The Washington Auto Show takes place in late January at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. It features over 600 amazing vehicles from dozens of producers on three floors, including concept cars, the latest models of famous manufacturers, and innovative vehicles. The fair includes indoor interactive driving experiences, outdoor test drives, a kids’ play area, and art exhibits.

Show Program & Events

One of the largest auto shows in North America, the Washington Auto Show, focuses on innovations and sustainable automotive technologies. The event showcases hundreds of state-of-the-art vehicles, unique cars, vintage autos, and some of the most innovative models in the industry. The Performance Hall is usually packed with vehicles by major manufacturers like Subaru, Nissan, and Toyota.

The Go Hall is where you’ll find the most variety for every taste, from electric vehicles to fancy cars. The event features an exclusive Kids Zone for the younger visitors, where they can enjoy bounce houses, inflatable games, and tons of other attractions. Those looking for their next vehicle can test new cars in the Outdoor EV Ride and Drive. For fleet management specialists, the show hosts a FedFleet training experience on February 4-5, 2025.

Public Policy Day (January 30, 2025)

The ten-day public show is preceded by Public Policy Day, which includes special events for ​government officials, industry professionals, and journalists. Fireside chats, panel discussions on the most burning questions in the field, and exclusive announcements are just some of the highlights of the conference. The event spans from 12 pm until 7 pm, culminating with the Auto Show Sneak Peek.

Schedule & Hours

The show hours differ by day. The event is open from 12 pm until 9 pm on Fridays and from 10 am until 9 pm on Saturdays. On Sundays, the venue is open from 10 am until 6 pm, while from Monday through Thursday, it operates from 12 pm until 8 pm. But note that the entrance closes one hour prior to the show’s ending time.

Tickets

Tickets cost $15 for weekdays and $20 for weekends. Kids of six to twelve years old pay $7 any day, and younger visitors get free admission. Military personnel, students, and seniors are also eligible for discounts or free admission on certain days. For example, on Military Tribute Day, military can enter for free by providing their Military ID. Students can get $7 off with Student ID on Student Day and $4 off on any weekdays. Seniors are eligible for a discount of $2 on weekends and $4 on weekdays.

Location

Washington Auto Show takes place at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, located in the heart of Washington, DC. The convention center boasts approximately 2.3 million square feet (210,000 sq m) of space, providing ample opportunity for car exhibits, concerts, and displays.

History of the Convention

The show dates back to 1921 when a group of 20 Washington-area car dealers and distributors decided to organize a show to demonstrate the advantages of a horseless carriage. Today, the show attracts many celebrities and includes lots of contests and entertainment.