When Is the Atlanta Auto Show? Dates, Details, and Local Tips for Atlanta Visitors and Residents

The Atlanta Auto Show is typically held once a year in the spring, most often in March at the Georgia World Congress Center in downtown Atlanta. However, exact dates change from year to year, and some years have seen schedule shifts or pauses.

Because of that, the most reliable way to know when the next Atlanta Auto Show is happening is to:

  • Check the official Atlanta Auto Show website
  • Look at the event calendar for the Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC)
  • Follow local news or Atlanta event listings as spring approaches

Below is what Atlanta residents, visitors, and car enthusiasts need to know.

Where and When the Atlanta Auto Show Usually Happens

Typical Timing

While dates vary, the Atlanta Auto Show is most commonly scheduled:

  • Season: Late winter to early spring, especially March
  • Frequency:Once a year
  • Length: Usually a multi-day event (often 3–5 days)

Because schedules can change, always verify the specific year’s dates before planning travel, tickets, or parking.

Typical Location

The show is usually held at:

Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC)
285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
Phone (main information): (404) 223-4000

The auto show is generally hosted in one of the large exhibition halls at GWCC, often in Building C, but the exact hall can change, so check the current year’s event listing.

Quick Reference: How to Find the Current Year’s Atlanta Auto Show Dates

Use this simple reference to confirm when the Atlanta Auto Show is scheduled:

StepWhat to DoWhy It Helps
1Search online for “Atlanta Auto Show official site”Shows official dates, hours, and ticket info
2Check the Georgia World Congress Center events calendarConfirms dates, building, and hall location
3Look at local Atlanta event guides around February–MarchHelpful if dates have changed or been postponed
4Follow Atlanta Auto Show or GWCC on social mediaOften posts schedule changes, promos, and reminders

What to Expect When You Go

If you’re planning around when the Atlanta Auto Show is, it also helps to know what happens there and how long you might want to stay.

Types of Exhibits and Activities

While each year is a little different, visitors commonly find:

  • New vehicle displays from major manufacturers
  • Concept cars and upcoming models (varies by year)
  • Test-drive or ride-and-drive experiences (when offered)
  • Special themed sections, such as trucks, EVs, luxury, or performance cars
  • Family-friendly activities, including photo areas or interactive displays
  • Vendors and accessories related to car care, customization, and services

This means many Atlanta visitors plan to spend at least a couple of hours, and car fans often stay half a day or more.

How Atlanta Locals Typically Plan Around the Dates

If You Live in Metro Atlanta

For Atlanta-area residents, the timing affects:

  • Traffic and parking around downtown
  • Planning MARTA trips versus driving
  • Deciding which day to go (weekdays are often less crowded than weekends)

Locals often:

  • Wait until official dates and hours are announced, then
  • Choose evening hours on weekdays or early morning on weekends to avoid the biggest crowds
  • Combine the visit with a meal at nearby Centennial Olympic Park, Downtown, or Castleberry Hill spots

If You’re Visiting Atlanta

If you’re planning a trip specifically for the Atlanta Auto Show:

  • Check the exact show dates first before booking your hotel or flights
  • Verify whether the show runs over a full weekend and whether there are extended evening hours
  • Look for hotels within walking distance of the Georgia World Congress Center, such as near:
    • Centennial Olympic Park
    • State Farm Arena
    • Mercedes-Benz Stadium
    • The CNN Center area

Because schedules can shift from year to year, avoid assuming the same week every March—always confirm, then plan.

Getting to the Atlanta Auto Show Once You Know the Dates

Once you’ve confirmed when the Atlanta Auto Show is, you’ll want to decide how to get there based on where you’re coming from in Atlanta.

By MARTA

Many Atlantans prefer MARTA to avoid downtown parking costs and traffic.

Common MARTA routes for the show:

  • Take the Red or Gold line to Peachtree Center Station, then walk west
  • Or take the Blue or Green line to Dome/GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station (station names may change slightly over time, but signage will reference GWCC or the stadium area)

From these stations, it’s typically a short, well-marked walk to the Georgia World Congress Center.

By Car

If you drive to the show:

  • Use GWCC-operated parking decks and surface lots around the complex
  • Expect higher demand if the show overlaps with events at:
    • Mercedes-Benz Stadium
    • State Farm Arena
    • Other GWCC conventions

Many locals check the GWCC parking site or event calendar beforehand to see if multiple large events are scheduled on the same day, which can significantly affect travel time and parking availability.

Tickets, Hours, and Timing Details to Watch For

Once the official dates are published for a given year, also check:

  • Daily opening and closing times
  • Whether there are discount days, such as:
    • Weekday specials
    • Military or first responder deals
    • Family or kid-focused days
  • Peak hours, which are usually:
    • Midday to late afternoon on Saturday and Sunday
    • Opening day evening, if heavily promoted

If you prefer lighter crowds, Atlanta residents often recommend:

  • Going early on a weekday
  • Avoiding the first few hours of opening day
  • Checking weather—on rainy days, indoor events like the auto show may draw bigger last-minute crowds

Who to Contact With Date or Schedule Questions

If you’re still unsure when the Atlanta Auto Show is happening in a specific year, these are your most reliable local resources:

  • Atlanta Auto Show organizers

    • Usually provide a “Contact Us” or information phone/email on the official show site once the dates are announced
  • Georgia World Congress Center – General Information

    • Address: 285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
    • Main phone: (404) 223-4000
    • Can point you to the correct event schedule or box office information
  • Atlanta Convention & Visitors resources

    • Often list the Atlanta Auto Show in their events calendars, especially for spring

These sources are helpful if you need to confirm dates, accessibility options, or group visit details.

Key Takeaways for Atlanta Visitors and Residents

  • The Atlanta Auto Show is typically held once a year, most often in March.
  • The event is usually at the Georgia World Congress Center in downtown Atlanta.
  • Exact dates change every year, so confirm through the official show website or the GWCC events calendar before making plans.
  • Plan your transportation, parking, and timing around other downtown events to avoid delays.
  • If you live in or are visiting Atlanta, checking for the current year’s Atlanta Auto Show dates early in the year is the best way to ensure you don’t miss it.