A Car Lover’s Guide to Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale: 7 Insider Tips for 2026

June 29th, 2025 by

Every January, the automotive world turns its eyes to Arizona. The roar of engines, the glint of perfectly polished chrome, and the electric buzz of nine-figure sales transform North Scottsdale into the epicenter of car culture. The Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction is more than just a place where cars are sold; it’s a massive, week-long festival celebrating everything we love about automobiles. However, for a first-time visitor or even a returning fan, the sheer scale of the event at WestWorld of Scottsdale can be incredibly overwhelming.

Going in without a plan can lead to a frustrating experience. You could spend a huge chunk of your day stuck in traffic just trying to park, only to find you’ve missed seeing the most iconic cars. You might get lost in the massive crowds, feel overwhelmed by the non-stop action, and completely miss out on the hidden gems and experiences that make Barrett-Jackson truly special. You want to leave with amazing memories, not a feeling that you missed the best parts.

Consider this guide your personal pit crew, here to give you the inside track on navigating the event like a seasoned pro. As fellow car lovers who attend every year, we’re sharing our secrets with you. This isn’t just a schedule of events; this is a playbook with 7 key insider tips that will help you save time, avoid frustration, and have the best possible Barrett-Jackson experience in 2026.

Table of Contents

  • Getting to the Action: Directions & Parking
  • Tip #1: Choose Your Day Wisely for the Perfect Experience
  • Tip #2: The Staging Lanes Are the REAL Car Show
  • Tip #3: Explore Beyond the Auction Block
  • Tip #4: Dress for a Marathon, Not a Sprint
  • Tip #5: Find Hidden Gems at the Automobilia Auction
  • Tip #6: You Don’t Need a Million Dollars to Own a “Show Car”
  • Tip #7: Plan Your Visit with the Official App

Getting to the Action: Directions & Parking

The entire spectacle takes place at the massive WestWorld of Scottsdale campus in North Scottsdale. Navigating your arrival and parking is the first step to a great day.

Location: WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N Pima Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85260

Open in Google Maps for Live Directions

The Parking Pro-Move

The number one complaint from many attendees is the traffic and parking, especially on the busy weekend days. While there is ample on-site parking, getting into the lots can involve long waits.

The Insider Tip: For a smoother experience, consider using a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft. They have a designated, convenient drop-off and pick-up zone near the main entrance. While it may cost a few dollars more than the parking fee, it can save you an immense amount of time and hassle, allowing you to walk right in without circling lots or waiting in a long line of cars. This is especially true when leaving the event at the end of the day.

Tip #1: Choose Your Day Wisely for the Perfect Experience

Not all days at Barrett-Jackson are created equal. The experience changes dramatically from the beginning of the week to the end. Choosing the right day depends entirely on what you want to get out of the event.

  • For the Die-Hard Car Viewer (Go Tuesday – Thursday): If your primary goal is to see every single car up close, take detailed photos, and appreciate the craftsmanship without fighting massive crowds, the weekdays are your best bet. Ticket prices are lower, the crowds are thinner, and you can leisurely walk through the main tents to inspect hundreds of cars before they get moved into the high-security staging areas. This is the time for true appreciation.
  • For the Action & Excitement Seeker (Go Friday – Saturday): If you want to feel the energy and watch the multi-million dollar cars cross the block, the weekend is primetime. The crowds are huge, the atmosphere is electric, and the celebrity sightings are more common. Saturday afternoon and evening is the peak of the event, where the most valuable and famous vehicles are auctioned in front of a packed house and a national TV audience.

Tip #2: The Staging Lanes Are the REAL Car Show

This is the best tip for any true enthusiast. Watching the auction from the stands is exciting, but the best place to experience the cars is the **staging lanes**. This is the massive, tented area right next to the arena where the cars are lined up in order before they drive across the auction block. This is your chance to get just feet away from legendary machines. You can hear the rumble of a 427 Cobra V8 as it fires up, smell the rich exhaust of a classic Ferrari, and feel the ground shake as a Hemi ‘Cuda prepares for its moment of glory. It is a sensory overload in the best possible way and an experience you cannot get anywhere else.

