Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale 2027: Dates and Trip Planning
If one event kicks off the collector-car year, it is the Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. It is part auction, part car show, part street fair, and it fills WestWorld of Scottsdale with cars, vendors and people who came to look as much as to bid. This guide covers what has been reported for 2027, what the week is like, and how to plan around it.
As reported at time of writing, the 2027 Scottsdale Auction runs from Saturday, January 23 to Sunday, January 31, 2027, at WestWorld of Scottsdale. That is nine days of live auction action across two weekends, according to trade coverage published on October 1, 2026 by The Shop Magazine. The same report lists a Rock The Block concert on Thursday, January 21, and an invitation-only Opening Night Gala on Friday, January 22, with cars crossing the block from the morning of January 23. The report also says the docket goal is well over 2,000 collectible vehicles. These dates come from trade press and ticket listings rather than the organiser's own announcement, so confirm them at barrett-jackson.com before you book anything.
Who is it for? Three groups. Buyers and sellers, who register as bidders or consign a car. Enthusiasts who want to walk a huge field of cars in one place, from restored classics to custom builds to modern performance cars. And families or casual visitors who enjoy the atmosphere, the vendors and the people watching. If you only want to see cars, you do not have to bid. If you want to bid, you will need to complete bidder registration with the auction company, so read the requirements well ahead of the week rather than on the way in.
What should you expect on the ground? A lot of walking. Auction events like this spread across tents, show areas and vendor aisles, and the cars you want to see may be up for sale on a day you cannot attend. Check the auction schedule for the specific lots you care about, because each car crosses the block at a set point in the run order, and the most talked-about cars tend to sell at the busier times. Arizona in late January usually means pleasant daytime weather, but mornings and evenings can be cool, so bring layers as well as sun protection.
How should you plan? Start with lodging, because a nine-day event in a popular winter destination fills hotels and short-term rentals early. As a general rule, book as soon as your dates are firm, and look at options a little outside Scottsdale if prices climb. Tickets, parking and bidder registration are all set by the organiser, so check what is on sale and what each ticket covers before you buy. If you plan to attend on a weekend, expect crowds, and think about a weekday visit if you want a calmer look at the cars.
Tips for first-timers. Walk the preview areas before the bidding on a car you like, because condition is easier to judge in person than in photos. Decide your budget before you arrive, and remember that bidding at an auction has costs beyond the hammer price, so read the buyer terms. Wear comfortable shoes, carry water, and pick two or three must-see areas rather than trying to see everything in a day. If you are interested in a particular marque, such as Corvettes, see our guide to Corvette shows across the USA at /discover/blog/corvette-shows-usa-2027, and for another big winter auction see /discover/blog/mecum-kissimmee-2027.
A sensible way to approach nine days is to split your visit into goals. Spend one session walking the cars with no agenda, which is the best way to learn what you actually like. Spend another on the specific lots you care about, with the run order in hand. And keep a little time for the vendor areas and the people watching. If you are travelling with family or friends who are less interested in cars, a shorter visit with a clear plan usually goes better than a full day on the fairground. Whatever you decide, write down the date and time of any car you want to see cross the block, and allow for the schedule to shift on the day.
Running your own show? Car Show Expert handles registration, check-in, judging and awards in one place, so your volunteers spend show day parking cars instead of chasing paper. You can create a free account at /sign-up or try the demo first at /demo. For the basics of planning an event, see /discover/guides/how-to-run-a-car-show.
A note on accuracy. Dates, ticket types and schedules are as announced at time of writing, and event details change. Always confirm with Barrett-Jackson before you book travel or buy tickets.