Phoenix AZ, January 11, 2026
The upcoming 2026 Arizona Car Week in the Valley of the Sun promises an exhilarating lineup of over 30 events dedicated to automotive culture. Running from January 16 to January 25, this annual celebration engages enthusiasts and families across multiple cities including Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Mesa. The event highlights local initiatives fostering community connection, economic growth, and accessibility, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere for both participants and visitors. With major auctions and unique gatherings featuring exotic cars and automotive artistry, Arizona Car Week continues to grow as a significant cultural event.
Phoenix, AZ – The Valley of the Sun is gearing up for a dynamic automotive spectacle as the 2026 Arizona Car Week approaches, bringing with it a packed schedule of more than 30 events designed to celebrate automotive culture, innovation, and community spirit. This annual tradition, running from January 16 through January 25, transforms various locations across Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, and Fountain Hills into vibrant hubs for enthusiasts, collectors, and families alike.
The extensive array of gatherings highlights the power of local initiative and private partnerships in fostering significant community engagement and economic vitality. Organizers and local businesses have demonstrated a remarkable ability to coordinate a diverse program, showcasing how collaborative efforts and a focus on accessibility can lead to widespread participation and tangible benefits for the entire region. The week not only boosts local tourism and hospitality sectors but also provides a platform for individual achievements in automotive artistry and technological advancements.
A Valley-Wide Celebration of Automotive Excellence
Arizona Car Week stands as one of America’s three largest series of classic, collector, and exotic car events, consistently drawing over 200,000 attendees each year. This year’s iteration boasts 33 events spread across Fountain Hills, Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe, ensuring that residents throughout the Valley have ample opportunities to participate. The sheer scale and variety of events underscore a thriving local automotive sector that continues to expand annually, outpacing national averages.
The week kicks off on January 16 and continues through January 25, offering a diverse calendar that caters to every facet of the automotive world, from high-stakes auctions to casual community meet-ups.
Driving Economic Growth and Community Connection
The economic impact of Arizona Car Week is substantial, acting as a powerful catalyst for local businesses. Visitors fill hotels, dine at restaurants, and shop at local stores, generating significant revenue for the hospitality and retail sectors. Beyond these direct benefits, the events create numerous employment opportunities and promote local brands, allowing small businesses such as detailers, restorers, and parts suppliers to gain exposure and build relationships with a broad audience.
The week also fosters community through its commitment to accessibility and philanthropy. Many events are free to attend, ensuring that car culture is not “locked behind velvet ropes” but is instead open and family-friendly for all to enjoy. Furthermore, several events incorporate charitable giving, with proceeds benefiting organizations such as Phoenix Children’s and the Ryan Blaney Family Foundation, demonstrating the community-minded spirit embedded within the event series.
Spotlight on Key Events and Innovative Showcases
Among the many highlights, several events stand out for their unique contributions to the week:
Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction
One of the most anticipated events is the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction, held from January 17-25 in Scottsdale. Known globally as “The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auction,” it attracts collectors, celebrities, and enthusiasts from around the world. The auction features extraordinary collector vehicles and often includes charity sales, with 100% of the hammer price benefiting organizations like the Ryan Blaney Family Foundation. The festivities also include the “Rock the Block” concert on January 16 at WestWorld of Scottsdale, featuring Cole Swindell, blending music with automotive passion.
Arizona Concours d’Elegance
On January 18, the Arizona Concours d’Elegance takes place at Scottsdale Civic Center Park. This prestigious event showcases approximately 100 rare, historic, and exotic automobiles, judged for their elegance and design. The Arizona Concours d’Elegance is presented in partnership with Scottsdale Arts and supports local artists and the arts, celebrating automotive design as an art form itself.
Art House Collective in Mesa
Demonstrating a fusion of automotive enthusiasm and fine arts, Rebecca Nguyen, owner of The Warehouse in Mesa, is launching a new event series called the Art House Collective during Arizona Car Week. This inaugural showcase on January 23 at the historic Mesa warehouse celebrates the intersection of automotive culture and fine art, featuring works by acclaimed artists such as Dwight Knowlton, Lyn Hiner, Bill Pack, and David Townsend. This initiative underscores the personal initiative taken by local entrepreneurs to enrich the community’s cultural landscape.
Diverse Gatherings Across the Valley
Beyond these tentpole events, the week is filled with numerous other gatherings that cater to various automotive interests:
- RM Sotheby’s Arizona Auction: Held on January 23 at the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix, this is a premier sale for high-quality collector cars.
- Bonhams Scottsdale Auction: Also on January 23, returning for its 15th year at the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa in Scottsdale.
- MAG Collector Car Auction: From January 23-25, this auction takes place at Cubs Field at Sloan Park in Mesa, featuring muscle cars, street rods, and classic cars.
