Feb 9, 2021
1954-Ford-Spokane-Auto-Show

The Spokane Auto Show is an exciting annual event that offers an outstanding opportunity for locals to enjoy a warm and comfortable car shopping experience. In February, when the show takes place, average highs are just 39 degrees in the Spokane area, and average lows dip to just 25 degrees. The chance of a wet day increases throughout the month of February, from 26% at the beginning to 29% at the end. There’s about a 3% chance of snow on any given day of that month, which isn’t ideal weather for traipsing through car lots.

The Spokane Auto Show eliminates the need to do on-site car shopping at different locations and offers a different type of experience completely. Learn more about the history of the show, what to expect this year, and the plans for the future.

The History of the Spokane Auto Show

1954 Spokane New Car Show
1954 Spokane Auto Show

The Spokane Auto Show has been a staple in the Spokane community since the 1950s. Wendle Ford has consistently participated in this local favorite, which pulls together vehicles from over two dozen manufacturers under a single roof. Over its long history, the auto show has grown steadily in popularity and now reports approximately 20,000 plus visitors a year.

In 2020, the Spokane Auto Show celebrated its 40th anniversary over Valentine’s Day weekend. More than 20 different car brands were on display under one roof, providing car shoppers with a streamlined shopping experience. The event offered special incentives and giveaways for the first 100 attendees. Visitors also had the opportunity to participate in a massive prize drawing that included tickets to a Rolling Stones concert, a trip to Las Vegas for NASCAR racing, or a Disney vacation. To earn an entry, visitors had to collect stamps from each dealer. By completing the collection, you could earn an entry into the drawing.

It’s additions like these that make the Spokane Auto show an exciting experience, whether you’re a vehicle enthusiast or not. Over several decades, this event has earned a loyal following as well as a number of new visitors who come in to see what the buzz is about.

COVID-19’s Impact on the Spokane Auto Show

The Spokane Auto Show was originally scheduled to take place from Feb. 12 through Feb. 14, 2021. However, organizers announced on Feb. 1 that the auto show would be canceled for the year due to COVID-19. Spokane has seen an increase in new COVID cases, which peaked in mid-December and again in early January. In light of the most recent data and statistics, it was determined that it would be too risky to host this event, which can bring hundreds or thousands of people together under one roof when the weather is too cold for outdoor events. 

However, the cancellation of the in-person show hasn’t completely halted the event. Participating local car dealers, including Wendle Ford, have still committed to offering special deals and pricing in February in honor of the show. Check out Wendle Ford’s monthly deals to learn more about the savings that are available to car shoppers who are interested in purchasing a vehicle this month.

Though the Spokane Auto Show isn’t taking place, there are still plenty of compelling reasons to consider purchasing a car in February. Take advantage of the savings that are being offered in lieu of the car show and get a great deal on your next purchase now.

Plans for the 2022 Spokane Auto Show

The Spokane Auto Show plans to return in 2022. The next show is currently scheduled for Feb. 11-13 of that year. Over a dozen car dealers are expected to return while offering numerous makes and models, including Chevrolet, Subaru, Hyundai, Honda, Nissan, Acura, Jeep, Ford, Buick, Jaguar, Toyota, GMC, Kia, and Chrysler vehicles among others. If you’re interested in exploring your options for a new vehicle, you may want to go ahead and mark your calendar for this event. 

Check in with the sponsors for the 2022 Spokane Auto Show for special deals on your admission to the event. Tickets are typically $7 per person. However, in 2020, sponsor BECU offered free admissions to their customers. You could simply show your BECU card at the door to waive your entry fee. BECU also offered a 0.25% APR discount on interest rates for vehicles financed with participating dealers during the show.

What to Expect at the Spokane Auto Show

The Spokane Auto Show offers the perfect place for car buyers to explore new vehicles. If you’re interested in seeing the latest 2022 models, the 2022 Spokane Auto Show will offer the ideal opportunity. The show takes place in the Spokane County Fair & Expo Center, which offers 101,000 square feet of space. Inside, visitors will find booths from over a dozen local dealers.

Each dealer brings in a selection of their top models for attendees to view. Inside the expo space, you can look inside the vehicles and under the hood. Sales professionals are on hand to help you understand all your options and make smart comparisons between your top picks. 

Once you’ve identified the vehicles that you’re most interested in, you can head outside to test drive select options. Dealers keep a second stock of cars in the parking lot, so you can slide behind the wheel of your favorite models and take them for a spin all while you’re still on-site.

The Spokane Auto Show is an excellent place to purchase a new car because many dealerships offer special interest rates, lower prices, and other deals to entice shoppers in this competitive environment. Nowhere else can you wander from one dealership to the next on foot and compare your options so easily. Though the Spokane Auto Show will sadly be missing from the calendar this year, there will be plenty to look forward to at this event in the future. Keep the show in mind for 2022, so you can browse the newest vehicles next year. In the meantime, you can stop by Wendle Ford to see our selection any day.