ALCOM builds car trailers for car people - whether you’re into racing, cruising, or car shows, our aluminum car trailers make it easy to move your prized possession cross-country. The 2025 Old Orchard Beach auto show is coming up this September in ALCOM’s home state of Maine, and it got us thinking about what’s next. If you’re planning your car show attendance in advance already, too, as an exhibitor or a visitor, learn more about the 2026 auto show schedule in the continental USA, then take a look at our Mission Trailers car hauler lineup! 

What’s An Auto Show, Anyway? 

If you’re new to the world of car shows, you’re probably familiar with the basic idea: an auto show (or a car show) is a public exhibition of various automobiles. Sometimes they’re small, featuring vintage classic cars; sometimes, they’re massive, featuring current auto models, new model debuts, and concept cars in addition to classic or rare cars. For local dealers and auto manufacturers, an auto show is good for marketing, promotion of new products, networking, and general business growth. For people who love cars, an auto show is good for seeing more cool cars than ever in one place. 

2026 Auto Shows Across the USA 

Whether you’re a classic car exhibitor, an industry insider, or just a car enthusiast who’s getting ready to enjoy the 2026 auto shows, there’s a huge lineup of car shows available nationwide – from the internationally recognized Detroit Auto Show, one of the “Big Five” worldwide, to local meets and summer cruises in Small Town, USA.

A full-year schedule isn't yet available, or even complete yet - but here's a preview of some of the car shows coming up around the USA in 2026. Get ready to register, hitch on your aluminum car hauler, and head out to see the shows! 

• San Diego International Auto Show (Jan. 1-4, 2026) -- Start the year with a trip to the second-largest auto show in California! (The largest one is in LA, and it's coming up November 21-30, 2025!)
• Twin Cities Auto Show (Jan. 3-11, 2026) -- The Minnesota Automobile Dealers Association presents this annual expo at the Minneapolis Convention Center. 
• Hampton Roads International Auto Show (Jan. 9-11, 2026) -- Make it a long weekend in Virginia Beach and discover the coolest new cars coming to market. 
• Silicon Valley Auto Show (Jan. 9-11, 2026) -- If you're on the West Coast in January, instead, check out this long weekend auto show in Santa Clara, CA. 
• Detroit Auto Show (Jan. 14-25, 2026) -- Head to Motor City for one of the Big Five auto shows worldwide! The Detroit Auto Show is packed with events, experiences, and every kind of car and truck you can imagine. 
• Utah International Auto Expo (Jan. 16-19, 2026) -- See the best new vehicles, all in one place, at the Mountain America Exposition Center in Sandy, UT.  
• Saint Louis Auto Show (Jan. 22-25, 2026) -- Billed as a family-friendly event with fun for all ages, it's the largest car show in the Saint Louis area. 
• Houston Auto Show (Jan. 28-Feb. 1, 2026) -- Packed with attractions, the annual Houston Auto Show also partners with the Houston Boat Show for a Texas-sized event. 
• Pennsylvania Auto Show (Jan. 29-Feb. 1, 2026) -- Head for Harrisburg, PA for the Pennsylvania Auto Show and enter to win a car of your own! 
• Philadelphia Auto Show (Jan. 31-Feb. 8, 2026) -- From Harrisburg, motor on to the city of brotherly love to discover new models and more.  
• Chicago Auto Show (Feb. 7-16, 2026) -- Since its first staging in 1901, this show has been held more times than any other auto expo on the continent! Visit the 118th edition of the Chicago Auto Show in 2026.  
• Oregon International Auto & Motorcycle Show (Feb. 19-22, 2026) -- New this year and continuing for 2026, the show has expanded to include motorcycles in its name and exhibits.

ALCOM Builds Car Trailers for Car People

ALCOM builds open car trailers for one to two cars, specialty trailers for Slingshot vehicles, and enclosed aluminum car haulers for one or more vehicles. So if you’re in the market for a car hauler in preparation for the 2026 auto show schedule, check out some of our favorite aluminum car trailers from Mission Trailers, ALCOM’s flagship car hauler brand.

Open Aluminum Car Haulers for Car Show Road Trips

Transporting a single car? Check out a classic all-aluminum Open Car Hauler with standard extruded decking and an optional air dam. If you prefer wood decking, a single car Open Wood Deck Car Hauler has heat-treated plank decking, an optional air dam, and it’s available in a 10K GVWR model for heavy hauling. If you need even more deck space, look at an Open Two-Place Car Hauler, with a wood deck, beavertail construction, and room for two cars. 

Enclosed Aluminum Car Haulers for Auto Show Exhibitors  

If you’re bringing a classic car to display at an auto show in 2025 or 2026, there’s no better way to bring it than an enclosed aluminum car hauler. Protect your prized possession from the elements, debris, curious onlookers, and more with an all-welded aluminum trailer that’s fully customizable. A classic Enclosed Car Hauler or Gooseneck Car Hauler gives you a smooth tow and loads of cargo space, plus a huge list of optional upgrades to create your fully customized trailer.  

To really give your classic car the premium ride it deserves, though: you need the Pinnacle Series. Available in a standard trailer or stacker version, Pinnacle Series enclosed aluminum car haulers are the ultimate, fully loaded aluminum car trailer with a huge list of standard features.

Start with durable all-aluminum construction, integrated frame design, 16” O/C floor, wall and roof studs, and hidden beavertail construction. With a standard tapered rear ramp door, rear canopy and loading lights, a side access door and pull-out step, and a porch light over the side door, it’s easy to access from all angles. It also has a 6’x8’ escape door, a 100-volt power package, standard heavy-duty tie-downs, rubber TPO decking, and 20 interior puck lights. With a cabinet package including upper, base, and wardrobe cabinets, the Pinnacle Series is fully equipped.  

Questions About Aluminum Car Haulers? 

• Tow a Car Behind an RV With an ALCOM Aluminum Car Trailer
• The Best Gooseneck Aluminum Car Haulers - Customized For You
• Enclosed Aluminum Car Haulers: Buyer's Guide
• Open Aluminum Car Haulers: Buyer's Guide
• Power Up With Electrical Packages for Enclosed Aluminum Trailers
• Shed Some Light on Your Enclosed Aluminum Trailer Cargo With Light Packages
• Organize Your Haul With Enclosed Aluminum Trailer Cabinet Packages
  
• Custom Tie-Downs Make Securing Cargo on Your Aluminum Trailer Easy 

Then, once you're ready to get started choosing your ideal aluminum car hauler, visit our brand sites below - and use the Find a Dealer feature to connect with your local ALCOM aluminum trailers dealer.