21 Must-See Classic Car Events In 2025, And 5 You’d Never Expect To Be This Good
Classic car events are like stepping into a time machine, minus the awkward time paradox.
I still remember my first Woodward Dream Cruise, where the endless rows of cars felt like a living, breathing museum of horsepower. In 2025, the calendar is packed with unforgettable experiences.
Whether it’s the legendary Le Mans Classic or the quirky Hagerty Festival of the Unexceptional, there’s something for every car enthusiast.
Some events are well-known, while others are hidden gems, offering up nostalgia and chrome in equal measure.
1. Greenwich Concours d’Elegance
Champagne glasses clink against a backdrop of million-dollar classics at Connecticut’s premier automotive event.
The waterfront setting at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park creates a perfect canvas for vintage Ferraris and pre-war Packards alike.
Family-friendly despite its upscale reputation, kids can enjoy the Junior Judging program while parents drool over automotive masterpieces.
Mark May 30–June 1 on your calendar for this three-day celebration of automotive excellence.
2. Falls Village Car and Motorcycle Show
Nestled in Connecticut’s picturesque Litchfield Hills, this July gem transforms the sleepy town of Falls Village into a rumbling paradise of chrome and steel.
Local garages empty as hidden treasures roll into the village green on July 13.
Unlike fancier shows, this grassroots gathering welcomes everything from barn-find Model Ts to meticulously restored muscle cars.
The homemade pie at the church bake sale alone is worth the trip – trust me on this one!
3. Cruise-In at Two Roads Brewery
Craft beer meets classic chrome at this laid-back Stratford gathering. July 27th brings together two American obsessions: amazing automobiles and exceptional brews.
The parking lot transforms into an informal car museum where stories flow as freely as the beer.
No judges, no trophies – just enthusiasts sharing tales about restoration nightmares and barn finds.
Food trucks serve up gourmet grub while Two Roads pours limited editions that perfectly complement a summer evening of automotive eye candy.
4. AMCs at the Drive-In
Javelin. Gremlin. Pacer. Names that make mainstream collectors scratch their heads but send AMC fanatics into a frenzy.
This quirky August 23rd gathering celebrates American Motors Corporation’s offbeat contributions to automotive history at Southington’s vintage drive-in theater.
The evening includes a showing of classic car movies on the big screen.
Bring your lawn chair and prepare for some serious AMC love – these passionate owners don’t just restore their cars, they rescue automotive underdogs from obscurity.
5. Sock Hop & Car Show
Poodle skirts swirl around polished fenders at Prospect’s most nostalgic event of the year.
August 24th isn’t just a car show – it’s a full-blown time warp to the fabulous fifties, complete with live doo-wop bands and root beer floats.
The parking lot becomes a sea of tail fins and two-tone paint jobs. Dance instructors offer free lessons for those brave enough to try the Lindy Hop.
Come for the cars, stay for the feeling that Buddy Holly might just show up for an impromptu set.
6. New England Concours d’Elegance
Autumn leaves provide a fiery backdrop for gleaming coachwork at Farmington’s elegant showcase on October 12th.
Unlike summer shows, this event offers the rare pleasure of seeing classic cars against New England’s famous fall foliage.
The judging is serious business here – microscopes practically come out to inspect engine bays and upholstery stitching.
But the real magic happens when the afternoon sun hits those vintage curves, creating the kind of photos that become desktop wallpapers for car lovers everywhere.
7. Car Show on the Beach
Sandy shores meet hot wheels at Morris’s unconventional October gathering.
Brave owners park their precious metal mere feet from the lapping waters of Bantam Lake on October 19th, creating Instagram-worthy scenes that defy conventional car show wisdom.
Bundle up! The crisp autumn air adds a certain magic as exhaust vapor mingles with morning mist over the water.
Local food vendors serve hot apple cider and fresh donuts to warm up attendees who come as much for the scenery as for the automotive eye candy.
8. Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este
Mamma mia! The Italians practically invented automotive sex appeal, and this legendary May gathering on Lake Como proves it.
Europe’s most prestigious classic car event transforms the grounds of a 16th-century villa into automotive heaven.
Rare Maseratis and one-off Alfa Romeos pose against Renaissance architecture and azure waters.
The competition is fierce, but so is the people-watching – European aristocrats mingle with racing legends over espresso.
Save your pennies for this bucket-list experience that combines la dolce vita with mechanical masterpieces.
9. Targa Newfoundland
Forget static displays – this September rally puts classics through their paces across Canada’s rugged eastern province.
From September 11-18, vintage speed machines tackle challenging coastal roads in a test of both car and driver.
