The days of stodgy, old school auto shows are slowly fading, with some of them getting canceled due to insufficient automaker participation and low funds. A great example is the historically significant Geneva Auto Show, which in 2023 was hosted in Qatar and funded by local businesses.
The decline of auto shows in the USA, such as the New York International Auto Show is also showing signs of the future for these gatherings, as automakers are finding new and more interesting ways to launch their cars and consumers are drawn to more exciting car shows of different styles and variety. The ever growing web of new car events, hosted by both small communities and larger entities, serve great pleasure for both classic and new car buyers and enthusiasts. And with the summer of 2024 approaching, now’s a great time to make some plans and visit a few of the best ones.
Radwood | Multiple events in Spring, Summer and Fall
A celebration of 80s and 90s both in cars and everything cultural, Radwood has been the car event of the moment for quite some time. Multiple events happen every year all over the United States and it’s easy to understand why there is so much attention towards it. Radwood gained popularity in recent years among car enthusiasts who have a fondness for the aesthetics and culture of the late 20th century. Radwood is a place where you will not feel out of place both in a base model Ford Escort, and in a Ferrari F40. And because this gathering is also about fashion, music and period pop culture in general, everyone who likes to reminisce about this period will find that they can participate and enjoy themselves even without owning a period vehicle.
Hot August Nights in Nevada | 2-11th August
Can there be a more American name for a car event? Hot August Nights is an annual classic car and nostalgia festival held in Reno, Nevada, and surrounding areas. It takes place in early August and lasts for several days. The event started in 1986 and has since become one of the largest classic car gatherings in the United States. A wide variety of activities are held, including car shows, cruises and drag races. Classic car enthusiasts from all over the country gather to showcase their vehicles – restored vintage cars, hot rods, muscle cars, custom vehicles and everything in between. The event also includes themed activities and entertainment that evoke the nostalgia of the 1950s and 1960s, such as sock hops, retro fashion contests, and drive-in movie screenings. Hot August Nights has grown significantly over the years and attracts a huge chunk of participants and spectators from all over the country annually.
Atlantic Nationals Automotive Extravaganza | 3-7th July
Yes, that is the full name of this massive event and yes, apparently there is a more American name for a car show, even if it’s held in Canada. The Atlantic Nationals is a major car event that happens annually in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada over several days in July and is one of the largest automotive gatherings in Canada. Car shows, cruise-ins, motorsport competitions and even swap meets are held. The gatherings have the typical, colourful and unique spread of vehicles. Over 2000 examples come to the show – everything from classic cars to modern muscle, custom built trucks and motorcycles can be admired here. Attendees can gaze at the vehicles on display, meet fellow enthusiasts, enjoy live entertainment, and other attractions. The show has been attracting thousands of participants and spectators from across Canada and the United States for 23 years.
Japanese Classic Car Show | 12th October
Held annually in Long Beach, Southern California, JCCS is one of the largest meetings in the United States, dedicated solely to classic Japanese automobiles. The JCCS features a wide array of vintage Japanese cars from the 1960s through the 1990s. Everything Toyota, Nissan, Datsun, Honda, Mazda, Subaru and Mitsubishi are welcome. Attendees can expect to see everything from compact cars and sporty coupes to performance models and rare imports.
In recent times, there has been a notable surge in Acuras and Hondas attending JCCS, particularly second-generation Integra owners consistently making an appearance. First and second-generation CRXs, restored, fully original or modified NSXs are unmistakably appreciated by JDM enthusiasts and can also be seen at this event. JCCS is experiencing record-high attendance, drawing both newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts alike from all over the world.
Monterey Car Week | 9-18th August
This is quite literally the biggest gathering of the car community in the USA. It can certainly be challenging to navigate all these different events, but this one in California covers it all for you. Monterey Car Week simply cannot be missed – the variety, excess and shear amount of special vehicles at this monstrous event can be extremely overwhelming, but it is certainly worth a visit.
Ultrace | 29-30th June
If the golden age of Le Mans racers or restored, multi-million dollar Ferraris isn’t your thing, than Ultrace might be. The latest ideas and creations in stance, tuning and custom car culture is what sets this show apart. Happening in Wrocław, Poland, Ultrace should be high on your bucket list for 2024 if you are into this sort of thing. Last year’s event was very successful with an elaborate variety of restomods, classic european, japanese tuner cars and brand new, highly customized DIY machinery.
Essen Techno Classica | 3-7th April
The Techno Classica event in Essen, Germany claims to be the number 1 of classic car fairs in Europe. Nearly 200 thousand people attend this show, and this year's event is no slouch, as Opel, Rolls-Royce, Scuderia Ferrari, Morgan and the legendary Mini are celebrating their birthdays with a wide range of exciting stagings and exhibitions.
The VW Golf will also be celebrated, as the popular hatchback of the people is marking 40 years of production. In total around 2700 vintage and prestigious automobiles are expected to show up and form a diverse exhibition over a 5 day period.
Auto e Moto d’Epoca Bologna | 24-27th April
Competing with Techno Classica in Essen is the Auto e Moto d'Epoca Bologna – another prestigious event, standing out as one of Europe's most premier marketplaces dedicated to vintage cars, holding the title of the continent's largest international meeting for automotive enthusiasts and collectors. There are over 5,000 cars available for purchase at this event every tear– that’s nearly double the exhibition size of Techno Classica in Essen.
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Attendees are transported through different time periods in the car world, connected with the past, present and future of the automotive scene. Auto e Moto d'Epoca is an intergenerational event, capturing a very widespread audience of all ages and interests. It's like Disneyland for the car-centric individual, only the merchandise here is quite a bit more expensive with both classic and brand new car exhibitions.
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