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Fall Season is In Full Swing !
Shine up the chrome, clean those whitewalls, and cruise on over for a season full of classic rides, rumbling engines, bright paint, and old-school summer fun. From timeless hot rods and vintage cruisers to muscle cars and custom builds, our shows bring back the golden days of the open road—where car lovers, families, and friends gather to swap stories, admire the classics, and enjoy a true hometown tradition.
The Heartbeat of Car Culture
Car shows are more than mere exhibitions; they are expressions of passion and craftsmanship. Each gleaming fender, every meticulously restored interior, and the symphony of engines on display tell stories of dedication and pride. Local shows are where neighbors meet to admire rare vehicles, share advice on restoration projects, and our memories of these cars when we were younger.
What to Expect at a Local Car Show
Diverse Vehicles: From antique Model T’s to high-performance modern supercars, car shows offer a dazzling variety of vehicles. You’ll find lovingly preserved classics, quirky custom builds, vintage trucks, and even motorcycles, each with its own unique story.
Show and Shine Competitions: Many shows include competitions for “Best in Show,” “People’s Choice,” or specific categories like “Best Paint” or “Best Restoration.” Owners beam with pride as judges and visitors admire their handiwork.
Vendors and Swap Meets: Booths offer everything from car parts and memorabilia to food trucks and crafts. Swap meets are great for finding that elusive hubcap or rare die-cast model for your collection.
Car Cruises: Rolling Celebrations
The car cruise is a moving tribute to automotive style. Participants line up at a designated spot—often a park, church lot, or diner—before embarking on a scenic drive through town or along rural highways. Spectators gather along sidewalks, waving and snapping photos as the procession rolls by, engines rumbling and horns tooting in greeting.
Some cruises are themed, a "1950s" night, patriotic parades, or “bring your pet” events—adding another layer of fun and creativity. It’s common to see drivers in period costume, passengers tossing candy to children, and each car decked out in lights or flags.
Making the Most of the Experience
Arrive Early: Popular shows fill up quickly, with the best parking spots and viewing areas claimed early in the day. Arriving at opening time not only ensures a prime spot but allows ample time to explore every vehicle on display.
Talk to Owners: Don’t be shy—most car owners love sharing stories about their vehicles. You’ll learn fascinating details about custom modifications, restoration challenges, and the history behind particular makes and models.
Bring a Camera: Car shows are a photographer’s dream. Capture the glossy curves of a ‘57 Chevy, the intricate details of a hot rod engine, or the joyful expressions of proud owners beside their prized machines.
Why Local Car Shows and Cruises Matter
They bring together people from all walks of life, united by a shared appreciation for automotive art and history. Local service clubs, charities, and youth organizations often benefit from these gatherings many shows double as fundraisers, supporting causes from food banks to veterans’ groups.
Car shows are also an opportunity for younger generations to discover the joy of classic vehicles. Sitting behind the wheel of a restored Mustang, hearing the roar of an old V8, or watching a parade of antique fire trucks can spark a lifelong passion for cars and mechanical creativity.
Notable Local Shows and Cruises
While every town puts its own twist on summer car events, a few traditions are almost universal:Car Cruises: Held weekly or biweekly, these informal gatherings invite locals to bring out their classics, and mingle with friends as dusk settles in.
Annual Festivals: Many communities organize summer festivals anchored by car shows, often combined with live music, fireworks, and family activities.
Charity Runs: Car cruises that double as fundraisers, where entry fees or donations support local nonprofits.
Themed Nights: “Muscle Car Mania,” “Vintage Import Night,” or “Trucks & Tractors Rally” focus on specific types or eras of vehicles, drawing niche crowds as well as curious onlookers.
Car Show Tips
If you’ve never attended a local car show or cruise, here are a few tips to help you feel right at home:Dress Comfortably: You’ll spend hours walking, talking, and soaking up the sun, so wear comfy shoes and bring sunscreen or a hat.
Check Schedules: Dates and times can change due to weather or local events. Always confirm details before heading out.
Respect the Vehicles: Admire, but don’t touch unless invited. The cars on display are often the result of years of labor and love a fingerprint or scratch can be heartbreaking for their owners.
Bring the Kids: Most shows are family-friendly and can inspire children to appreciate design, engineering, and history.
Support Local Businesses: Many car shows take place in downtown areas—why not grab a coffee from a local café or do a little shopping while you’re there?
