Tickets, Hours and the Best Time to Visit

Ticket prices at a glance

The Expo keeps admission affordable. Adults aged 13 to 60 pay $6. Guests over 60 pay $5. Preteens aged 6 to 12 pay $4, and children under 6 are admitted free. These prices make the show a practical outing for families, couples, friends and solo visitors.

A family of four with two adults and two children aged 6 to 12 would spend $20 on admission, and a family with a child under 6 pays even less. Because parking is free, the main costs of the day are tickets and any food or drinks you choose to buy.

No advance ticket sales

Unlike many events, the NC International Auto Expo does not sell tickets in advance. Tickets are available at the Box Office kiosks located outside the Jim Graham Building during the show. This means you cannot buy ahead of time, but it also means there is nothing to book weeks in advance.

Plan to arrive a little early so that you have time to buy tickets before entering. If you are visiting with a large group, have one person handle the purchase while the others wait nearby. Keep your tickets with you for the entire day in case you step outside.

Show hours day by day

Thursday is open from 12 PM to 9 PM. Friday runs from 10 AM to 9 PM. Saturday is the earliest opening, from 9 AM to 9 PM. Sunday is open from 10 AM to 5 PM. Each day offers a different balance of time, crowd size and activity.

The long evening hours on Thursday, Friday and Saturday are ideal for visitors who work during the day. Sunday is the shortest, so if you plan to visit on that day, arrive soon after the gates open to enjoy the full show.

The best time to see the vehicles

If your main goal is to look closely at vehicles, Thursday afternoon and Friday morning are usually the quieter options. Smaller crowds mean you can sit in more cars, open doors and trunks, and talk with staff without feeling rushed.

Saturday is the busiest day, which is not a problem if you enjoy energy and activity. Just expect lines at popular displays and a livelier atmosphere. Visiting soon after opening can help you see key vehicles before the crowd arrives.

The best time for families

Families often prefer Saturday and Sunday because children are out of school and weekend events are in full swing. The Classic Car Show at Dorton Arena runs on Saturday and Sunday, and family entertainment such as Scooby-Doo adds fun for younger guests.

Starting in the morning is a good strategy for families. Children usually have more energy early, and parents can enjoy the vehicles before everyone gets tired. Plan a break in the middle of the day, and keep an eye on closing time, especially on Sunday.

Live broadcasts and special programs

Radio stations broadcast live throughout the show. WPTF is on air Thursday, and Friday brings WQDR and 96rock. On Saturday you can find 96rock, WQDR and Pulse 102, and Sunday features WYMY. GM Experience the Drive is available on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

If you enjoy live radio or want to compare vehicles on the road, plan your visit around these times. The Show Hours and Schedule page lists each program, though times may change. Arriving a few minutes early helps you find a good spot.

What your ticket includes

One admission gets you into the entire show at the Jim Graham Building. Inside, you can explore the vehicles, talk with exhibitors, look at vendor displays and enjoy the live radio broadcasts. Many visitors are surprised by how much there is to see for the price of a single ticket.

Seasonal features and extras are included in the experience as well, including family fun with Scooby-Doo, the Classic Car Show at Dorton Arena on Saturday and Sunday and information from the North Carolina Highway Patrol. Details can change, so check the schedule when you arrive.

Keep in mind that the show is a place to look, learn and compare. Buying a vehicle is optional. Many guests come simply to enjoy the atmosphere and gather ideas for the future.

Budgeting for your visit

Because tickets are inexpensive and parking is free, the Expo is one of the easier outings to budget. Write down the total for your group’s admission, then add a modest amount for food and drinks. This simple plan prevents surprises at the end of the day.

If you are shopping for a vehicle, a show can also help your budget. By comparing several brands in one place, you can see which models fit your price range before visiting multiple dealerships. That saves time, fuel and effort.

Remember that a show is the start of your research, not the end. Gather prices and details, then review them at home before making any commitment. Careful decisions are always better than rushed ones.

Group visits and planning ahead

Groups should agree on a few simple details in advance, including the day, the arrival time and a meeting point. Decide who will buy tickets, who will keep the floorplan and what time you will meet for lunch. These small choices keep everyone relaxed.

If your group includes both children and adults, plan an activity for each. Adults may want to spend time at dealer displays, while children enjoy entertainment. Taking turns keeps the day balanced and avoids frustration.

If you have a large club, team or workplace group and want advice on timing, email [email protected]. The team can answer general questions and help you choose a day that suits everyone.

Planning for weather and season

A winter show means you should think about the weather on the way. Check the forecast before you leave, wear layers and bring a coat for the walk between the parking area and the building. Inside the hall the temperature is usually comfortable, so removable layers are the smartest choice.

If conditions are poor, allow more time for driving. Roads can be slower, and parking areas may be busier near the entrance. Arriving early and staying patient keep the day pleasant. Since there are four days of hours, you can also choose a different day if the weather looks difficult on your first choice.

Frequently asked questions about admission

Many visitors ask whether tickets can be bought online. They cannot, because there are no advance ticket sales. Another common question is whether children need tickets. Children under 6 are free, while ages 6 to 12 pay $4.

People also ask about re-entry and group rates. Policies can vary, so the best approach is to ask at the Box Office kiosks or send a message to [email protected] before you travel. The team will explain the current details.

Finally, many guests want to know how long to stay. Two to three hours is enough for a focused visit, while enthusiasts and families often stay half a day or longer. Choose the pace that suits you and enjoy the show.

Plan around your schedule

Check your calendar before you decide. If you work during the day, the evening hours on Thursday, Friday and Saturday give you time to visit after work. If you have a free weekend morning, Saturday opens early at 9 AM. Matching the show to your schedule keeps your visit relaxed.

Choosing the day that fits you

Think about your priorities. If you want quiet conversations with dealers, choose Thursday or Friday. If you want the biggest atmosphere and the most activity, choose Saturday. If you want a relaxed final day, Sunday works well, provided you arrive in time.

Whatever you pick, bring a short list of questions, wear comfortable shoes and allow at least two to three hours. If you are unsure which day to choose, email [email protected] and ask for advice.