What to Expect at Barrett-Jackson 2026
Visitors can expect an immersive week filled with thousands of collector cars, live auction excitement, automobilia displays, lifestyle exhibits, food and beverage areas, and the vibrant Scottsdale atmosphere that surrounds the event. From the energy inside the tents at WestWorld to the perfect winter weather across the city, Barrett-Jackson delivers a blend of automotive craftsmanship and Arizona lifestyle that makes this week one of the most anticipated events of the season.

The Ultimate Collector Car Experience at WestWorld – And What It Means for Scottsdale Living

From around the world, collectors, enthusiasts, and luxury travelers converge on Scottsdale every January for one of the city’s most iconic events: the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction at WestWorld of Scottsdale.

In 2026, the auction runs January 17–25, 2026, with a Rock The Block kick-off concert on Friday, January 16, featuring country superstar Cole Swindell with Chase Rice as the opening act.barrett-jackson.com+2barrett-jackson.com+2

For many attendees, it’s more than an auction. It’s an automotive lifestyle event—and a powerful introduction to what living in Scottsdale really feels like.

As Michael Hankerson, Designated Broker of Luxury Division, a DBA of Link Brokerages, and founder of the Hankerson Team, my role is to help you connect the dots between world-class events like Barrett-Jackson and the real estate decisions you’re considering here in Scottsdale.

Fast Facts: Barrett-Jackson 2026 at a Glance

• Event: Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Collector Car Auction
• Dates: January 17–25, 2026
• Kickoff Concert: Rock The Block – January 16, 2026 (Cole Swindell + Chase Rice)AXS+1
• Location: WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N Pima Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85260barrett-jackson.com+1
• Scale: Thousands of highly curated collector cars and 1,700+ vehicles plus 1,100+ pieces of automobilia in a typical Scottsdale auction year Experience
• Broadcast: Global coverage via live television and streaming, positioning Scottsdale on an international stagescottsdaleaz_westworld
• Reputation: Marketed as “The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions” and widely regarded as a barometer for the collector car marketbarrett-jackson.com+1

Why Barrett-Jackson Matters So Much to Scottsdale

Scottsdale is already known for its luxury lifestyle, resort experiences, golf, and major events—from the WM Phoenix Open to world-class art and cultural festivals. Barrett-Jackson sits at the center of that calendar.

Recent economic studies highlight WestWorld as a major engine for Arizona’s economy, contributing around $163–164 million to state GDP in a single year and supporting more than 1,800 jobs across roughly 80 events.Hoodline+2ScottsdaleAZ+2 A large share of that impact comes from non-equestrian events such as Barrett-Jackson, which draw high-spending visitors, vendors, sponsors, and media partners.

In 2025 alone, the Scottsdale Barrett-Jackson auction generated over $198 million in auction sales, underscoring how meaningful this event is to both collectors and the broader market.barrett-jackson.com

For Scottsdale:

• It kicks off peak season, when our mild winter weather, golf, dining, and shopping are at their best.
• It brings global visibility to the city as a luxury, automotive, and lifestyle destination.
• It attracts visitors who often extend their stay to explore neighborhoods, golf communities, and second-home options.

From a real estate perspective, Barrett-Jackson is one of those moments where Scottsdale’s lifestyle story is on full display.

What You’ll Experience During the 9-Day Event

While the auction block is the heart of Barrett-Jackson, the on-site experience is much broader—especially at the 386-acre WestWorld campus.Your Valley+2barrett-jackson.com+2

1. The Auction Arena

• Live bidding on everything from vintage muscle cars and classic European icons to modern supercars and custom builds.
• A no-reserve format on many vehicles, which adds to the energy and drama.barrett-jackson.com+1
• Global television and streaming coverage, making each Scottsdale sale a reference point for the collector market.

2. Automobilia & Lifestyle Exhibits

• Rows of automobilia: vintage signs, gas pumps, artwork, memorabilia, and one-of-a-kind automotive pieces.Experience Scottsdale+1
• Vendor pavilions featuring art, jewelry, luxury goods, performance accessories, and local Arizona businesses.

