The city of Philadelphia is known for its many traditions. One of those traditions is the Philadelphia Auto Show, located at the convention center, that has been celebrated for over 100 years. Even if you’re not incredibly interested in cars, the show has experiences for everyone, so nobody has a bad time.
The convention center is located at 12th and Arch Street, and about 45 minutes from North Penn. Tickets are around $20 and most experiences at the show are no cost. Food and beverages are available at the show, but it is also in the city so there are tons of good restaurants just feet away. When parking, you should plan ahead and purchase a spot in a garage close by, and if you plan on eating out see what restaurants are near beforehand and make a decision. You will not regret it.
The show is for brands to showcase their newest models of cars. Anywhere from family-friendly cars to the best off-roaders, and gasoline or electric, you will see it all. The show has representatives from each brand, but you will not be approached with an intent for them to sell to you. It is a non-selling show and is simply just to learn about the vehicles and see what you like.
Almost every car is available to sit in to see if you like the interior and the feel. It’s definitely a cool experience to take a seat in the cars and imagine your life on the road in something you may never actually buy. There are around 20 participating brands so you will definitely find something you like, and find yourself wishing you had it.
Now if looking at cars isn’t all that interesting to you, most people are in the same boat. There are fun test drives you are able to go on which might make you favor one brand more than another. Jeep holds a drive where you get to ride as a passenger while the off-road limits get tested. A log crawl, a 25-degree wedge, an 18 foot hill, and a stair climber. It is a thrilling experience, and worth waiting in a line for. There is an electric car track where you can test the limits on e-cars including the notorious cyber truck. Stellantis, an automobile corporation, also holds a driving experience where you are able to drive a selection of new cars you might be dying to try.
For any of the driving experiences it is no cost, and they are all included in the purchase of a ticket. Unfortunately though to drive you must be 18 or older, but to be a passenger you just need to have somebody with you that is older than 18. It is definitely worth giving it a shot.
There are also many photo ops including a photo booth, and you are able to take a picture with Sasquatch in front of a green screen. That one always comes out memorable. These are also included in the ticket price.
Aside from the main floor, if you take a trip downstairs in the convention center you will find yourself at the customs floor. There are vendors selling custom vehicle merchandise. Truly though the best part is some of the vehicles you will see. There are many very cool looking custom cars including Lightning McQueen, and an Eagles party bus. You can also get advice on putting mods on your personal vehicle, or meet someone that can do it for you. Alongside that there are police and fire vehicles, which are always cool to see when they are the newest models. There also happens to be some boats to look at despite it being an automobile show.
The Philadelphia Auto Show is definitely a worthwhile event to attend whether you like cars or have somebody in your life that does. Truly you cannot have a bad experience, and if you check it out there won’t be any regrets.
