Detroit’s annual automotive pageant arrived in two distinct moods this year: sequins and slippers under the chandeliers, and throttle and test tracks on the showroom floor.
Charity, fashion and a little Motor City swagger
On Friday night the Charity Preview transformed Huntington Place into a black‑tie playground. About 6,000 guests — local power players, longtime attendees and families — mingled among new concept cars and polished showpieces. Tickets for the gala fetch roughly $400; organizers say proceeds benefit six local children’s charities and that the preview has raised more than $125 million for area nonprofits over the years.
The scene offered more than fundraising. Fashion stole plenty of the spotlight: metallics and sequins, unexpected pops of emerald, and even practical choices — complimentary slippers were stashed near the stage for anyone who regretted heels after a few laps on the showroom carpet. One memorable outfit: a dress made of Detroit‑themed paper ads, handmade on the fly and stopping strangers mid‑stride.
Musically the night unfolded in two acts. Detroit rapper Trick Trick brought hometown heat with a roughly 25‑minute set that had tuxedos swaying and phones raised. Robin Thicke closed with a tighter, shorter set that leaned on his familiar hits. Between sets the mood was equal parts networking and nostalgia; Jalen Rose served as emcee, and former mayor Mike Duggan — attending his first preview since leaving office — joked about adjusting to retirement.
But the evening wasn’t just glamour. The charities were center stage: organizations like the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Detroit and Detroit PAL highlighted programs funded by the gala. Students from the Boys & Girls Club fashion design program displayed garments they’d created — a tangible example of how event dollars translate into training, software instruction and sewing skills for local youth. Last year’s preview generated roughly $1.7 million for the charities; organizers are hoping for another strong haul this year.
Public day: what to expect on the showroom floor
The public portion of the show opened Saturday, Jan. 17, and runs through Jan. 25 at Huntington Place (1 Washington Boulevard). Daily hours are generally 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. most days, with an earlier 7 p.m. close on the final Sunday. Ticket prices are family‑friendly compared with the gala: adults $25, seniors $15, kids 3–12 $10 and children under 3 free. Family passes and group discounts are available when purchased in advance.
More than 40 brands are on display, stretching from EV concepts to muscle‑car showstoppers. Popular hands‑on draws included Ford’s Bronco Built Wild Ride Experience — a crowd favorite that had young car fans buzzing — and sizable displays from Cadillac (Escalade IQ and concept pieces), Chevrolet (a Corvette ZR1X limited edition on display) and other major OEMs. Families and longtime showgoers filled the aisles; for eight‑year‑old attendees in particular, the chance to sit in a Bronco or snap a selfie inside an Escalade was the highlight.
That said, there was a whisper among some veteran attendees that the show feels a touch smaller than in its heyday. Fewer brands, more focused exhibits and compact footprints have reshaped the feel of the event — but the crowds suggest appetite remains strong.
Why the auto show still matters
Beyond glitz, these gatherings matter because they’re a rare place where product, public and philanthropy intersect. Automakers use the platform to gauge public reaction to new designs and to showcase electrification plans; families, car clubs and young enthusiasts get hands‑on access to the machines; charities get unrestricted dollars that fund new programs (like fashion tech labs teaching Adobe and sewing skills).
If you’re interested in the vehicle side of things, the show also acts as a live barometer of trends: electrified SUVs and concept EVs sat next to traditional performance models, and interactive experiences were designed to coax visitors into imagining cars as entertainment, tech platforms and lifestyle statements all at once. For a taste of how automakers are riffing on performance and aftermarket culture, recall recent moves in the marketplace — from performance kits to high‑power show cars like Stellantis’ muscle concepts — which echo through the conversations on the floor and beyond (see coverage of the new Dodge Sixpack concept Dodge Sixpack Charger and Ford’s aftermarkets plans for compact trucks Ford’s SEMA Maverick kit).
Practical tips for visiting
- Buy tickets online if you can to avoid queues; there are on‑site ticket booths in Huntington Place.
- If you plan to drive, reserve parking ahead of time or use the People Mover/QLINE to connect from satellite lots.
- Expect crowds on weekends; midweek mornings are quieter and better for lingering at displays.
- Bring layers — the transition from chilly Detroit sidewalks into warmed, carpeted exhibit halls can be abrupt, and many attendees swap their heels for flats or the complimentary slippers.
The 2026 Detroit Auto Show wasn’t a reinvention of the wheel. It was a reminder: Detroit still knows how to stage an event where cars, crowds and causes collide — sometimes in glitter, sometimes in thunder, and often with a kid in line who can’t wait to take a ride.