3. Rock The Block & Live Entertainment

• The Rock The Block concert on January 16, 2026, sets the tone for the week—merging the car culture crowd with live music and a festival atmosphere.AXS+1

4. Family-Friendly & VIP Experiences

• General admission areas where you can walk the tents, see the cars up close, and feel the energy without needing to bid.Experience Scottsdale
• Upgraded and VIP options, including luxury suites and private skybox viewing, which align closely with Scottsdale’s resort-style lifestyle and hospitality.barrett-jackson.com+1

Who Barrett-Jackson Attracts – And Why That Matters for Real Estate

A typical Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale crowd blends:

• High-net-worth collectors building or curating significant collections
• Entrepreneurs, executives, and professionals who appreciate performance, craftsmanship, and design
• Second-home and seasonal residents escaping colder climates for Arizona’s winter sun
• Enthusiasts who may come for the cars—and leave with a serious interest in owning property here

This aligns directly with the buyers who are often drawn to Scottsdale’s premier communities—Kierland, McCormick Ranch, Gainey Ranch, Scottsdale Ranch, and the Airpark corridor, among others.

For many visitors, Barrett-Jackson is the entry point: they experience our weather, restaurants, golf, and nightlife… then start asking:

“What would it look like to own a home here?”

How Barrett-Jackson Pairs With Exploring Scottsdale Neighborhoods

If you’re planning to be in town for the 2026 auction, it’s an ideal time to layer in neighborhood tours while you’re already here.

Here’s how I guide clients during Barrett-Jackson week:

• Morning or late-afternoon showings in nearby communities like McCormick Ranch and Gainey Ranch, which offer lakes, golf, and greenbelt paths just a short drive from WestWorld.
• Kierland and Scottsdale Quarter tours for buyers who love the idea of walkable, lock-and-leave condos and lofts near shopping, dining, and the Scottsdale Airpark.
• For those exploring a second home or relocation, we can compare communities across price points, lifestyle, and HOA structures—so the choice is strategic, not just emotional.

Because I’m both a Designated Broker with Luxury Division (DBA of Link Brokerages) and a licensed Mortgage Broker (NMLS #2664119), we can also discuss financing options, cost structures, and investment strategy in one integrated conversation.

Practical Tips If You’re Attending in 2026

A few quick planning notes you can share in your content or conversations:

• Buy tickets early. Barrett-Jackson offers multiple ticket tiers and VIP experiences; advance purchase gives you more flexibility.barrett-jackson.com+1
• Plan for time on-site. With thousands of vehicles, vendor areas, and live auctions, this is easily a full-day or multi-day experience.Experience Scottsdale+1
• Dress for Scottsdale winter. January is mild, but you’ll be walking between indoor and outdoor spaces; layers and comfortable shoes are ideal.
• Add in real estate time. If you’re already here, it’s efficient to preview homes in 1–2 target neighborhoods while you’re in town.

How I Work With Clients During Barrett-Jackson Week

My approach is simple: combine lifestyle, numbers, and negotiation into one clear strategy.

If you’re coming to Scottsdale for Barrett-Jackson 2026 and considering:

• A second home or vacation property
• A full relocation to the Scottsdale / Phoenix area
• Or an investment property aligned with our tourism and event calendar

…I’ll help you:

1. Identify the neighborhoods that best match your lifestyle, travel patterns, and budget.
2. Understand current inventory, pricing, and competition—not just headlines.
3. Build a negotiation and timing strategy that works with your travel plans and the event schedule.

Let’s Connect Before the Auction

If Barrett-Jackson 2026 is on your calendar and you want to explore Scottsdale real estate while you’re here, I’d recommend setting up a brief planning call in advance so we can structure your time efficiently.

📲 Call or text: 602-770-7205
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Hankerson Team | Luxury Division (DBA of Link Brokerages) – www.HankersonTeam.com

Whether you’re flying in to bid on a collector car, enjoy the concert, or simply take in the atmosphere, I’m here to help you explore what it might look like to own a piece of Scottsdale as well.

Who you work with truly matters.

— Michael Hankerson
Designated Broker, Luxury Division, a DBA of Link Brokerages
Founder, Hankerson Team
#LinkBrokerages