Lineups That Drop Jaws
Car shows aren’t just for folks who can rattle off engine specs like they’re reading bedtime stories. These events are for anyone who’s ever slowed down in a parking lot just to admire a slick paint job or secretly snap a photo of a vintage pickup. Some are packed with muscle cars that look like they benchpress small buildings. Others are all about rare classics. So, let’s take a look at 20 car shows worth putting on your radar.
1. Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance
Perched on the 18th fairway of Pebble Beach Golf Links each August, this show is an elite celebration of rolling art. Rare, historically priceless vehicles take center stage, vying for the coveted “Best of Show”—a title that’s as prestigious as a Hollywood Oscar in the car world.
2. SEMA Show
This industry-only event transforms the convention halls into a paradise of outrageous builds and amazing product debuts. With over 2,400 exhibitors and more than 70,000 buyers flooding the floors, it's where creativity hits the gas.
Litage Publishing from Johannesburg, South Africa on Wikimedia
3. Barrett-Jackson Auction
Held every January, the Barrett-Jackson Auction is a top-tier collector car event known for high-dollar muscle and exotic car sales. Over 1,000 vehicles are auctioned across several days, with many proceeds supporting charities. Regulars include industry names like Craig Jackson and car enthusiast Jay Leno.
skinnylawyer from Los Angeles, California, USA on Wikimedia
4. Woodward Dream Cruise
Every August, Detroit’s Woodward Avenue roars back to life with the world’s largest one-day car event. The Woodward Dream Cruise draws over 1 million visitors and 40,000+ classic cars, all rolling in to celebrate Motor City’s muscle car roots.
5. Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance
Unlike other high-end showcases, this March event at The Ritz-Carlton features over 300 rare pre- and post-war vehicles. While more approachable than Pebble Beach, it maintains equal prestige. Past highlights include classes for movie cars and obscure automotive brands.
6. Goodguys PPG Nationals
The Goodguys PPG Nationals brings together 6,000+ classic cars, hot rods, muscle machines, and vintage trucks. The Next Generation Showcase highlights young talent, with live music, food vendors, and family zones completing the weekend experience.
21st Annual Goodguys PPG Nationals Car Show 2018 Columbus, Ohio by California Car Cover
7. LA Auto Show
Taking place each November at the LA Convention Center, the LA Auto Show focuses on global debuts across EVs, SUVs, and supercars. Brands like Tesla, Lucid, and Hyundai often choose it for major launches. Press days include key announcements and celebrity appearances.
Tracey Adams from Atascadero, USA on Wikimedia
8. Chicago Auto Show
Forget what you think you know about car shows—Chicago rewrote the rulebook back in 1901 and never looked back. Expect interactive test tracks and hands-on STEM exhibits. Automakers go all out, showing everything from sleek production models to concept cars, making it a dream for fans.
AdamsDblDwn from Chicago, IL on Wikimedia
9. Monterey Car Week
Car nirvana arrives in Monterey every August, and it doesn’t come quietly. From the Legends of the Autobahn to the Italian Stampede, each gathering is more glamorous than the last. Picture hypercars parked beside vintage racers, concept debuts alongside elite auctions, and much more.
Jay Cross from Berkeley, California, US on Wikimedia
10. The Quail: A Motorsports Gathering
Luxury rolls out on the grass at The Quail, a motorsports gathering where exclusivity drives the experience. Machines by Koenigsegg, Bugatti, and Pagani have headlined in the past—each one commanding attention without ever starting an engine.
11. Carlisle Ford Nationals
Blue Oval fever hits its peak at the Carlisle Ford Nationals, the world’s largest Ford-only celebration. With over 3,000 cars, the energy is pure Detroit muscle. Ford-sponsored displays showcase history and horsepower, while restorations and custom builds compete for top honors.
2025 Carlisle Ford Nationals! Car prices, GT40s, Shelby’s, 1 of 1 Truckstang! by Iron City Garage
12. Hot August Nights
Reno turns into a time machine during Hot August Nights, where chrome, fins, and rock 'n roll rule the streets. What began in 1986 now pulls in car lovers from around the globe—each chasing that perfect retro vibe and a rumble you feel in your bones.
Lyn Gateley from Silicon Valley, CA, USA on Wikimedia
13. New York International Auto Show
Manhattan gets a horsepower makeover every April when the NY International Auto Show rolls into the Javits Center. Past premieres include headliners like the Mustang Mach-E and Toyota FT-1. EV zones buzz with innovation, while future tech exhibits invite hands-on exploration.
14. Lone Star Round Up
Austin turns back the clock at the Lone Star Round Up, where pre-1964 hot rods and customs steal the spotlight with vintage grit. Hosted at the Travis County Expo Center, the scene oozes retro—from traditional tattoos to pin-up contests and roaring live bands.
Lonestar Round Up 2025 | Roll In and Full Show Coverage by SICK Cars and Trucks
15. Hershey Antique Auto Show
Every fall, Hershey transforms into a paradise for vintage car lovers with the AACA’s flagship event. Acres of show fields brim with rare finds. Here, restoration pros and collectors swarm the legendary flea market, swapping stories and rust-free treasures.
JOHN LLOYD from Concrete, Washington, United States on Wikimedia
16. Moab Easter Jeep Safari
If you’ve ever dreamed of crawling over red rock in a custom rig, Moab’s Easter Jeep Safari delivers in dusty, thrilling style. Hosted by Red Rock 4-Wheelers since the '60s, this nine-day off-road bash sees Jeep reveal wild concept vehicles on trails like Poison Spider Mesa.
The BEST Off-Road Trails in Moab–A 2024 Easter Jeep Safari Recap | Built2Wander by Driving Line
17. Daytona Turkey Run
Held every Thanksgiving weekend at Daytona International Speedway, the Turkey Run mixes a massive car show, swap meet, and driving event in one spot. With over 5,000 cars on display, visitors browse tools and parts or check out classics for sale in the car corral.
Daytona Turkey Run 2024 | Pullouts, Burnouts and lots of COPS!! Thanksgiving by Buddybryan3
18. Radwood
Radwood is all about the ‘80s and ‘90s car culture—nothing older, nothing newer. You’ll find DeLoreans, Supras, BMW E30s, and plenty of era-specific gear. Attendees show up in jumpsuits, fanny packs, and big hair. It’s grown into a global event with sponsors and satellite shows.
19. Portland International Auto Show
Held each February at the Oregon Convention Center, this show stands out for its focus on the future. “Electric Avenue” lets visitors compare EVs side by side, with test drives and hands-on green driving education. Here, Subaru and Rivian consistently draw big crowds, especially among eco-conscious drivers.
20. Detroit Auto Show
Officially known as the North American International Auto Show, this event is held at Huntington Place and draws major attention each year. The show runs across multiple days, blending press previews and public days into one of the biggest automotive events in the U.S.