Staying Safe and Sustainable
As with any gathering, safety comes first. Organizers usually coordinate with local police and first responders to manage crowds and traffic. Visitors are encouraged to follow posted rules, respect boundaries, and be mindful of the environment—taking care not to leave litter behind and using designated parking areas.Before You Leave Home
- Wash, dry, and detail the vehicle using gentle, finish-safe products.
- Clean chrome, stainless trim, glass, mirrors, wheels, whitewalls or raised-letter tires, engine bay, trunk, and interior.
- Bring a small tool kit, spare fuses, battery jump pack, flashlight, painter’s tape, suitable for the vehicle.
- Pack microfiber towels, quick detailer, glass cleaner, chrome polish, tire cleaner, disposable gloves, cotton swabs, and a small soft brush.
- Check fuel level, tire pressure, battery charge, coolant, oil, brake fluid, belts, hoses, lights, and wipers before driving to the show.
- Pack folding chairs, canopy or umbrella, cooler, sunscreen, hats, and comfortable shoes.
- Bring water, electrolyte drinks, light snacks, and any needed medications
- Bring registration paperwork, judging sheet if provided, insurance card, and any required event documents.
- Prepare classic-car documentation such as build sheet, window sticker, restoration photos, maintenance records, ownership history, awards, or authenticity notes.
- Pack period-correct display items if appropriate, such as vintage brochures, dealer literature, model-year facts, or restoration storyboards
- Bring shade: A pop-up canopy, umbrella, or wide-brim hat makes a big difference.
- Hydrate early and often: Drink water before you feel thirsty; bring electrolyte drinks.
- Wear light clothing: Choose breathable, light-colored clothes and comfortable shoes.
- Use cooling gear: Cooling towels, neck fans, handheld fans, and misting bottles help a lot.
- Avoid too much caffeine or alcohol: They can make dehydration worse.
- Sit when you can: Bring a folding chair and rest in the shade.
- Protect your skin: Use sunscreen and reapply throughout the day.
- Keep a cooler nearby: Pack ice packs, cold drinks, fruit, and light snacks.
- Watch for heat warning signs: Dizziness, headache, nausea, confusion, or heavy sweating means it’s time to cool down immediately.
What to do while at a Car Show
- Walk the show field: Look at other cars, meet owners, and take photos for ideas.
- Talk with other classic car owners, clubs, parts contacts, restoration shops, and spectators.
- Relax and enjoy sharing the car’s story instead of worrying only about the results.
- Listen for announcements about judging, awards, parade laps, raffles, food, or schedule changes.
- Check judging rules: Make sure your hood, trunk, doors, or display materials are set up the way judges expect.
- Keep supplies organized: Store towels, cleaners, water, and paperwork neatly so the area looks clean.
- Network: Swap tips with other owners, ask about clubs, and learn about upcoming shows.
- Relax and enjoy it: Judging can take time, so don’t hover too much—be available but not anxious.
While Waiting for Judging
- Stay near the vehicle so judges can ask questions about originality, restoration work, options, or modifications.
- Be ready with a short story about the car’s year, make, model, engine, trim package, ownership history, and what makes it special.
- Point out documented original features, period-correct parts, rare options, or quality restoration details when asked.
- Keep a clean towel handy for last-minute dust, fingerprints, chrome touch-ups, or glass smudges.
- Walk the show field in short trips and return often, especially when your class is close to being judged.
- Take photos of period-correct displays, engine bays, interiors, and detailing ideas you like
Before You Head Home
- Check the awards ceremony timing before packing up.
- Thank event staff, judges, volunteers, nearby owners, and anyone who helped with the show.
- Collect display signs, paperwork, literature, chairs, canopy, cooler, cleaning supplies, and tools.
Looking to the Future
Summer car shows and cruises offer a feast for the senses and a testament to the enduring appeal of the automobile. They foster community spirit, preserve history, and ignite the imagination. Whether you’re there to show off a cherished ride, hunt for your dream car, or simply to soak up the sights and sounds, there’s a place for everyone at the show—under the bright summer sky, where engines rumble and memories are made.
Step Back in Time with Classic Car Photos and 60s Memorabilia
Are you a fan of classic cars and the vivid memories of the 60s? Our collection offers a delightful array of classic car photos, 60s memorabilia, and snapshots from both past and present car shows. Relive the golden era of muscle cars, groove to the cool music, and reminisce about the days when gas was just .35 cents a gallon.Car Show Schedules and Photos
We curate a comprehensive schedule of upcoming car shows, featuring photos and videos that capture the essence of these events. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or new to the world of classic cars, our collection is sure to spark your interest and ignite nostalgia.Share Your Event Information
We invite you to share your car show flyers, schedules, and swap meet details. Simply drop us a note with your suggestions or email your event information, and we'll gladly post them for our community to see.Stay tuned for exciting updates and immerse yourself in the timeless charm of the 60s with our curated collection and events.
