, and concept vehicles. A must‑visit for industry buzz and world premieres. (Detroit Auto Show)

2. New York International Auto Show – New York, USA

📅 April 3 – 12, 2026
A historic and highly attended show featuring new production cars, concept debuts, supercars, and interactive exhibits for consumers. (Auto Show NY)

3. Auto China (Beijing International Automotive Exhibition) – Beijing, China

📅 April 2026 (TBA)
China’s biggest auto expo and a leading stage for EV tech, mobility innovations, and futuristic concepts from both local and global brands. (DS Garage Performance)

4. Retro Classics / Techno Classica Salon – Dortmund, Germany

📅 September 24 – 27, 2026
A revamped European classic car trade show with thousands of vintage vehicles, club stands, and rare exhibits — essential for classic enthusiasts. (Classic & Sports Car)

5. Turin Auto Show (Salone Auto Torino) – Turin, Italy

📅 September 11 – 13, 2026
A celebration of automotive culture blending production cars, exotic machines, historic models, and concept vehicles in one Italian showcase. (Wikipedia)

6. Qatar Custom Show – Doha, Qatar

📅 January 13 – 17, 2026
A vibrant custom car culture gathering with modified builds, drift and drag displays, and diverse automotive showcases — free and open to enthusiasts. (Reddit)

7. Auto, Motor & Tuning Show (AMTS) – Budapest, Hungary

📅 March 13 – 15, 2026
One of Europe’s largest indoor shows featuring tuning, motorsport, hot‑rods, electrified vehicles, and after‑market innovations. (UNIX-AMTS 2026)

8. Retro Classics Essen – Essen, Germany

📅 April 8 – 12, 2026
A major German classic car and collector car trade fair showcasing automotive heritage, restoration specialists, and rare vehicles. (expodisplay)

9. Carlisle Automotive Events Series – Carlisle, Pennsylvania, USA

📅 Various dates in 2026
A calendar of enthusiast‑favorite shows including Spring Carlisle, Ford Nationals, GM Nationals, Corvette shows, and more — perfect for classic and club culture fans. (Carlisle Events)

10. Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance – Pebble Beach, California, USA

📅 August 2026 (typically mid‑August)
One of the world’s most prestigious classic and collector car shows, set against the scenic Pacific coastline and a highlight of Monterey Car Week. (Wikipedia)

⭐ Bonus (Special Mention)

• 24 Hours of Le Mans (June 13–14, 2026, Le Mans, France) — A legendary endurance race with massive spectator appeal for automotive and motorsport fans. (Wikipedia)
• World Car Awards & Finals at New York Auto Show — While not a show itself, the awards reveal industry‑leading cars of 2026 during NYIAS. (World Car Awards)
• Various regional meets and monthly car culture events — Especially in Japan and other nations with strong local scenes like Osaka Auto Messe and Nostalgic 2 Days. (Reddit)

🧠 Quick Tips for Attending Car Shows in 2026

• Plan early: Major shows often announce venues and celebrity appearances months ahead.
• Check dates/locations: Show calendars sometimes shift; always confirm with official event sites.
• Mix genres: Attend both industry shows (big reveals) and club/classic events for the full car culture experience.