Where and when Barrett-Jackson holds its 2025 auctions
Barrett-Jackson runs four major collector car auctions in 2025, each in a different city and season. The schedule is: Scottsdale, Arizona in January; Las Vegas, Nevada in March; Charlotte, North Carolina in September; and Palm Beach, Florida in November. Each event typically runs for four to five days and includes preview days where you can walk the auction floor before bidding begins.
The Scottsdale auction is the largest and longest-running event, drawing the biggest crowds and the most high-value vehicles. Las Vegas and Charlotte are mid-sized events, while Palm Beach tends to be smaller and more specialized. If you plan to attend in person, book travel early for Scottsdale and Las Vegas, as hotels fill quickly during those weeks.
Key Takeaways
- Barrett-Jackson holds four auctions in 2025: Scottsdale (January), Las Vegas (March), Charlotte (September), and Palm Beach (November).
- Each auction runs for several days and includes preview periods where you can inspect vehicles before the sale begins.
- Scottsdale is the flagship event with the most vehicles and highest attendance; the other three are smaller regional auctions.
- You can bid in person, online, or by phone, and registration is required before you can place a bid at any event.
Scottsdale in January: The flagship event
The Scottsdale auction typically runs for five days in mid-January at WestWorld of Scottsdale. This is Barrett-Jackson's largest and most prestigious event, with hundreds of vehicles crossing the block each day. The auction draws collectors, dealers, and media from around the world, and the atmosphere is intense on the auction floor.
Scottsdale features everything from classic American muscle cars to exotic European sports cars, plus trucks, motorcycles, and memorabilia. Preview days usually begin two days before the auction starts, giving you time to inspect vehicles, get a feel for the crowd, and plan your bidding strategy. Hotel rooms in the Scottsdale area book months in advance for this event.
Las Vegas in March: The spring event
The Las Vegas auction takes place in mid-March at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. This event is smaller than Scottsdale but still draws a strong crowd and features a diverse selection of vehicles. The three-day format makes it easier to attend if you have limited time, and the Las Vegas location appeals to collectors who want to combine the auction with other activities.
Las Vegas tends to feature a good mix of muscle cars, hot rods, and modern performance vehicles. The auction floor is indoors and climate-controlled, which is a practical advantage over outdoor venues. If you are bidding remotely, Las Vegas is a good alternative to Scottsdale if you want to avoid the January rush.
Charlotte in September: The fall regional event
The Charlotte auction runs for three days in mid-September at the Charlotte Convention Center. This is a regional event that draws collectors from the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic, making it less crowded than Scottsdale but still substantial in size. The fall timing makes it a good option if you want to attend an auction outside the peak winter season.
Charlotte typically features American classics, trucks, and regional collector favorites. The smaller scale means you may have an easier time getting a close look at vehicles and talking to sellers. If you live on the East Coast, Charlotte is often more convenient than traveling to Arizona or Nevada.
Palm Beach in November: The winter finale
The Palm Beach auction takes place in mid-November at the Palm Beach County Convention Center. This is the smallest of the four events and tends to focus on high-end, specialty vehicles and exotic cars. The November timing positions it as the final major auction before the holiday season.
Palm Beach attracts a more selective crowd of serious collectors and dealers. The auction is shorter — usually two to three days — and the vehicle selection is more curated than at the larger events. If you are looking for rare or unusual vehicles rather than volume, Palm Beach may be worth considering.
How to register and bid at a Barrett-Jackson auction
You must register before you can bid at any Barrett-Jackson event, whether you plan to bid in person, online, or by phone. Registration is free and can be done online through the Barrett-Jackson website or in person at the auction venue during preview days. You will need to provide your name, contact information, and a valid form of identification.
Once registered, you can bid in three ways: in person on the auction floor, online through the Barrett-Jackson website, or by phone with a representative. Online bidding and phone bidding require you to set up a bidding account and link a payment method. If you are bidding in person, you will receive a bidding paddle with a number that you hold up when you want to place a bid.
Winning bidders are responsible for the hammer price plus a buyer's fee, which is typically 10 percent of the sale price. Payment is due when ready after the auction closes, and vehicles must be picked up or arranged for transport within a set timeframe — usually a few days.
What to expect at your first Barrett-Jackson auction
The auction floor is loud, fast-paced, and crowded, especially at Scottsdale. Auctioneers speak quickly, and vehicles move through the ring in rapid succession — sometimes one every few minutes. If you attend in person, arrive early to find parking and get a good spot on the floor or in the stands.
Preview days are much calmer and are the best time to inspect vehicles closely, ask questions, and get a sense of the crowd without the pressure of live bidding. Bring comfortable shoes, as you will be walking and standing for hours. If you are new to auctions, watching a few vehicles sell before you bid gives you a feel for the pace and helps you avoid bidding impulsively.
Prices at Barrett-Jackson tend to be higher than at smaller regional auctions because of the prestige and media attention. Vehicles are generally in good condition and have been inspected, but always read the condition report and examine the vehicle yourself during preview if you can. Bring a mechanic or a knowledgeable friend if you are considering a significant purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to attend in person to bid?
No. You can bid online or by phone from anywhere. Online bidding is available through the Barrett-Jackson website, and phone bidding connects you with a representative who places bids on your behalf. Both require registration and a payment method on file.
What is the buyer's fee, and when do I pay it?
The buyer's fee is typically 10 percent of the hammer price — the price at which the vehicle sells. You pay the total (hammer price plus fee) when ready after you win, either at the auction or online depending on how you bid. Payment methods usually include credit card, wire transfer, or cashier's check.
Can I return a vehicle if I change my mind after winning?
No. Barrett-Jackson auctions are final sales, and vehicles are sold as-is. You are responsible for inspecting the vehicle during preview and reading the condition report before you bid. Once you win, the sale is binding.
How far in advance should I register?
You can register online anytime before the auction or in person during preview days. There is no important date, but registering early online is faster and lets you set up your bidding account before the event starts. If you plan to bid by phone, register at least a day or two before the auction begins.
What vehicles typically sell at each auction?
Scottsdale features the widest variety, from muscle cars to exotics to trucks. Las Vegas and Charlotte focus more on American classics and regional favorites. Palm Beach specializes in high-end and exotic vehicles. Check the Barrett-Jackson website closer to each event date to see the catalog of vehicles scheduled to sell.