The Detroit auto show – one of the largest in the world – kicks off in just a few days.
Formally known as the North American International Auto Show, the event has historically brought hundreds of thousands of people to the motor city. This year, the multi-day event is meant for everyone − car fanatics and those who are less passionate.
From flying cars (yes, you read that right) to rock stars to food trucks, the exhibits appeal to a wide range of interests.
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This year, the show is placing an emphasis on the electrification of the industry.
With so many pit stops, it can be hard to know where to start. Here’s your comprehensive guide to the event:
When is the 2022 Detroit auto show?
The show is open to the general public from September 17-25.
From September 17-24, hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. On September 25, it’s open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Other events:
- The Detroit auto show 2022 media day is on September 14.
- Industry Tech Days and AutoMobili-D, a chance to preview emerging technologies and new start-ups, are on September 14 and 15.
- The Black Tie Charity Preview, a fundraising gala, is on September 16.
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Where is the 2022 Detroit auto show?
The event will be scattered across downtown Detroit. It will be both indoors and outdoors for the first time in the show’s history.
Locations include Campus Martius, Huntington Place, Hart Plaza and Spirit Plaza, according to the map.
Detroit auto show 2022 ticket prices
For the public show, tickets are $20 for adults, $12 for seniors 65 and older and $10 for children ages 3-12. Children 2 and under can get in for free. A family pass is $50.
Tickets for the Industry Days, meant for those who work in the mobility industry, are $75 per person.
Black Tie Charity Preview tickets cost $400 each or $700 per pair. This includes access to the entire show and the VIP Ribbon Cutting Ceremony inside Huntington Place.
Take flight
The future has become reality with the auto show’s air mobility exhibits – from jet packs to flying car technology.
“This exciting addition to the show is a natural extension of the evolving transportation ecosystem, especially as people continue to look for creative ways to expand personal mobility,” said Detroit Auto Show Chairman Joe Lunghamer. “We’ll give auto show audiences a taste of the future today with a look at the whole spectrum of mobility – from the thrill of human propulsion to amphibious vehicles you can keep in your backyard to EVs leading the industry’s transformation.”
Electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) companies including AIR, Airspace Experience Technologies and AERWINS Technologies will display their aircrafts. Visitors can fly in the cockpit of AIR ONE through virtual reality.
A jet suit from Gravity Industries lets humans fly, and Omni is bringing the world’s first-ever flying hoverboard.
Family fun
The Detroit auto show is taking families on a blast to the past with the Dinosaur and Off-Road Vehicle Encounter.
A Jurassic walk-thru experience at the Huntington Place Ballroom features more than 80 life-like dinosaurs, a band, crafts and fossil digs.
While you’re there, you can check out the one and only Flintmobile – the car used in the 1994 feature film “The Flintstones.”
Meanwhile, attendees can watch a Monster Truck Throwdown in Hart Plaza, including the world’s first battery-powered monster truck. The world’s largest rubber duck, standing at 61 feet, will also be on display at Hart Plaza.
A hot spot for family fun, an arcade on wheels will be parked at Hart Plaza where visitors can play Xbox, Nintendo Switch and PlayStation, with hundreds of games to choose from.
Music
Grammy-winning musician Nile Rodgers and CHIC are the headline performers at this year’s Black Tie Charity Preview at Huntington Place in Detroit.
Rodgers, a Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, co-founded CHIC and is co-founded CHIC, which is best known for dance favorites like “Le Freak” and “Good Times.”
Performances open to the public will be at Hart Plaza on Sept. 16 from 6-11 p.m.
The public show will feature themed days in Hart Plaza, from Motown Tuesday to Saturday Family Day and Sunday Funday. Each theme will have related music with local artists and street food.
Food
Downtown Detroit will be decorated with a rotating fleet of beloved food trucks throughout the event, featuring menus from around the world
For those wanting a sit-down meal, the area is packed with restaurants so you can experience everything from expensive steak dinners at Texas de Brazil to an exquisite brunch at the always-crowded Dime Store.
Where to park for Detroit auto show
Parking in downtown Detroit is notoriously difficult, and the allure of the auto show won’t make it any easier.
The auto show does not manage or provide parking. However, SpotHero, a reservation service, is the official parking app of the show. Visitors can plan their parking in advance using the website.
For those who want to avoid parking altogether, MoGo, a non-profit bike share organization is offering a 25% discount during the show. The bikes are available throughout downtown Detroit with locations shown on the system map.
Attendees can also opt for the QLINE for free access to the Woodward Corridor.