Arizona Car Week is a huge time of the year for car collectors and enthusiasts but also fun for families. Car Week is the collection of car auctions take place in Scottsdale during January with the largest being Barrett-Jackson.
Saturday and Sunday are preview days before the auction begins Saturday is Family Day which means its FREE for kids 12 and under. There are also more kid-focused events happening on that day.
New this year
- new Clear Bag Policy – this year, Barrett-Jackson is following many other public events that have switched to a clear bag policy for everyone’s safety. All bags must be clear (plastic, vinyl or PVC) and with a maximum size of 12″ x 6″ x 12″. Clear bags will be available for sale at the entrance in addition to lockers available to store your items. You may also use a regular (non-clear) clutch purse that does not exceed 6.5” x 4.5”.
- Primetime tickets have been added this year which are reduced rate tickets for admission after 5 which are perfect for people who can’t attend during the day because of work of school. With so many cars up for auction this year, the auction is predicted to go much later each evening (11 pm instead of 9 pm on prime auction days)
- Barrett-Jackson is bigger than ever so the Equidome building at West World is now filled with cars so make sure to make your way out to see all that’s there. A second entertainment stage has been added too (the other stage is outside near the food)
- Seminars have been added that will appear to a wider audience including and kids, the future car collectors
9 things to do with tweens and teens at Barrett-Jackson car auction
1 – Watch the auction. Kids will get a kick out of listening to the auctioneer.
2 – See the new 2020 cars and pick out your dream cars – Ford mustangs, Corvette, what’s your dream car?
3 – Browse the cars up for auction. So many cars inside and even more in the tents – classic, resto-mods, sports cars. Bs favorites this year were the Mclarens and Humvees. I love the classics.
4 – Head to the track outback for Chevrolet hot laps, and Toyota and Dodge thrill rides. We both did the Toyota thrill rides in the Toyota Supras and had a blast – this is a MUST
5 – Watch a BMX demo. During the family day, Saturday, there will be BMX riders showing off their tricks.
6 – Eat. Having a teenage son, this is one of the things my son gets most excited about for any festival or event. Outside they’re cooking up festival food favorites including turkey legs, massive bundles of fries and huge brats. Inside there are restaurant booths including our favorite Hot Bamboo with their amazing character Steamed Bao Buns. Have you see their Baby Yoda bun?
7 – Entertainment. Catch live music at the two stages. This year there is one stage outside and a second in the Equidome. Perfect time to grab some food and take a break while listening to some cover bands.
8 – Catch the seminars
Friday: Behind The Hobby Collector Car Symposium: THE FUTURE OF AUTOMOTIVE PASSION – In the Equidome – Panel includes Race Service Chief Creative Officer Rod Chong, McLaren Regional Marketing Manager Brandon Smith, racing driver J.R. Hildebrand, Bisimoto CEO & Chief Engineer Bisi Ezerioha, and Hemmings Director of New Media/”House of Muscle” host Mike Musto
8. Collect autographs
If your kids a car and racing enthusiast, make sure to check the schedule (click on the SCHEDULES tab) for appearances and autograph opportunities.
Barrett-Jackson auto auction
West World, Scottsdale, AZ
January 11th-19th
disclosure: I was invited to attend the media preview and the auction as a member of the media. All opinions are my own.
