18Jun
The Ultimate Guide to Weekend Car Shows You Can’t Miss
Car culture thrives on shared passion, and there’s no better way to dive in than at a weekend car show. Vintage street rods, modified drift machines, or concours-level masterpieces - our curated lineup has something to fuel every obsession.
Kick things off with local meets where coffee and camaraderie take center stage, or go all-in at national events packing swap meets, burnouts, and fireworks. Prefer a side of history with your horsepower? Pebble Beach and Monterey Car Week deliver elegance, while SEMA and IAA Mobility showcase the cutting edge.
Grab your sunglasses, cue up your favorite driving playlist, and hit the road. Here are the best 2025 car shows to rev up your summer (and beyond). This list includes a mix of classic car meets, international expos, and performance-focused events.
1. June 21 – Caliber Collision Cars & Coffee (Waukesha, WI)
This local favorite returns to Caliber Collision on Duplainville Road from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. CDT, offering a relaxed, family-friendly morning of cars, coffee, and community.
All makes and models are welcome—if it’s got wheels, bring it. There’s no entry fee, but attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations for the Pewaukee Food Pantry.
Expect complimentary donuts and coffee, 50/50 raffles, and a welcoming vibe that makes this more than just a parking lot hangout. It’s a grassroots celebration of car culture, as all car shows should be.
2. June 21–22 – Mobile Bay NSRA Street Rod Nationals (Mobile, AL)
Held at The Grounds in Mobile, this National Street Rod Association event is a magnet for pre-1995 classics, customs, and muscle cars. With nearly 1,000 vehicles expected, it’s a chrome-and-candy-paint spectacle.
Beyond the cars, there’s a swap meet, arts & crafts, live music, and even a Pin-Up Girl Contest. Gates open at 8:00 a.m. both days, with admission at $20 for adults, $6 for kids 6–12, and free for children under 5. Military personnel, seniors, and NSRA members get discounted entry - so, mark your car shows 2025 calendar.
3. June 27–28 – Down To Earth x PPIR Ascend (Fountain, CO)
This is not your average car show— a two-day motorsports festival at Pikes Peak International Raceway. Formerly known as Down To Earth Days, the rebranded Ascend event blends a curated car show with drifting, drag racing, hot laps, burnout competitions, and a drift skills battle.
Everyone with an eye out for car shows near me should expect 500+ modified vehicles, live DJs, food trucks, and a fireworks show to cap off the action.
General admission ranges from $25 to $150, with free entry for kids under 9. Camping is available, and the garage party vibes go well into the night.
4. June 27–29 – Rocky Mountain Street Rod Nationals (Pueblo, CO)
Celebrating its 40th anniversary, this NSRA event at the Colorado State Fairgrounds is a must-see for fans of vintage American iron. Open to vehicles 30 years and older, it features swap meets, live entertainment, pinstriping demos, and the ever-popular Streets of Rods showcase.
Spectator hours run from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and until 12:30 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $20 for adults, $6 for kids 6–12, and free for the under-5 crowd. Still searching for car meets near me? Discounted tickets are available at O’Reilly Auto Parts.
5. July 4–6: Goodguys Heartland Nationals – Des Moines, IA
Held at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, the 34th Speedway Motors Heartland Nationals is one of the Midwest’s largest hot rod gatherings. Expect 5,000+ pre-1999 classics, muscle cars, customs, and trucks.
The event features AutoCross racing, a swap meet, Cars 4 Sale Corral, live music, and a Saturday night fireworks extravaganza. Gates open at 8:00 a.m. daily, with extended hours on Saturday until 8:00 p.m.
Sunday’s “All American Sunday” welcomes all years of American-powered vehicles. It’s a full-throttle Fourth of July weekend for gearheads and families.
6. July 10–12: Iola Car Show & Swap Meet – Iola, WI
Dubbed “America’s Greatest Car Show & Swap Meet,” the Iola Car Show is a massive three-day event drawing over 120,000 attendees to the small town of Iola. With 2,500 show cars, 4,000 swap spaces, 400 car corral spots, and 1,600 campsites, it’s a paradise for collectors and casual fans.
The 2025 theme is “4x4Fun!”, and special guests include Stacey David, Heather Storm, and the Vice Grip Garage crew. Expect concerts, pin-up contests, celebrity meet-and-greets, and some of the best fair food in the Midwest.
7. July 12: Annual July Jamboree Car Show – Cedar City, UT
Now in its 28th year, the July Jamboree transforms Historic Downtown Cedar City into a vibrant street festival from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Sponsored by the Cedar City Rotary Club, this free event features hundreds of classic cars, trucks, and bikes, plus vendor booths, live music, a beer garden, and family-friendly activities like bounce houses. It’s a one-day celebration of community and chrome, perfect for a summer evening stroll.
