The Quick Report

The 10 Best Car Shows in the USA

No matter what kind of vehicles capture your interest, there’s something for everyone at these annual events. From antique to vintage to hot rods to trucks to muscle cars. Here are the 10 best car shows in the USA.

10. Woodward Dream Cruise: Detroit, Michigan

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The Woodward Dream Cruise is the world’s largest one-day automotive event. More than 1 million people attend this show featuring 40,000 classic cars. There’s also a separate ticketed event known as the Woodward Dream Show. It showcases hot rods, custom cars, cruisers, and muscle cars. This event typically occurs annually during a weekend in August.

9. The Gathering at the Roc: Bartlesville, Oklahoma

Photo by Visit The Osage - Osage County, Oklahoma, Facebook
Photo by Visit The Osage – Osage County, Oklahoma, Facebook

The Gathering at the Roc is held at the Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve in Bartlesville. The event starts with the Reliability Run and Kick-off Party on Friday, followed by the car show on Saturday. The show regularly features over 200 classic custom cars. Typically, the event takes place in early October.

8. Iola Car Show: Iola, Wisconsin

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One of the longest-running car shows in the country. More than 130,000 people attend this event to check out the 2,500 show cars. There are also 4,000 swap spaces and 400 car Corel spaces. But that’s not all, there are concerts, special guests, and other activities throughout the weekend. The event typically takes place during the second week of July.

7. Grand National Roadster Show: Pomona, California

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This is the longest-running indoor car show in the world. The Grand National Roadster Show gathers over 500 show vehicles competing for awards. Plus, up to 800 vehicles participate in the annual Grand Daddy Drive-In. It’s not too far from Hollywood, so you’re likely to see a few celebrities. The event typically takes place in late January to early February.

6. NSRA Street Rod Nationals: Louisville, Kentucky

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The National Street Rod Association’s Street Rod Nationals is the largest street rod gathering and show featuring cars that are 30 years old and older. The family-friendly event also features an RC Car Display and Run, a Kid Zone, a swap meet, a builder’s showcase, live entertainment, and more. It’s typically held the first week of August.

5. Eastern Division AACA National Fall Meet: Hershey, Pennsylvania

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This four-day event showcases classic, vintage, and antique car enthusiasts. It’s hosted by the Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA). Events include Car Corral, Flea Market, Friday Car Show, High Wheeler Contest, Race Car Condition Run, Judging School, AACA Juniors, Talent Show, and Old Time Movie Night. The event is typically held during the first full week of each October.

4. The Amelia Concours d’Elegance: Amelia Island, Florida

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Some describe The Amelia Concours d’Elegance as a beauty pageant for vintage and rare cars. This charitable event draws nearly 300 vehicles from collectors around the world. Attendees can check out 35 different car classes. The event also features a Bavarian beer garden and live entertainment. The event typically takes place in late February or early March.

3. Triple Crown of Rodding: Lebanon, Tennessee

Photo by Nashville Superspeedway, Facebook
Photo by Nashville Superspeedway, Facebook

The Triple Crown of Rodding is held at Nashville Superspeedway. The event celebrates hot rods, customs, classics, and muscle cars made through 1972 along with American-made trucks through 1998. Other activities include cruising the track, a swap meet, a meet-and-greet with auto industry celebrities, live music, and more. It’s typically held after Labor Day, the first weekend of September.

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2. MSRA Back to the 50’s Weekend: St. Paul, Minnesota

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Held at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, the event celebrates hot rods, customs, and classics. This massive show features nearly 12,000 registered vehicles in both restored and non-restored condition. Naturally, the event features live 50s music, a giant swap meet, a flyover, and activities and games for the kids. It’s typically held annually in late June.

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1. Cruisin’ The Coast: Mississippi Gulf Coast

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Considered “America’s largest block party,” it’s held alongside the beach highway on the Mississippi coast. Cruisin’ The Coast features more than 7,000 vehicles. You’ll find hot rods, classics, and antique vehicles. The event also features a swap meet, a car auction, a parade, lots of food, live music, and merchandise. It’s typically held annually in early October.

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