Plan Your Perfect Day at the Auto Expo

Start with the show hours

The NC International Auto Expo runs for four days at the Jim Graham Building, and the hours change from one day to the next. Thursday is open from 12 PM to 9 PM, Friday from 10 AM to 9 PM, Saturday from 9 AM to 9 PM and Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM. Knowing these times is the first step in any plan, because they decide how long you can stay and when the show floor will be busiest.

If your schedule is flexible, think about which day suits your goals. Thursday afternoon and Friday morning usually feel calmer, which is helpful if you want long conversations with dealership staff. Saturday offers the longest day, while Sunday closes early at 5 PM, so arrive sooner if you want the full experience.

Decide why you are coming

Every visitor arrives with a different goal. Some people are serious shoppers who plan to buy within a few months. Others simply love cars and want to sit in the newest models. Families often come for entertainment, and some guests are there for the classic cars or the community events. Write your main goal down before you go, even if it is only one sentence.

Once your goal is clear, the rest of the day becomes easier. A shopper can build a short list of vehicles to compare, an enthusiast can map out favorite brands, and a family can choose the features that will keep children interested. A clear purpose prevents the common problem of walking for hours without seeing the things you really wanted.

Use the floorplan

The Jim Graham Building is a large hall, and manufacturers and exhibitors are spread across it. The Expo floorplan shows where each display is located, so you do not have to guess or backtrack. Pick one up at the start of your visit and mark the booths you care about most.

A simple route works best. Begin with your top priority, then move through the hall in one direction instead of zigzagging. If you are visiting with friends or family, choose a landmark booth as a meeting point in case you separate. Many people also find it helpful to take a photo of the floorplan on their phone as a backup.

Build your day around the live events

The schedule is full of things to see. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, GM Experience the Drive gives visitors a chance to compare how vehicles feel on the road. Local radio stations broadcast live from the show, including WPTF, 94.7 QDR, 96rock, Pulse 102 and WYMY 102.9, and each station has its own time slots.

You do not need to see everything, but choose one or two events that matter to you and plan around them. For example, you might join the drive experience in the late morning and then enjoy a live broadcast after lunch. Check the Show Hours and Schedule page for exact times, because broadcasts can change.

Handle tickets and costs

Tickets are simple. Adults aged 13 to 60 pay $6, guests over 60 pay $5, preteens aged 6 to 12 pay $4, and children under 6 are free. There are no advance ticket sales, so plan to buy your tickets at the Box Office kiosks outside the Jim Graham Building during the show.

Parking is free, which keeps the total cost of the day low. Set a small budget for food and drinks, and bring any coupons or reference notes you want to use with vendors. If you are bringing a group, buying all tickets in one transaction can save time at the kiosk.

Pace yourself and stay comfortable

A full day at an auto show involves a lot of walking, standing and talking. Wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers, since large halls can feel different from the weather outside. Take short breaks, sit in a few vehicles and drink water throughout the day.

If you have children or older family members, plan regular rest stops and agree on a time to meet if anyone gets tired. A relaxed pace usually leads to better decisions, because you are less likely to rush through a booth or forget what you wanted to ask.

Prepare questions before you arrive

Good questions turn a show floor visit into real research. Before you go, list five or six things you want to learn, such as fuel economy, cargo space, safety features, warranty coverage, maintenance costs and available colors. Having the list on your phone keeps you focused when booths get busy and conversations move quickly.

It also helps to rank your questions. Put the most important ones first so that you always get answers to what matters, even if a representative is called away. If you are comparing two vehicles, ask the same questions about both so that the answers are easy to compare later.

Do not worry about sounding too basic. Exhibitors want visitors to understand their products, and clear questions lead to clear answers. If a representative cannot answer something, ask for a business card and a follow-up contact so that you can get the information after the show.

Use the vendor area to your advantage

The Expo is more than cars. Vendors such as Ray Price Harley-Davidson, Bath Fitter, LeafFilter, WakeMed, Verizon Wireless and Vacation Village Resorts offer products and services that many visitors find useful. Setting aside twenty or thirty minutes to walk through the vendor displays can lead to helpful discoveries.

Many exhibitors prepare special offers for the show. Ask about show-only deals, but also ask about the details, such as timing, conditions and what is included. A good offer is easy to explain and easy to put in writing.

If you are not ready to decide, collect information and take it home. Showing up with questions, listening carefully and taking notes will always be a better approach than making a quick choice in a crowded hall.

What to bring with you

A short list of items makes the day smoother. Bring a phone with a full battery or a small charger, a notebook or notes app, a bottle of water and a light bag for brochures. Comfortable shoes are the most important item of all, because you will walk more than you expect.

If you are shopping for a vehicle, consider bringing your current vehicle’s details, such as year, mileage and condition, in case you want to discuss a trade-in. Also bring your driver’s license if you hope to join a driving experience. Keep everything in one small bag so that your hands are free.

Finally, bring patience and curiosity. The best show days are relaxed ones where you stop to talk, try things and enjoy being surrounded by new vehicles.

Make room for the unexpected

Even the best plan should leave space for surprises. You may find a vehicle you did not expect to like, meet a vendor with a useful service or stumble on a live broadcast. Leave a little time each hour for these moments, because they are often the most memorable part of the day.

If you feel pulled away from your plan, that is fine. The plan exists to help you, not to control you. Check it every so often, but let curiosity lead when something interesting appears.

Finish with a follow-up plan

Before you leave, collect brochures, business cards and any quotes you were offered. Write a few notes about which vehicles you liked and why. Those notes are valuable a week later, when the details blur together.

After the show, review your notes and decide on next steps. You might schedule a longer test drive, request a written quote or simply compare prices at home. If you have questions about the Expo, you can email [email protected], and the team will be happy to help.