8. August 10–18: Classic Car Week – Monterey, CA
Monterey Car Week is the Super Bowl of car culture. Spanning nine days, it features a dizzying lineup of events across the Monterey Peninsula—from vintage racing at Laguna Seca to luxury auctions, manufacturer debuts, and concours shows.
Highlights include The Quail, Legends of the Autobahn, Motorlux, and Exotics on Broadway. Whether you're into pre-war Bugattis or modern hypercars, this is where the world’s rarest and most valuable vehicles gather.
Many events are free, but VIP experiences and auctions (like RM Sotheby’s and Gooding & Co.) require tickets. It’s a bucket-list pilgrimage for collectors, enthusiasts, and dreamers.
9. August 17: Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance – Pebble Beach, CA
The crown jewel of Monterey Car Week, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is held on the 18th fairway of the Pebble Beach Golf Links. This is where the world’s finest collector cars compete for the coveted Best of Show title.
Judging is based on historical accuracy, elegance, and technical merit, and the field includes everything from pre-war classics to concept cars and coachbuilt rarities.
The 2025 edition marks the 74th running of the event, with gates opening at 5:30 a.m. and awards presented in the afternoon. Tickets start around $495, and the experience is nothing short of automotive royalty.
10. August 23–24: US Car Classics – Großbeeren, Germany
Held in the scenic gardens of Schloss Diedersdorf, just outside Berlin, the US Car Classics is a celebration of American automotive nostalgia. Expect a dazzling display of classic American cars and bikes, from 1950s cruisers to muscle cars and hot rods.
The event also features live commentary, daily trophy ceremonies, vintage vendors, restoration services, and even tattoo studios.
It’s a full-on Americana experience, complete with burgers, milkshakes, and rockabilly vibes, set against a historic European backdrop. Gates open at 10:00 a.m., and tickets are €15 for adults, €5 for kids, with discounts for those in period attire.
11. September 5–7: Armenia EXPO Auto Showcase – Yerevan, Armenia
Part of the 24th Armenia EXPO, this showcase is held at the Karen Demirchyan Complex and features a wide range of exhibitors from Armenia, Russia, Iran, China, and Europe.
The auto pavilion includes new vehicle launches, aftermarket parts, auto leasing, and EV tech. It’s a key B2B event for the Caucasus region, offering a platform for dealers, suppliers, and investors to connect.
12. September 6–14: Thessaloniki International Fair – Thessaloniki, Greece
Celebrating its 89th edition, this iconic fair is Greece’s largest exhibition event, held at the Thessaloniki International Exhibition Centre.
Mark your car shows 2025 calendar because the 2025 edition marks the 100th anniversary of the fair’s founding and features a robust automotive and mobility section, alongside exhibitions on energy, tech, gastronomy, and public services.
Expect international exhibitors, live concerts, and cultural showcases—a true fusion of commerce and celebration.
13. September 9–14: IAA Mobility Auto Show – Munich, Germany
Europe’s premier mobility event returns with a dual format: the IAA Summit at Messe München for industry professionals (Sept 9–12), and the IAA Open Space in downtown Munich (Sept 9–14) for the public.
This show is a global platform for EVs, autonomous tech, smart cities, and sustainable transport. Expect world premieres, test drives, and visionary concept vehicles from top automakers and startups.
14. September 13–14: Electric Vehicle Showcase – Detroit, MI, USA
Part of National Drive Electric Month, this grassroots showcase features test drives, owner Q&As, and local EV exhibitors.
While not as large as the Detroit Auto Show or EV Tech Expo (which follows in October), it’s a great opportunity for hands-on EV experiences and community engagement. Expect participation from local dealerships, advocacy groups, and charging infrastructure providers.
15. September 19–21: MIO Olten Fair Auto Pavilion – Olten, Switzerland
Held in the heart of Olten, this regional trade fair blends local industry showcases with a festival atmosphere. The Auto Pavilion features cars, bikes, tuning accessories, and mobility services, alongside booths for home goods, food, and crafts.
With free admission, live entertainment, and a family-friendly vibe, it’s a charming contrast to the big-league expos for those ready to explore 2025 car shows.
16. October 7–12: SAB Auto Show – Bucharest, Romania
Held at ROMEXPO Exhibition Center, the Salonul Auto București & Accesorii (SAB) is Romania’s premier automotive trade fair. Now in its 26th edition, SAB blends new car debuts, EV showcases, and aftermarket innovations with a strong B2B focus.
Expect a wide range of exhibitors—from global automakers to local tuners—showcasing passenger cars, commercial vehicles, electric and hybrid models, and auto accessories. The show also features live demos, test drives, industry panels, and a dedicated green mobility zone.
With over 70,000 visitors expected, it’s a must-attend for anyone interested in the future of mobility in Eastern Europe.
17. October 10–12: VETERAMA Classic Car Market – Mannheim, Germany
Celebrating its 50th anniversary, VETERAMA Mannheim is Europe’s largest and most storied vintage vehicle and parts market. Held at the Maimarktgelände, this sprawling event features 4,000+ vendors, 26 kilometers of exhibit space, and tens of thousands of visitors from across the continent.