Tip #3: Explore Beyond the Auction Block

Barrett-Jackson is so much more than just the auction itself. Dedicate a few hours to exploring the rest of the massive grounds. You’ll find:

  • The Exhibitor Marketplace: A huge indoor and outdoor area featuring hundreds of vendors selling everything from custom tools and garage flooring to neon signs, automobilia, and high-end art.
  • Manufacturer Displays: Top brands like Ford, Chevrolet, and Dodge have massive displays showcasing their latest and greatest performance models. It’s like a world-class auto show in the middle of the auction.
  • The Restoration Garage: See live demonstrations from experts as they work on incredible restoration projects, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at the craft.
  • Thrill Rides & Hot Laps: Don’t just see the cars—ride in them! Head over to the performance track where you can ride shotgun with a professional driver in a new Dodge Hellcat or Ford Mustang as they tear around a closed course. It’s an adrenaline rush you won’t forget.

Tip #4: Dress for a Marathon, Not a Sprint

This is practical advice that can make or break your day. The WestWorld venue is enormous, and you will be doing a significant amount of walking, much of it on hard concrete.

  • Wear your most comfortable shoes. This is the most important tip. You can easily walk several miles in a single day exploring all the tents and displays.
  • Dress in layers. An Arizona morning in January can be chilly, but the auction tents get warm and crowded in the afternoon. A t-shirt with a light jacket or hoodie is the perfect combination.
  • Bring sun protection. Even in winter, the Arizona sun is strong. A hat and sunscreen are non-negotiable for the time you’ll spend walking outside between tents.

Tip #5: Find Hidden Gems at the Automobilia Auction

Highlight this often-overlooked part of the event. Every morning before the cars start selling, Barrett-Jackson auctions off hundreds of pieces of “automobilia.” This is a fascinating and fun auction to watch, featuring incredible, authentic items from motoring history. You’ll see stunning, restored vintage gas pumps, massive neon dealership signs from the 1950s, classic pedal cars, and unique vending machines. It’s a museum-quality collection that gets sold to the highest bidder, and it’s a part of the event that many people miss.

Tip #6: You Don’t Need a Million Dollars to Own a “Show Car”

It’s easy to watch the multi-million dollar cars cross the block and feel like the world of classic, head-turning automobiles is out of reach. But the truth is, you don’t need a winning bid to own a car that gives you that same sense of pride and excitement. The spirit of Barrett-Jackson is about the love of the automobile, and that passion is accessible to everyone.

At Arizona Car Sales, we specialize in high-quality, fun-to-drive vehicles that capture that spirit without the Barrett-Jackson price tag. From modern American muscle cars to stylish European convertibles, we have a huge selection of vehicles that will turn heads and make every drive feel like a special event.

Tip #7: Plan Your Visit with the Official App

To navigate the huge grounds and complex schedule, downloading the official Barrett-Jackson app is a must. You can use it to view a map of the venue, see the daily schedule of events, and even browse the full car docket to find the exact lot numbers of the cars you want to see most. It’s an essential tool for maximizing your time.

Ready to Find Your Own “Show Car”?

Inspired by the beauty and power you saw at the auction? Your dream of owning a fun, head-turning car is closer than you think. Explore our inventory of unique and sporty vehicles that deliver all the excitement at a price you can actually afford. Take the first step towards finding the car that ignites your passion.

View Our Sporty Coupes & ConvertiblesGet Pre-Approved

Why Arizona Car Sales Is Your Best Option

At Arizona Car Sales, we’re car enthusiasts ourselves, and we believe everyone deserves to drive a car they love. We specialize in delivering quality pre-owned vehicles at competitive prices. Our inventory includes vehicles that have passed rigorous inspections, and we provide transparent vehicle history reports for every car on the lot. With thousands of five-star reviews, an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, and the distinction of being a two-time “Top Dealer” winner on CarGurus, you can trust us to provide an exceptional car-buying experience. Visit Arizona Car Sales today and let us help you find the car you’re passionate about.

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