Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction

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Arts & CultureScottsdale
DatesDates TBA · Usually JuneCheck locally before booking
Duration9 daysListed event span
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forPerformance, exhibitionsBarrett-Jackson's Scottsdale Auction began
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: USD
CategoryArts & CultureFestival type
The story

Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction in Scottsdale

Barrett-Jackson's Scottsdale Auction traces back to 1967, when founders Tom Barrett and Russ Jackson staged a charity car auction called Fiesta de los Elegantes. Held annually since 1971 and now based at WestWorld of Scottsdale since 1989, the January auction has grown into the world's largest no-reserve collector car event, selling thousands of vehicles including landmark sales such as a 1932 Duesenberg Model J purchased for over one million dollars.

Tom Barrett and Russ Jackson met in the mid-1960s over a classified advertisement for a 1933 Cadillac V16 Town Car, a sale that never actually closed but sparked a lasting friendship between two Scottsdale car enthusiasts.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Barrett-Jackson's Scottsdale Auction began almost by accident, when car aficionados Tom Barrett and Russ Jackson met through a classified ad for a 1933 Cadillac V16 Town Car in the mid-1960s

02

The mystery stays covered

Though that particular sale never happened, the encounter sparked a friendship and, in 1967, a charity auction called Fiesta de los Elegantes that raised money for local Scottsdale causes including community arts and public libraries

03

The city starts moving

That charitable framing set a precedent the modern event still nods to, even as the auction has grown into a globally watched spectacle

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The auction continues the charitable spirit of its 1967 founding event

Water and renewal

Living ritual

Fiesta de los Elegantes

The sacred route

Living ritual

which raised funds for Scottsdale community causes

The local code

Living ritual

and it maintains founders Tom Barrett and Russ Jackson's no-reserve selling format

Tradition 5

Living ritual

ensuring every consigned vehicle finds a buyer rather than going unsold

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually June

Getting around

Base the route around Scottsdale; confirm local transport, road controls or venue access close to the day.

What to wear

Casual to smart-casual attire works for most attendees; bidders and VIP guests often dress more formally, and a light jacket helps for cool January mornings and evenings at the largely...

Safety

Keep valuables light, follow local instructions, and watch how residents use the space before joining in.

Where to stay

Stay near Scottsdale or a practical transport base if you want a simpler arrival and return.

Tickets/cost

Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.

Language/currency

USD

Family friendly

unknown

Scottsdale, AZ

Nearest airportPHX — Phoenix Sky Harbor
TransportBase the route around Scottsdale; confirm local transport, road controls or venue access close to the day.
Stay areaStay near Scottsdale or a practical transport base if you want a simpler arrival and return.
FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction?

Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction is listed for Past edition: 17–25 January 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction take place?

The festival is listed in Scottsdale, United States. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

9 days is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Scottsdale, AZ

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLbarrett-jackson.com
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually June
Source statusOfficial source linked

Spotted something out of date? Submit a correction →