It’s a paradise for collectors, restorers, and tinkerers, offering everything from rare spare parts to barn-find motorcycles, classic cars, and automobilia.
Hunting for a carburetor from a '60s Alfa or just soaking in the nostalgia, VETERAMA is the ultimate autumn pilgrimage for old-school gearheads.
18. November 4–7: SEMA Show – Las Vegas, NV
Held at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the SEMA Show (Specialty Equipment Market Association) is the world’s largest automotive aftermarket trade event. It’s a high-octane showcase of custom builds, performance parts, restyling trends, and emerging tech.
With over 2,000 exhibitors and 4.6 million square feet of displays, it’s where the industry’s biggest players—like Toyota, Ford Performance, and Holley—unveil their wildest concepts and newest gear.
While the show is trade-only from Tuesday to Thursday, Friday, November 7 is open to the public as “SEMA Show Friday.” Enthusiasts can explore the show floor, see one-of-a-kind builds, and even attend SEMA Fest, a car culture celebration with live music, demos, and food trucks. Tickets for Friday start at $116.15, with VIP options available.
19. November 21–30: Los Angeles Auto Show – Los Angeles, CA
Hosted at the Los Angeles Convention Center, the LA Auto Show is one of the oldest and most prestigious consumer auto shows in the world. Spanning 10 days, it features 1,000+ vehicles, world premieres, EV test drives, and immersive exhibits from nearly every major automaker.
From cutting-edge EVs to exotic supercars and family-friendly SUVs, it’s a one-stop shop for car lovers and shoppers.
The show runs daily, including Thanksgiving Day, with extended hours on weekends. It’s a public event, perfect for families, first-time buyers, and hardcore enthusiasts. Expect interactive displays, ride-alongs, and a deep dive into the future of mobility.
20. December 6–7 – Winter Classic Car Show (TBD location—based on past annuals)
The Winter Classic Car Show, typically held the first weekend of December, is a cozy capstone to the classic car calendar.
While the 2025 location is still to be confirmed, past editions have taken place in indoor venues across the Midwest and Northeast U.S., offering enthusiasts a warm, festive setting to admire vintage iron as winter sets in.
Expect a curated mix of pre-war classics, muscle cars, and collector favorites, along with holiday-themed displays, vendor booths, and restoration showcases. The event often includes model car exhibits, live music, and seasonal food vendors, making it a family-friendly affair with nostalgic charm.
If tradition holds, the 2025 edition will run December 6–7, with doors open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day. Ticket prices typically range from $10–$15, with discounts for seniors and kids under 12.
Travel Tips To Car Meets In Europe
Do you plan to attend the oversea shows in this list? Experiencing Europe’s top auto events is a dream for many US car enthusiasts. Here’s how to make the most of your journey:
VETERAMA Classic Car Market – Mannheim, Germany
Fly into Frankfurt (1-hour train to Mannheim). Bring cash—many vendors don’t accept cards. Pack a collapsible trolley for parts and wear sturdy shoes for the sprawling fairgrounds.
SAB Auto Show – Bucharest, Romania
Use rideshare apps like Bolt to avoid taxi scams. English is widely spoken, but learning a few Romanian phrases goes a long way. Stay near Piața Victoriei for easy metro access.
MIO Olten Fair Auto Pavilion – Olten, Switzerland
Olten is a rail hub, so it's perfect for day trips. Swiss trains are punctual, so buy a Swiss Travel Pass for unlimited rides. Switzerland is cash-light, but always carry a few francs for small vendors. Sundays are quiet—plan sightseeing accordingly.
IAA Mobility Auto Show – Munich, Germany
This September event spans the Messe München and downtown. Book accommodations early; rooms fill fast. Use the U-Bahn to navigate between venues. The IAA Open Space downtown is free and family-friendly. Don’t miss the Visionary Club podcast for insider previews.
Thessaloniki International Fair – Thessaloniki, Greece
Fly into SKG airport and stay near the White Tower for walkable access. Greeks dine late, so it doesn't hurt to embrace the local rhythm. Avoid driving; use taxis or walk. Entry includes concerts and cultural showcases.
Armenia EXPO Auto Showcase – Yerevan, Armenia
Yerevan is compact and walkable. Use Yandex Go for rides. US citizens need no visa for stays under 180 days. Exchange money at banks, not kiosks. Try local dishes like khorovats (BBQ) after the show. Tap water is safe, but bottled is preferred.
US Car Classics – Großbeeren, Germany
Stay in Berlin and take the S-Bahn to Großbeeren. Bring a picnic blanket—this is a relaxed, family-style gathering. Expect live rockabilly music and plenty of chrome.
Across all events, pack a universal adapter, download offline maps, and carry a small daypack. Most importantly, leave room in your luggage; you’ll want to bring home more than just memories.
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