Electric Vehicles
Classic Cars and Electric Vehicles
There have been several successful conversions of classic cars from gasoline to electric power. You can find numerous videos on Google or YouTube showcasing these electric classic cars.
Corvette Stingray the "E-Ray"
A notable trend is the transition from gasoline to electric engines in traditional performance cars, such as the Mustang Mach-E SUV and the Corvette. In the coming years, we anticipate an all-electric Stingray with 1000 horsepower, and potentially an SUV version.Stay informed; electric vehicles are here to stay.
Classic Cars
Classic Cars
Will classic cars remain collectible? Is the interest in these cars a temporary fascination of the older generation, including baby boomers? Will terms like "3-deuces", "dual quads", "4-speed", "high-test gas", "muscle cars", "land yachts", and "hot rods" fade away? Will there be anyone left to appreciate the unique styling features, chrome accents, fins, hard tops, vinyl tops, fastbacks, and muscle cars?
1969 Factory 427 Bel Air
Remember when purchasing a new vehicle involved selecting from multiple options, including model, trim levels, exterior and interior colors, performance packages, and engine/transmission choices? Those were memorable times.Is there another generation prepared to continue this legacy, or will these classic cars end up abandoned in garages and junkyards?
Younger car enthusiasts seem more focused on customizing and personalizing performance cars and trucks from the 2000s. These vehicles feature small engine displacements, high horsepower, computerized engine tuning, sophisticated electronics, impressive performance, and good fuel efficiency, making them highly appealing.
I recall the popularity of restored Model T’s and A’s during my youth, which now appear to be largely forgotten. Is there a future for our classic 50s and 60s cars?
Classic60s
First Aid Kit for My C2 Corvette
When cruising in your classic car on the weekend, do you worry about potential breakdowns and how to handle them? With no parts readily available and limited options, calling a flatbed service might be necessary. Many classic cars are equipped with aging belts, hoses, points, condensers, distributor caps, rotors, and ignition coils—components prone to failure.To address this, I created an Emergency Parts kit, providing a chance to repair issues instead of waiting for help. Although I did not seek NCRS original parts, I sourced good quality, new parts from Amazon and eBay for approximately $100, including:
- Alternator belt
- Water pump belt
- Ignition coil
- Points and condenser
- Assorted hose clamps
- 3/8 drive socket set
- Set of wrenches
- A couple of screwdrivers
- Pliers
- Vice grips
- Feeler gauge
- Electrical tape
- Box of assorted screws and bolts
All this fits in an inexpensive 24” plastic toolbox.
Classic60s
Is it Classic, Antique, or Muscle Car
(click on photo)
Some of the most recognisable and collectable:
- Chevelle SS, All-Big Block full-Size Chevys, Big Block Nova, Corvette, Camaro
- Pontiac GTO, GTO Judge, Firebird
- Buick GXS, Buick Riviera, Buick Skylark Gran Sport, Buick Skylark GS455
- Olds 442
- Plymouth Road Runner, Plymouth Duster 340, Plymouth Barracuda, Plymouth Superbird, Plymouth GTX 440+6,Hemi Barracuda
- Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, Dodge Super Bee
- Ford Shelby Mustangs, Ford Fairlane Torino GT Cobra Jet, Galaxy 427, 1969 Ford Talladega, 1967 Shelby 427 Cobra
- AMC AMX, AMC Rebel, AMC Javlin, AMC AMX 390 SS, AMC SC/Rambler
2014 Corvette & 1967 Corvette
My 2014 C7 Corvette Stingray with Kalahari Convertible Top
Car is Arctic White and has under 10,000 miles on it.
2LT trim, 455 HP
My 1967 Corvette
Car is rally red with stock rally wheels. Original N14 sidepipe option. Engine is the L79 350hp, 327 . Transmission is a Muncie M20. Car has the original motor, tranny, and 3.70:1 posi rear. Softray tinted glass and black interior. Click on the "My 67 Photos" tab for more pictures.
Attention Car Clubs:
Send us your Show or Cruise schedules and we will add them to our site.