Photo courtesy of geogif / iStock / Getty Images Plus
No. 10:
Woodward Dream Cruise – Detroit, Michigan
In 1995, the first Woodward Dream Cruise took place as a small fundraiser to support a local soccer field. Today, it’s the world’s largest one-day automotive event, with some 40,000 classic cars and more than 1 million people in attendance.
Photo courtesy of Kelsey Lester
No. 9:
The Gathering at the Roc – Bartlesville, Oklahoma
Taking place at the Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve, The Gathering at the ROC is a car show for discerning enthusiasts. Attendees can see hundreds of classic cars on a wildlife preserve outside of Bartlesville, prompting organizers to say, “You literally couldn’t find a better backdrop for a bunch of old cars and the people that admire them.” The event starts with the Reliability Run and Kick-off Party on Friday, followed by the car show on Saturday.
Photo courtesy of QCWilly Photography
No. 8:
Iola Car Show – Iola, Wisconsin
One of the longest-running car shows in the country, the Iola Car Show brings in more than 130,000 attendees to check out 2,500 show cars, 4,000 swap spaces, and 400 car corral spaces. Then there’s the concerts, special guests, and other activities throughout the weekend. The 2024 event has a special focus on muscle cars.
Photo courtesy of Rod Shows
No. 7:
Grand National Roadster Show – Pomona, California
The longest running indoor car show in the world, the Grand National Roadster Show brings together more than 500 show vehicles competing for awards, as well as up to 800 vehicles taking part in the annual Grand Daddy Drive-In. Plus, you may get to see a celebrity face here and there.
Photo courtesy of NSRA staff phoro
No. 6:
NSRA Street Rod Nationals – Louisville, Kentucky
The National Street Rod Association’s Street Rod Nationals features cars that are 30 years old and older, along with a swap meet, a builders’ showcase, live entertainment, and much more. The event also includes an RC Car Display and Run and a Kid Zone, making it a true family affair.
Photo courtesy of Antique Automobile Club of America
No. 5:
Eastern Division AACA National Fall Meet – Hershey, Pennsylvania
Each October, classic, vintage, and antique car enthusiasts gather in Hershey, Pennsylvania, for one of the largest antique automobile shows and flea markets in the United States. The four-day Eastern Fall Meet is hosted by the Antique Automobile Club of America.
Photo courtesy of Deremer Studios
No. 4:
The Amelia Concours d’Elegance – Amelia Island, Florida
The annual Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance can be described as a beauty pageant for rare and vintage cars, featuring nearly 300 vehicles from collections around the world. Attendees can peruse entries across 35 car classes, enjoy live entertainment, and relax in a Bavarian beer garden.
Photo courtesy of Triple Crown of Rodding
No. 3:
Triple Crown of Rodding – Lebanon, Tennessee
Taking place at Nashville Superspeedway, the Triple Crown of Rodding celebrates hot rods, customs, classics, and muscle cars made through 1972 along with American-made trucks through 1998. Other activities include meet-and-greets with industry celebrities, cruising the track, a swap meet, live music, and more.
Photo courtesy of MSRA
No. 2:
MSRA Back to the 50’s Weekend – St. Paul, Minnesota
The Minnesota State Fairgrounds in St. Paul hosts Back to the 50’s each summer — a celebration of hot rods, customs, and classics with over 10,000 registered vehicles. The event also includes live ’50s music, a flyover, and a gigantic swap meet, as well as activities and games for kids.
Photo courtesy of Cruisin’ The Coast
No. 1:
Cruisin’ The Coast – Mississippi Gulf Coast
Cruisin’ The Coast is considered “America’s largest block party.” Imagine more than 7,000 vehicles — hot rods, classics, antique vehicles — in a massive car show along the beachside highway on the Mississippi Coast. Car lovers adore this annual event, which has taken over the Mississippi Gulf Coast every year since its inception in 1996. Cruise between the different venues, each a festival in and of itself, and catch live music, food, merchandise, a car auction, swap meet, parade, and plenty of car talk.