What makes this event special? The stunning maritime backdrop and the fact that these treasures actually get driven hard.
Local communities turn out in force, creating impromptu parties at checkpoints. Seeing a 1960s Porsche 911 catching air over a coastal hill is worth the trip to this remote corner of North America.
10. Modesto American Graffiti Festival
George Lucas’s hometown goes all-out celebrating the film that put it on the map.
June 7-8 transforms downtown Modesto into a living recreation of the director’s classic coming-of-age film, complete with period-correct hot rods and customs.
The parade down McHenry Avenue recreates the movie’s famous cruising scene. Rockabilly bands provide the soundtrack while families picnic alongside gleaming examples of 1950s Americana.
For one weekend, you’ll swear you’ve stepped through a portal to 1962 – just watch out for John Milner’s yellow deuce coupe!
11. Summernats
Aussies don’t do anything halfway, especially their car culture. January’s tire-smoking extravaganza in Canberra is part car show, part motorsport event, and entirely bonkers.
The burnout competition alone is worth the long-haul flight to the southern hemisphere.
Muscle cars dominate, with magnificent Holdens and Falcons stealing the spotlight from their American cousins.
The horsepower wars here are serious business – 1,000+ hp street machines aren’t uncommon. Pack sunscreen and earplugs for this sensory overload that showcases Australia’s unique automotive obsessions.
12. Rockynats
Queensland’s answer to Summernats brings high-octane action to Rockhampton at a date still being finalized for 2025.
The whole city becomes a playground for petrolheads, with street drags, burnout competitions, and show-n-shine displays throughout downtown.
The riverside setting adds a tropical vibe to proceedings. Local beef (Rockhampton is Australia’s beef capital) features prominently at food stalls between events.
This younger festival has quickly become a must-attend for Australian car culture, blending family-friendly activities with serious automotive competition.
13. Goodguys Pacific Northwest Nationals
The scent of pine trees mingles with high-octane fuel at Puyallup’s summer classic, running July 25-27.
The Washington State Fair Events Center becomes hot rod heaven as thousands of pre-1987 beauties roll in from across the Pacific Northwest.
What sets this show apart is the incredible diversity. Rat rods with intentional rust park beside million-dollar customs.
The swap meet section hides unbelievable treasures for the patient hunter. Don’t miss the autocross where these classics prove they’re not just pretty faces – they can corner too!
14. Goodguys West Coast Nationals
Hot rod heaven descends on Pleasanton August 22-24, transforming the Alameda County Fairgrounds into the epicenter of California car culture.
The Golden State’s perfect weather creates the ideal backdrop for candy-colored customs and chopped Mercurys.
This isn’t just any Goodguys event – it’s their crown jewel. The coveted “America’s Most Beautiful Street Rod” award creates fierce but friendly competition.
Bring comfortable shoes to cover the massive grounds and an empty trunk for automobilia shopping – the vendor area is dangerously tempting for collectors.
15. Antique and Classic Car Show
Wildomar’s May 31st gathering proves small towns often host the most charming car events.
This intimate Southern California show emphasizes quality over quantity, creating space for meaningful conversations with owners who’ve poured their hearts into these mechanical time capsules.
The relaxed atmosphere encourages families to bring picnics and make a day of it. Unlike mega-events, you’ll actually get to hear engines start and see cars in motion during the parade lap.
The handmade trophies might not be fancy, but they’re awarded with genuine enthusiasm that makes winners beam with pride.
16. Four-Alarm Collector Car Show
Firefighters and classic cars create an explosive combination at Lutherville’s May 10th charity event.
The fire station’s apron and surrounding streets fill with gleaming chrome while vintage fire trucks take center stage.
Kids climb aboard restored emergency vehicles from every era. The pancake breakfast fuels visitors for a day of automotive exploration.
Every penny raised goes to burn treatment centers, giving this grassroots gathering heart beyond the hardware.
The firefighter-judged awards add unique perspective – these folks know quality machinery when they see it!
17. Ol’ South Pancake House Classic Car Show
Flapjacks and flatheads form a perfect pairing at Fort Worth’s tastiest car event on May 10th.
This Texas tradition combines two American classics – all-day breakfast and beautiful automobiles – in the parking lot of a legendary local diner.
The informal atmosphere attracts everything from daily-driven classics to museum-worthy restorations.
Between admiring cars, pop inside for the house specialty – German pancakes that puff up like automotive dreams.
The morning start time means perfect light for photography before the brutal Texas heat kicks in.
18. Rats & Rods Car Party
Perfectly imperfect describes Manistee’s celebration of automotive underdogs on May 10th.
