Cleveland Auto Show to return in December

The 2021 Cleveland Auto Show is relaunching with new dates and location.

The event, which previously was held in late winter at the now-closed I-X Center, will now open Dec. 3 for media and automotive industry employees at the Convention Center in downtown Cleveland. Public show dates are planned for Dec. 4-12.

“With so many changes and hardships throughout 2020, we are very excited to bring one of Cleveland’s favorite events downtown later this year,” Joey Huang, chairman of the Cleveland Auto Show and owner of the Great

Lakes Auto Network, stated in a news release. “You’ll still be able to see everything under one roof, making shopping comparisons in a no-pressure environment but with an all-new layout inside the Cleveland Convention Center.”

In addition to all the new vehicles, including 2022 introductions, the show’s Ride N’ Drives are in the works as well. Show management is working with the convention center and automaker staff to bring as many test drive opportunities as possible, the news release stated.

“We’ll see the return of attractions like Ride N’ Drives and Millionaire’s

Row, as well as classic and celebrity vehicles to round out our specialty displays,” Cleveland Auto Show president Louis A. Vitantonio stated in the release. “And with our show dates in December, we’re planning festive family fun and entertainment along with celebrity appearances throughout the Cleveland Auto Show’s 10-day run.”

Ron King, general manager of the Huntington Convention Center, said his team has worked closely with the Greater Cleveland Automobile Dealers’ Association to ensure that this show returns to the calendars.

“Decades ago, the Cleveland Auto Show was held in the old downtown convention center and we’re excited to reintroduce our building to many Northeast

Ohio residents who haven’t had the pleasure to visit the building since it opened in 2013,” King said in the release.

Other special event days are planned for the reimagined Cleveland Auto Show, including Heroes Day and the Grand Finale Vehicle Giveaway.

This year, those who are active or veteran military, first responder, or healthcare worker, will be admitted to the show free of charge on the designated days, with proper I.D.

Tickets will cost $16 for adults, or $13 when purchased ahead of time online. Children 6 and under will get in free.

Show hours are currently planned to run from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day, with Sunday hours from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.