The Vancouver International Auto Show hosts a Kick-Off Party Gala. It’s an exclusive, after-hours celebration with live music, drinks, food, and VIP access to mark the start of the car show.
In 2026 the Kick-Off Party Gala takes place on the evening of Wednesday, March 25th. It happens on the first day of the auto show which continues daily until the 29th.
For tickets to both the VIP Gala and the auto show, click VIAS Tickets. For the auto show’s official website, visit vancouverinternationalautoshow.com.
VIP Gala Evening at the Vancouver Auto Show
This year marks the second year the Vancouver International Auto Show (VIAS) is hosting its annual Kick Off Party. The VIP Evening Gala is the official after-hours celebration welcoming the start of the show. In the past there have been VIP events for industry insiders. Now though, the event is open to the general public.
The party is a high-energy affair on the exhibition floor. The official opening night event brings together automotive enthusiasts and industry members. For many, it’s the most-anticipated night of the week in the region (and for some, the most anticipated night of the year)!
When and Where is the Gala
In 2026 the VIP Gala Kick-Off Party happens on Wednesday, March 25th. The event takes place at the Vancouver Convention Centre in downtown Vancouver’s Coal Harbour neighborhood. The venue’s address is 1055 Canada Place.
Starting at 9:00 pm, the party runs until 11:30 pm. It follows the end of the auto show’s first day. The gala takes place in the main exhibition hall, after the auto show closes to regular attendees.
Visit the VIAS website for tickets to both the VIP Gala and the Auto Show.
Gala Kick-Off Party Prices
Admission to the VIAS Kick Off Party costs $199.00 per person. The ticket is valid on Wednesday, March 25th, 2026, from 9:00 pm to 11:30 pm.
VIP tickets include two drinks, food, entertainment, and an Any Day VIAS admission pass to return to the auto show later in the week.
To reserve your spot at the Gala Kick-off Party (and the auto show), click VIAS Tickets.
What to Expect at the Gala
The VIP Gala is an exclusive, fashionable and highly-anticipated event. It features appetizer food stations, bars, entertainment, and music with the band Dr. Strangelove.
The 2026 gala is likely to follow a similar format to the 2025 edition. Last year the evening included a live DJ set and plenty of networking opportunities. There were racing simulators, food stations, canapes, and stations where guests over age 19 could buy alcoholic drinks. Final call at the bar last year was around 11:00 pm and it’s likely the same in 2026.
At the event guests can expect a lively and social atmosphere with music, lots of people chatting, and maybe even dancing, as they enjoy light food and drinks. Expect to meet car enthusiasts, industry professionals, and a list of who’s who in Vancouver. Also expect to see some of the world’s most luxurious supercars!
In 2026 the dress code is “dress to impress.” A perk of the party is that guests get crowd-free access to view the vehicles, unlike during the busier daytime environment. It’s a fancy affair!
Visit the VIAS website for full details about the Vancouver Auto Show.
About Vancouver’s International Auto Show
The Vancouver International Auto Show is Western Canada’s largest consumer auto show. It takes place at the Vancouver Convention Centre each spring. The Convention Centre space used for the event is over 300,000 square feet in size, creating a massive area for all things car-related.
The auto show brings together manufacturers, dealers, media, and car enthusiasts under one roof. It’s an amazing event! Visitors can see new vehicle launches, electric cars, hybrid models, luxury cars, supercars, and custom-built creations. The show features many interactive displays and exhibits that enhance the visitor experience, including opportunities to sit in cars and try simulations.
In 2026 the auto features the Canadian debut of Oilstainlab, the boundary-pushing, highly innovative hypercar manufacturer. It also includes the Canadian debut of both the Chevrolet Corvette CX Concept and Cadillac’s Formula 1 display car.
Tickets for the 2026 auto show vary slightly by day and age, with weekdays costing about a dollar more than the weekend. Adult admission is around $22. Seniors and students cost about $16, and kids ages 7 to 12 cost $7. Family passes are also available for around $42.
In 2026 the auto show runs from Wednesday, March 25th, until Sunday, March 29th. On the Wednesday, the doors are open from 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm. On the Thursday, Friday and Saturday, the show runs from 10:00 am until 9:00 pm. The last day, on the Sunday, attendees can admire the automotive displays between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm.
For tickets to the Vancouver International Auto Show, click VIAS Tickets.
More Information
For more information about the VIAS, see our article about the Vancouver International Auto Show or visit the VIAS Website.
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Other websites you might also find of interest are VancouverCarShows.ca and VancouverTradeShows.com.
