Each January, automotive enthusiasts from around the world descend on Scottsdale for one of the most celebrated events in the collector car calendar: the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction. Known globally as “The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions,” this week-long automotive lifestyle experience combines high-stakes auction action, rare cars, celebrity sightings, and plenty of motor-minded excitement, and the 2026 Scottsdale Auction promises even more.
What Makes Barrett-Jackson Special
Barrett-Jackson isn’t your typical car show. It’s a full-blown automotive event where classic, custom, and one-of-a-kind vehicles cross the block in front of enthusiastic bidders and spectators alike. From muscle cars and vintage roadsters to exotic supercars and treasured collectibles, thousands of vehicles will be on display, many of them available for purchase in front of a worldwide audience via live TV and streaming coverage.
The Scottsdale Auction has been held annually for more than five decades at WestWorld of Scottsdale, drawing collectors, press, celebrities, and fans from across the U.S. and beyond.
January 17–25, 2026
WestWorld of Scottsdale — Scottsdale, AZ
16601 N Pima Rd.
Thousands of attendees are expected throughout the 9-day event, making Barrett-Jackson one of Arizona’s signature winter attractions.
Tickets & Experiences
Whether you’re a casual visitor or a serious bidder, Barrett-Jackson offers a range of ways to engage with the action:
- General Admission
Perfect for those who want to explore, see the incredible cars on display, and soak in the atmosphere. General admission grants access to the main grounds, exhibits, vendor marketplace, and spectator areas.
- VIP Packages
For a premium experience, Barrett-Jackson’s VIP offerings deliver enhanced comfort, exclusive access, and extra perks:
- Craig Jackson’s Skybox: Elevated views of the auction block, premium hospitality, and VIP amenities.
- Luxury Lounge presented by AIRSHARE: Comfort-forward hospitality with culinary selections, hosted bar service, and excellent vantage points of the live auction.
Staging Lanes Hospitality: Prime outdoor viewing of vehicles prepping before they cross the block.
What to Expect on the Grounds
Barrett-Jackson is much more than an auction:
- Thrill Rides: Hop into high-performance vehicles with professional drivers for an adrenaline-filled experience.
- Exhibitor Marketplace: Hundreds of vendors showcasing automotive goods, memorabilia, and lifestyle products.
- Live Events & Entertainment: Music, celebrity appearances, and interactive displays throughout the week.
- Automobilia Auctions: Collectors can bid on rare automotive memorabilia alongside the cars themselves.
Tips for Attendees
- Free Parking & Shuttle: WestWorld offers complimentary parking with a shuttle service, perfect for avoiding traffic on peak days.
- Discounts: Seniors, military personnel, students, and first responders often receive discounted admissions.
- Comfortable Footwear: The venue is large and can involve a fair amount of walking, especially if you’re exploring every exhibit and lane.
- Cashless: All Barrett-Jackson events are cashless except for certain food concessions and valet parking. Credit and debit cards are accepted forms of payment.
From 2025: A Record-Setting Tradition
At the 2025 Scottsdale Auction, Barrett-Jackson demonstrated just how vibrant the collector car market remains. With a 100% no-reserve docket of more than 2,000 vehicles, the event generated nearly $198 million in total auction sales, featured record-setting bidding, and raised over $6 million for charity through special vehicle sales.
Such figures underscore Barrett-Jackson’s status not just as an auction, but as a major influencer in the classic and collector car world.
Whether you’re a serious bidder, vintage car enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates automotive excellence, Barrett-Jackson’s 2026 Scottsdale Auction offers an unforgettable experience. From the roar of the auction block to the gleam of chrome-polished classics, this event continues to define the celebration of automotive culture.
Rock the Block: Where Country Soul Meets Muscle Car Spirit
If the adrenaline of the auction block isn’t enough to set your pulse racing, prepare for a night where the desert air ignites with melody and fire. On January 16, 2026, WestWorld transforms into a high-octane concert arena for Rock the Block, a one-night-only spectacle featuring country powerhouses Cole Swindell and Chase Rice. This isn’t just a concert; it’s the unofficial anthem of the Barrett-Jackson experience, a chance to trade the roar of engines for the roar of the crowd under a vast Arizona sky.
For those who crave an elevated experience, the Premium Hospitality Suite in the Muscle Lounge offers the ultimate vantage point. Imagine watching the stage from an exclusive, elevated perch while enjoying dedicated food and beverage the perfect way to soak in the electric atmosphere in style.
Planning Your Night:
Pro Tip: To ensure a seamless entry into the night’s festivities, remember that a clear bag policy is strictly enforced for all Barrett-Jackson events. All ticket prices include applicable service fees and taxes, so what you see is what you pay to unlock the best night of the winter.