This Michigan gathering embraces the rat rod philosophy – creativity trumps budget, and character beats polish every time.
The Lake Michigan shoreline provides a gritty industrial backdrop for these mechanical misfits.
Builders compete for most innovative use of repurposed parts – past winners include shifters made from hand grenades and gas tanks from old beer kegs.
The rockabilly bands and pinup contest complete the retro vibe of this delightfully different automotive gathering.
19. Park Ridge Car Show
Main Street transforms into memory lane during this charming New Jersey town’s May 10th event.
Now in its 14th year, this gathering has perfected the art of the small-town car show, with local businesses getting into the spirit by offering special “car show menus” and sidewalk sales.
The multi-generational appeal shines as grandparents share stories about cars they once owned while kids marvel at designs from another era.
The downtown setting creates perfect photo opportunities with historic buildings framing automotive treasures. Arrive early to catch the morning procession as cars roll into position.
20. Loafers Car Show
Mississippi River views enhance the chrome and candy-colored paint at Hannibal’s riverside gathering on May 10th.
Mark Twain’s hometown knows how to throw a party, combining literary heritage with automotive passion in a uniquely American celebration.
Downtown streets close to traffic, creating pedestrian-friendly zones around themed car groupings. Local restaurants serve Twain-inspired specials to hungry enthusiasts.
The sunset awards ceremony with the mighty Mississippi as backdrop creates magical moments as golden hour light kisses curved fenders and proud owner faces.
21. Breakthrough Car Show
History meets horsepower at Petersburg’s Civil War battlefield on May 10th.
This Virginia event uniquely combines automotive enthusiasm with American history lessons, as interpretive signs explain the significance of the ground where gleaming classics now peacefully gather.
The juxtaposition of 19th-century history and 20th-century machinery creates fascinating conversations. Park rangers offer special tours between car viewing.
The entry fee supports battlefield preservation, making your automotive indulgence educational and patriotic all at once!
22. Pups & Pints Car Show
Four-wheeled beauties meet four-legged friends at Colebrook’s most heartwarming event on June 15th.
This Connecticut gathering combines classic cars, craft beer, and canine companions to create the perfect Father’s Day weekend activity.
The dog-friendly atmosphere includes water stations and shade tents for furry attendees. Local shelters bring adoptable pups who often find forever homes.
The “Best Car-Dog Combo” award creates hilarious scenarios as owners try to coordinate their pets with their vehicles – imagine a spotted Dalmatian with a similarly-painted hot rod!
23. Cruisin’ The 50’s
Newburyport’s historic waterfront becomes a time machine on August 21st, transporting visitors to the golden age of American automobiles.
Massachusetts’ most picturesque harbor town provides a colonial backdrop for tailfins and chrome bumpers that somehow works perfectly.
The oldies band plays from the gazebo while couples dance between rows of parked classics. Local ice cream shops offer special “car-themed” flavors for the event.
The sunset cruise through town caps off the evening, with rumbling exhausts echoing off buildings that witnessed the Revolutionary War.
24. Greg Borrelli’s May Madness
Automotive obsession reaches fever pitch at San Rafael’s legendary gathering on May 10th.
What began as one man’s birthday celebration has evolved into Northern California’s most anticipated spring car event, spreading across multiple downtown blocks.
The California car culture shines with everything from lowriders to woodies. Greg himself still walks the show, sharing stories with first-timers and veterans alike.
The informal atmosphere encourages spontaneous engine revving and impromptu car talks between complete strangers who become fast friends over shared mechanical passions.
25. Carz Spring Dust-Off
Vermont’s season-opening celebration feels like automotive hibernation ending at White River Junction on May 10th.
After long northern winters stored under covers, classics emerge blinking into the spring sunshine, ready for another season of shows and cruises.
The swap meet section draws serious parts hunters before dawn. Local maple syrup vendors offer the perfect Vermont souvenir between car gazing.
The laid-back atmosphere reflects the Green Mountain State’s approach to life – unhurried appreciation of craftsmanship and beauty, with time to chat with every interesting owner.
26. Historic Wilbraham Hill Climb
Gravity becomes the enemy at Massachusetts’ most challenging car event on May 10th.
Unlike static shows, this revival of a 1908 competition tests vintage vehicles against a steep incline that had early automobiles struggling in first gear.
Spectators line the historic route, cheering on everything from brass-era antiques to 1970s muscle cars. The picnic atmosphere on the hillside creates community among viewers.
Watching a century-old Model T conquer the same hill it might have climbed when new connects generations of automotive enthusiasm in a uniquely visceral way.