Classic car shows
Classic car shows are similar to vintage auto shows, but with a broader range of cars beyond just the antiques. Marvel at vehicles with historical and cultural significance, such as early-model Porsche 911s from the 1960s, Chevrolet Corvette C1 Stingrays from the 1950s and the Type 1 Volkswagen Beetle from the 1940s.
Wheels On The Danforth, Toronto
Presented by the Crossroads of the Danforth BIA in Toronto’s East End, Wheels On The Danforth is Toronto’s only street-judged car show.
View hundreds of classic cars, ranging from hot rods and movie cars to tuners and muscle cars on the packed streets. This all-day event features awards and cash prizes for visitors, so keep an eye on their website for the times of various exciting events.
In addition to the array of cars, there will be food, vendors, buskers and live bands, plus a kids’ zone. Admission is free.
Date: August 17, 2024
Location:
3400 Danforth Avenue, Scarborough
British Car Day, Oakville
Hosted annually on the third Sunday of September, British Car Day is North America’s largest one-day, fully British car show celebrating vintage, classic and current British-manufactured vehicles.
Since it launched in 1984, this event has continuously grown, attracting more than 800 British cars and over 8,000 spectators in 2023. British car owners travel from across Ontario, the Maritime provinces, the northeast United States, the United Kingdom and even New Zealand to attend.
The “Vendor Village” showcases over 50 British-related vendors with new and used goods for sale, such as car parts, complete cars, T-shirts, hats, tools and end-of-season specials. Food vendors are also on-site.
Date: September 15, 2024
Location: Bronte Creek Provincial Park, 1219 Burloak Drive, Oakville
Burlington Car Show, Burlington
Explore exotic vehicles and cars from the last few decades at the Burlington Car Show.
Over 30,000 visitors attend this event every year and it’s been officially recognized as one of the city’s top three summer events. Enjoy a spectacular collection of classic cars, including European sports cars, American muscle cars and 60s and 70s road demons.
Admission is free, though this car show also serves to raise funds for local causes like the Halton Food for Thought program, Halton Women’s Place and Reach Out Centre for Kids.
Lively music, sidewalk sales, vendors with unique items and delicious foods from local restaurants keep guests of all ages entertained.
Date: July 6, 2024
Location: Brant Street, between Caroline Street and Lakeshore Road, Burlington
Kars on King, Oshawa
One of the must-see events in Oshawa every summer, Kars on King is a free public car show that features hundreds of classic vehicles in the downtown area.
View mint condition vehicles from 1991 or older and enjoy live music on the main stage. Kids will love the crafts and inflatables in the Family Zone.
Admission is free, but donations are accepted.
You may also want to visit the nearby Canadian Automotive Museum to learn more about the rich automotive history in Oshawa.
Date: August 23, 2024
Location: Downtown Oshawa
Annual Show n’ Shine Car Show, St. Catharines
Held inside the sprawling General Motors (GM) factory in St. Catharines, the Annual Show n’ Shine Car Show is Canada’s largest GM-powered car show.
The original show in 1998 was organized by passionate GM employees with just 16 Corvettes featured. Over the years, this car show has grown to display around 400 vehicles powered by GM engines, drawing spectators from across Ontario and New York state.
Awards are given to the car show entrants in categories such as Best of Show, Best Vintage, Most Radical and more.
Browse through an array of vendors, special displays and food stalls. All earnings from the show are donated to United Way Niagara.
Date: Check back for the 2024 date.
Location: General Motors of Canada Company, 570 Glendale Avenue, St. Catharines
Blenheim Classics Auto Show, Blenheim
Whether you’re looking to shop for a new car or just admire them, you’ll enjoy the Blenheim Classics Auto Show.
Browse more than 150 classic, unmodified vehicles, all from 1988 or older. You’ll have the chance to review all the cars on display, ask questions to representatives and possibly purchase one of the beautiful vehicles. There will also be fun activities for visitors to participate in.
Tickets are free, though canned food donations to the Blenheim Food Bank are welcome. This event runs rain or shine, so dress for the weather.
Date: June 22, 2024
Location: Downtown Blenheim
Country Cruizin’, London
View unique, classic cars from across Southern Ontario at Country Cruizin’.
This event hosts “Cruize Nights”, which showcases a different feature car every week at the picturesque Plunkett Estate. Past cars have included a 1964 Volvo Model PV 544, a 1939 Chrysler and a 1967 Beaumont.
In addition to cars, enjoy entertaining activities, music and delicious food like barbecue, ice cream and more.
Entrance is by donation with all proceeds going to District Lions Club projects serving its communities.
“Cruize Nights” run every Thursday from 5:00 p.m. to dusk, lasting from May to September.
Date: Every Thursday from May 9–September 19, 2024
Location: Plunkett Estate, 9282 Elviage Drive, London
Westport Car Show, Westport
This family-friendly car show is held annually on the shores of Upper Rideau Lake, part of the Rideau Canal UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a one-day, non-judging, show, shine and cruise event. More than 200 antique, vintage, classic, collectible, custom and exotic vehicles are expected to be on display.
In addition to the show, attendees can visit antique carriages and tractors, race remote-controlled cars, try driving simulators and play racing video games.
Admission is free. Proceeds from the show’s raffles and draws support local Westport charities.
Date: July 20, 2024
Location: Westport Community Arena and Lockwood Memorial Park, 37 Spring Street, Westport
Dream Wheels on Eglinton, Toronto
Having made its successful debut in 2023, Dream Wheels on Eglinton is a unique vintage car and bike show in Midtown Toronto. Experience hundreds of classic hot rods, muscle cars, race cars, exotics and motorcycles along Eglinton Avenue West. The event also features street vendors, live music, kid’s activities, a glamour pin-up contest, a beverage garden, an awards ceremony and more.
The event is in partnership with Toronto Hot Rod Kulture and Road Reapers Car Club in support of the SickKids Foundation. Admission is free and donations are welcome.
Date: July 27, 2024
Location: Eglinton Avenue West from Elmsthorpe Avenue to Russell Hill Road, Toronto