Eight Can’t-Miss Car Events You Need to Add to Your Calendar

Sometimes it feels like there’s a new and exciting car show or event every weekend, and every year there seems to be more to choose from. With so many choices, it can be tough as a gearhead to plan out what shows to go to, what to do, and what to avoid. We’re here to help with eight of our favorites worth checking out. 

1. Hot Rod Power Tour – zMAX Dragway, North Carolina to Summit Motorsports Park, Ohio June 8-14, 2019

This year marks the 25th year of the Hot Rod Power Tour, a seven-day, seven-city journey that attracts more than 6,000 vehicles and 100,000 plus spectators from all around the United States. These classic cars and hot rods travel over 1,300 miles with stops in each city to enjoy time with fellow participants and enjoy the scenery. Known as the world's largest hot rod road trip, this year's route includes four first-time venues. If you're a classic car or hot rod enthusiast, this is a can't miss event each year!

2. Big Bear Forest Fest – Snow Valley Ski Resort, Big Bear Lake, California June 14-16, 2019

Now in its 22nd year, this three-day off-road bash hosted by Inland Empire 4 Wheelers brings together hundreds of 4x4 drivers to tackle some of the best off-road trails in California around the mountain resort town of Big Bear Lake. There are trails for everybody here, from complete beginners to die-hard trailblazers, along with vendor displays, a huge prize raffle, and a famous BBQ tri-tip dinner on Saturday night. All profits go to preserving woodland areas and sponsoring college scholarships, so it’s all for a good cause as well.

3. Street Machine Nationals – Du Quoin State Fairgrounds, Du Quoin, Illinois June 21-23, 2019

One of the biggest street machine, muscle car and hot rod events of the year, the annual “Picnic of Power” in Du Quoin, Illinois brings together thousands of high-performance cars and trucks from around the country for three days of fun, with all sorts of excitement beyond the pro-judged car show. Burn rubber at the General Tire Burnout Competition, put your powerplant to the test at the DYNO Challenge, smash the competition in the demolition derby and much more! This three-day extravaganza is a definite can’t-miss.

4. SPOCOM Anaheim 2019 - Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, California July 20, 2019

With over 500 cars competing for the signature SPOCOM Sword trophy, this is the largest stop on SPOCOM’s 2019 tour. Don’t miss the latest in tuners, imports and modern muscle along with one-of-a-kind car culture displays at this trendsetting show.

5. Mustang Week 2019 – Myrtle Beach, South Carolina September 2-8, 2019

Every year, thousands of America’s greatest pony cars descend on Myrtle Beach for a full week of shows, drag racing, track days and cruising along the South Carolina coast. 2019 is set to be one of the biggest on record and is mandatory attendance for any die-hard Mustang fan.

6. Off-Road Expo – Fairplex, Pomona, California September 28-29, 2019

For those looking for the latest gear and parts for off-roading, Off-Road Expo is the ultimate destination. Catering to everything from off-road racing to rock crawling, trail riding to sand sports, motorcycles and UTV’s, to camping and adventure travel, Off-Road Expo serves up ride alongs, racing demos, celebrity appearances, live music, industry media events and product giveaways from brands throughout the industry.

7. Monterey Car Week – Monterey, California August 14-18, 2019

Car Week is legendary for a reason. The week of luxurious car events on California’s scenic Monterey peninsula draws high rollers and automotive celebrities from around the world to enjoy some f the finest machines ever built. Feel the roar of classic racing machines, peruse private jets alongside the latest hypercars, walk through the world’s most valuable vehicles on gorgeous golf courses and witness some of the most prestigious awards in the automotive world. This deserves to be a bucket-list item for any gearhead.

8. Grand National Roadster Show – Pomona, California January 24-26, 2020

Nicknamed “The Grand-Daddy of Them All,” the Grand National Roadster Show has been a fixture in hot rodding for 70 years. With over 1,600 hot rods, customs and muscle cars on display, tens of thousands of fans filling the aisles and the most prestigious award in hot rodding, the “America’s Most Beautiful Roadster” trophy on the line, the Grand National Roadster Show is not to be missed by an American car fan.