LA Auto Show Launches Father’s Day Presale With a Free Ticket for Dad
The Los Angeles Auto Show is leaning into nostalgia this Father’s Day with a promotion that many car enthusiasts will find hard to ignore. Beginning June 15 and running through June 21, attendees who purchase a full-price adult Any Day ticket for the 2026 Los Angeles Auto Show can bring Dad along for free.
The offer arrives months ahead of the show’s return to the Los Angeles Convention Center, where the event will run from November 20 through November 29, 2026. Organizers say the promotion is about more than ticket sales. It is about celebrating the family connections that often begin with a shared love of cars.
For many people, that first automotive memory starts at home. It may have been a weekend spent handing tools to Dad in the garage. It may have been a first ride in a favorite classic car. It may have been a long road trip with stories that still get repeated years later. Cars have a way of becoming part of family history.
A Tradition That Spans Generations
The Los Angeles Auto Show has been part of automotive culture for well over a century. Founded in 1907, it remains one of the longest-running automotive events in the United States.
Terri Toennies, president of the Los Angeles Auto Show, said the event has welcomed families for generations.
“For 119 years, our show has been a place families come back to together, sometimes three generations at once,” Toennies said.
That statement reflects a reality seen at many auto shows. Grandparents point out vehicles they once owned. Parents compare family SUVs. Children climb into concept vehicles and dream about what driving may look like years from now.
In many families, the passion for cars gets passed down like a favorite recipe. One generation hands it to the next.
What Visitors Can Expect at the 2026 Show
The promotion may attract attention today, but the main attraction remains the show itself.
The Los Angeles Auto Show has built its reputation on giving consumers direct access to the newest vehicles from leading automakers. Visitors can explore cars, trucks, sport utility vehicles, and electric vehicles from brands across the industry.
Unlike browsing online photos or watching launch videos, attendees can physically sit inside vehicles, inspect interiors, compare features, and evaluate multiple brands in a single visit.
Test Drives Remain a Major Draw
One of the biggest attractions continues to be the test drive experiences.
Manufacturers are expected to offer both indoor and outdoor test tracks where visitors can experience vehicle performance firsthand. Electric vehicles, in particular, benefit from these demonstrations because buyers can experience acceleration, handling, technology features, and ride quality in real-world conditions.
For consumers shopping for a new vehicle, few opportunities offer this level of side-by-side comparison.
Instead of spending weeks visiting separate dealerships, attendees can evaluate multiple brands during one afternoon at the convention center.
California Car Culture Takes Center Stage
The Los Angeles Auto Show has always reflected Southern California’s unique relationship with automobiles.
California remains one of the most influential vehicle markets in the country. Trends often emerge there before spreading elsewhere. Electric vehicle adoption, automotive technology, custom vehicle builds, and aftermarket innovation all have deep roots in the region.
The show combines major manufacturer displays with elements of California car culture, creating an experience that extends beyond simple vehicle shopping.
That blend helps explain why the event continues to attract enthusiasts, families, industry professionals, and media from around the globe.
Father’s Day Presale Details
The Father’s Day promotion applies to Any Day tickets purchased during the presale period from June 15 through June 21.
With the purchase of at least one adult Any Day ticket, buyers unlock one complimentary adult Any Day ticket for Dad during checkout.
The promotion is limited to one free Dad ticket per qualifying order. Orders can include up to six purchased tickets.
The offer applies only to Any Day tickets.
2026 Los Angeles Auto Show Presale Pricing
The show will operate as a cashless event. Presale tickets purchased online currently include service fees in the listed pricing:
- Adult admission (13 and older): $25
- Senior admission (65 and older): $13
- Child admission (ages 6-12): $13
- Children under age 6: Free
Additional ticket options, including Opening Day tickets, Weekday tickets, Weekend Priority Entry tickets, Family Four Packs, and VIP Guided Tours, are scheduled to become available in August.
Why This Promotion Makes Sense
Automotive events often focus on horsepower, technology, and vehicle launches. The Los Angeles Auto Show is taking a different angle with this campaign.
It is focusing on memories.
That approach feels authentic. Ask ten car enthusiasts how they became interested in automobiles and many will tell a story involving a parent, grandparent, sibling, or mentor. Cars are machines, but the stories attached to them are deeply personal.
The Father’s Day promotion taps into that emotional connection. It gives families a reason to spend time together and share an experience that may spark conversations long after the show ends.
In an era dominated by screens and digital interactions, a day spent exploring hundreds of vehicles together carries a different kind of value.
Looking Ahead to November
The 2026 Los Angeles Auto Show will officially open to the public on November 20 following AutoMobility LA Media and Industry Day on November 19.
As one of the automotive industry’s most recognized events, the show is expected to feature new vehicle introductions, consumer test drives, emerging technology, and exhibits that reflect the direction of the automotive market.
The Father’s Day presale gives consumers an early opportunity to secure admission while also turning a ticket purchase into a gift.
For families with a shared appreciation for cars, trucks, electric vehicles, and automotive culture, the promotion offers something simple: a chance to spend time together. That may sound old-fashioned, but sometimes the best memories start with a set of keys, a good story, and someone who taught you why cars matter in the first place.