Calgary’s International Auto and Truck Show is once again rolling into the BMO Centre at Stampede Park. “We’re excited to host our 42nd annual event at the BMO Centre,” explains Jim Gillespie, executive manager of the Calgary Motor Dealers Association (CMDA).
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Last year’s auto show was the first after a three-year hiatus. In a return to regular scheduled programming, in 2025 the CIATS will host most major manufacturers. Doors are open from March 13 to 16. One highlight of this year’s show is an opportunity to participate in an electric vehicle ride and drive for those interested in learning more about EVs. “Registration for that is inside the show,” Gillespie explains. “It’s first come, first served, but once registered, there will be 18 electric vehicles available to drive on an outdoor test track with real-world conditions in Lot 6 (a parking lot just south of the Big Four building).” That location is within a walkable 0.8 kilometres of the BMO Centre, but there will be a fleet of four shuttles ready to carry showgoers to and from the EV staging area.
Returning in 2025 to host the EV event is Canada’s Plug’n Drive. According to their website, “Plug’n Drive is a not-for-profit organization accelerating electric vehicle adoption in Canada to maximize the environmental and economic benefits of an electrified transportation sector. “Our vision,” it continues, “is to help Canada achieve its goal of 100 per cent electric vehicle sales by 2035 or earlier.” Gillespie says, “Plug’n Drive are the professionals in the EV industry, and we’re happy to partner with them again.”
Other special events include Toyota Ladies Night. Although, it is more of a day. On Friday March 14, all female visitors enter the show for $10. The first 750 of those ladies who are 18-plus get a gift bag that includes a red rose and chocolates. And on weekdays, all first responders get 50 per cent off regular priced admission. “Those include current or retired EMS, fire and police, armed forces and tow truck drivers,” Gillespie says. “Very often, tow truck drivers are first on the scene and we consider them first responders.”
From March 13 to 16 the CIATS runs from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday to Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. All individual ticket prices are subject to a service fee plus GST. Adult (18 – 64) tickets are $19.95. There is a 65-plus Senior Day on Thursday for $12.50, while all other days for seniors are $15. Youth (7 – 17) are $12.50, and $57.95 buys a single day show pass for a family of two adults and two youths.
However, since the year 2000 the best way to see the Calgary International Auto and Truck Show is the exclusive charity event, Vehicles and Violins. To date, more than $4.5 million raised during Vehicles and Violins has helped support the work of many local charities. The 23rd edition of Vehicles and Violins takes place Wednesday, March 12 from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. This event offers a swanky sneak preview of all the new cars and trucks prior to the official Thursday show opening.
“There are a lot of cool things going on at Vehicles and Violins this year,” Gillespie explains. “We’ve given it a refresh to appeal to more patrons and, thanks to support from Sirius XM, there’ll be duelling pianos – that’s where two pianists play off of each other with songs suggested by the crowd – it’s quite something to hear and watch.” He continues, “We’re changing up the music and the entertainment. Some of the new music includes a 12-piece steel drum band, that’s going to be exciting. New entertainment includes performers from the non-profit Green Fools Theatre Society” All the while, Vehicles and Violins attendees taste international cuisine and sip from a selection of fine wines and spirits.
Tickets for Vehicles and Violins are $200 each and are 50 per cent tax deductible and are available until end of day March 10. Visit autoshowcalgary.com and click on the Vehicles and Violins tab at the top or call 403-974-0707. Proceeds from this year’s event will support Ronald McDonald House Charities Alberta.
Greg Williams is a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). Have a column tip? Contact him at 403-287-1067 or [email protected].
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Calgary International Auto and Truck Show
WHEN: March 13 to 16
WHERE: BMO Centre, Stampede Park
HOURS: March 13, 14 and 15 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; March 16 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; March 12 from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. during exclusive Vehicles and Violins charity event.
TICKETS: $19.95 Adult (18 – 64); $12.50 65-plus Senior Day on Thursday — $15 all other days for seniors; $12.50 Youth (7 – 17); $57.95single day show pass for a family of four. $200 Vehicles and Violins charity event, 50 per cent tax deductible.
INFO and TICKETS: www.autoshowcalgary.com