- Muscle Cars in Mesa: A free gathering on January 17 at Streetside Classics, inviting enthusiasts to admire popular muscle cars.
- British Bikes and Coffee: On January 17 at Phoenix Triumph, this event allows motorcycle enthusiasts to view jaw-dropping bikes.
- Strictly Air-Cooled: A morning meet on January 17 at Street Brew Coffee for air-cooled Porsche enthusiasts.
- Wood & Wheels: An intimate evening event on January 21 at Ironwood Mills in Phoenix, blending exceptional automobiles with art.
- Euro Experience Tortilla Flats Tour: The Collection QC in Mesa hosts a curated tour of exclusive supercars on January 20, driving through scenic landscapes.
- Ritrovo Cavallino Rampante: A free car week event scheduled for January 22.
The Spirit of Individual Achievement and Partnership
The success of Arizona Car Week is a testament to the individual achievement and collaborative spirit of its organizers, local businesses, and community members. Darin Roberge, founder of Motorwerks Companies and arizonacarweek.org, emphasizes his mission to ensure that all communities have access to and information about this evolving car culture, making it accessible and family-friendly. This widespread participation reflects a vibrant civic involvement where community choice and local leadership drive events that resonate with a diverse public. Private partnerships are crucial, with many local businesses relying on the week for exposure and community building, showcasing a symbiotic relationship that fuels both economic prosperity and cultural enrichment.
A Thriving Hub for Automotive Culture
Arizona Car Week not only showcases a remarkable collection of vehicles but also highlights Arizona’s significant role in the global automotive landscape. The Valley’s consistent sunshine and well-maintained roads contribute to its appeal as an automotive hub, supporting a robust automotive sector. This event series acts as a networking nexus, driving the collector car market and signaling worldwide trends for the upcoming year. By interweaving artistry, innovation, and lifestyle, Arizona Car Week provides an experience that extends beyond mere car displays, reflecting a dynamic culture of personal initiative and community pride.
Engage with the Automotive Heart of Phoenix
The 2026 Arizona Car Week offers an unparalleled opportunity to engage with a thriving automotive culture and witness the profound impact of community-driven events. Whether you are a dedicated enthusiast, a casual admirer, or a local business, your participation contributes to the continued vitality and growth of the Phoenix AZ events landscape. We encourage everyone to explore the diverse schedule, support local businesses, and immerse themselves in this unique celebration of individual achievement and collective passion. Stay engaged with local insights and continue to champion the initiatives that make our community flourish.
Frequently Asked Questions about 2026 Arizona Car Week
- What is the 2026 Arizona Car Week?
- The 2026 Arizona Car Week is an annual series of more than 30 events celebrating classic, collector, and exotic cars across the Valley, recognized as one of America’s big three car event series.
- When does the 2026 Arizona Car Week take place?
- The 2026 Arizona Car Week begins on January 16 and runs through January 25.
- Where are the events for 2026 Arizona Car Week located?
- More than 30 events are planned across the Valley, specifically in Fountain Hills, Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe.
- How many events are planned for 2026 Arizona Car Week?
- There are more than 30 events planned across the Valley for the 2026 Arizona Car Week, with some sources specifying 33 events.
- What are some of the major events during Arizona Car Week?
- Major events include the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Scottsdale, the Arizona Concours d’Elegance in Scottsdale, the RM Sotheby’s Arizona Auction in Phoenix, the Bonhams Scottsdale Auction, and the MAG Collector Car Auction in Mesa.
- What is the economic impact of Arizona Car Week?
- Arizona Car Week provides a significant economic boost, attracting over 200,000 attendees annually who support local hotels, restaurants, and businesses, creating employment opportunities and promoting local brands.
- Are there free events during Arizona Car Week?
- Yes, many events during Arizona Car Week are free and designed to be accessible and family-friendly, ensuring broad community participation.
Key Features of 2026 Arizona Car Week
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Event Name | 2026 Arizona Car Week | State-level |
| Dates | January 16 – January 25, 2026 | State-level |
| Number of Events | More than 30 (specifically 33 in some sources) | State-level |
| Primary Locations | Fountain Hills, Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe | Local |
| Attendee Volume | Over 200,000 annually | State-level |
| Economic Impact | Significant boost to local tourism, hospitality, and businesses; job creation | Local / State-level |
| Accessibility | Many free events, family-friendly, open to all communities | State-level |
| Key Event Examples | Barrett-Jackson Auction, Arizona Concours d’Elegance, Art House Collective | Local / State-level |
| Community Benefit | Raises funds for charities like Phoenix Children’s and the Ryan Blaney Family Foundation | Local / State-level |
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Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