The Lineup: The doors swing open at 6:00 PM, letting the anticipation build as the sun dips below the McDowell Mountains. Chase Rice kicks off the night with his raw, high-energy set at 7:00 PM, followed by the hit-heavy performance of Cole Swindell at 8:30 PM.
The Details: All seating is reserved and open to all ages, ensuring every guest has a front-row feel to the magic. Please note that tickets are available online only and prices will increase at the box office on the day of the show, so securing yours early is a must.
Enjoy Scottsdale
January in Arizona is a symphony of contrasts, where the desert’s golden warmth offers a soulful reprieve from the winter chill felt elsewhere. In the heart of the Valley, the days are a perfect 67°F to 72°F, bathed in a soft, constant sunshine that invites you to linger over alfresco brunches or lose yourself in the rugged beauty of the McDowell Mountains. Yet, just a few hours north, the state reveals its icy heart as the San Francisco Peaks and the Grand Canyon wear a quiet, majestic mantle of snow, offering a rare stillness you won’t find during the summer rush. It is a time of vibrant renewal from the electric energy of world-class events like the Barrett-Jackson auction to the hushed, citrus-scented evenings in Old Town Scottsdale. Whether you’re chasing the thrill of the auction block or the serenity of a frost-tipped saguaro at dawn, January in Arizona feels less like a season and more like a long, sun-drenched exhale. To truly understand the spirit of Scottsdale, you have to look toward its horizon, where the jagged silhouettes of the mountains serve as the city’s eternal guardians. During the Barrett-Jackson week, these peaks offer a soul-stirring contrast to the mechanical roar of WestWorld, providing a space to breathe and reflect amidst the desert’s quiet majesty.
Pro Tip: Pack in layers. The desert is a temptress; she is warm and inviting under the midday sun, but once the stars come out, the temperature drops fast, demanding a leather jacket or a plush sweater.
Nearby Gems to Explore
While the roar of the engines at WestWorld is the heartbeat of the week, Scottsdale’s charm extends far beyond the auction tents. Just minutes away, you can find quiet sanctuaries, architectural wonders, and high-energy escapes that make this desert getaway truly unforgettable.
- Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West: Feel the genius of America’s most famous architect at his desert laboratory. Built from the very rocks and sand of the Sonoran, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a masterclass in how humanity can live in harmony with nature.
- The Arizona Boardwalk: For a change of pace, visit the OdySea Aquarium or Butterfly Wonderland. On January 17, 2026, the Boardwalk will host a Free Conservation Expo, where you can meet animal ambassadors and enjoy a family-friendly festival atmosphere right in the middle of the auction excitement.
- Talking Stick Resort & Casino: If the high-stakes bidding at Barrett-Jackson wasn’t enough, the nearby Talking Stick Resort offers world-class gaming and live entertainment. Even if you aren’t catching a show like the My Generation Tour, the rooftop views and vibrant energy are the perfect nightcap to a day at the tracks. Beyond the casino floor, the resort is a sanctuary for those who find peace on the fairways. Talking Stick features two championship golf courses, the O’odham and the Piipaash, designed by the legendary duo Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. These aren’t just courses; they are masterpieces of “minimalist” design that respect the natural flow of the Sonoran land.
- Kierland Commons & Scottsdale Quarter: If the “Exhibitor Marketplace” at the auction sparks a shopping itch, these open-air lifestyle centers offer high-end retail and some of the best patio dining in North Scottsdale. Try The Mission for modern Latin cuisine or Volanti at the private airport for a view of the jets landing as you dine.
- Camelback Mountain: Standing as the most iconic landmark in the Phoenix skyline, Camelback is more than just a mountain; it is a challenge. For those seeking a visceral, heart-pounding experience, the Echo Canyon and Cholla trails are “double black diamond” treks that reward you with a 360-degree view of the urban sea below. Standing at the summit at sunset, as the city lights begin to twinkle like fallen stars, is an emotional high that rivals any winning bid.
- The McDowell Mountains: If Camelback is a challenge, the McDowells are a sanctuary. This range forms the backdrop of the auction itself, and its McDowell Sonoran Preserve offers over 225 miles of pristine trails. For a life-changing morning, head to the Gateway Trailhead just after dawn. The way the low winter sun ignites the needles of a towering Saguaro is a sight that feels ancient and sacred. If you crave a destination hike, the trek to Tom’s Thumb, a massive granite monolith, offers a rugged, “top of the world” perspective of the entire Northeast Valley.
In the end, Barrett-Jackson 2026 is more than an auction; it is a world-class celebration of craftsmanship and legacy, set against the breathtaking winter backdrop that only Scottsdale can provide. See you there!
Last Updated on 01/05/2026 by Fernando Rosas Suarez
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