The 10 best car shows in the U.S. you can't miss

Whether you’re into custom hot rods, vintage muscle, pre-war icons, futuristic prototypes, or high-performance street machines, there’s a show tailored to your passion. This guide breaks down the top 10 most iconic car shows in the U.S., plus everything you need to know about what to expect, how cars get to these events, and whether you really can buy your dream car at one.

What is a car show?

A car show is a gathering of enthusiasts, collectors, builders, manufacturers, and spectators who come together to celebrate cars. That definition might sound simple, but the events themselves are anything but. Car shows are part museum, part festival, part competition, part marketplace, and part social event. They exist at every scale from multimillion-dollar concours events on manicured golf greens to spontaneous local “cars and coffee” gatherings in a parking lot at sunrise.

No two shows are alike, but all share one mission: to bring people together around a shared love of automobiles.

Types of car shows

Auto shows

These are the big, polished manufacturer-led and car enthusiast expos. Automakers use them to reveal new models, showcase future designs, and demonstrate cutting-edge technology. You’ll find concept cars, EV innovations, luxury vehicles, interactive exhibits, and massive floor displays.

Classic car shows

These events celebrate beautifully restored or preserved vehicles, often ranging from pre-war collector cars to mid-century American muscle. They’re a celebration of craftsmanship, design, provenance, and automotive history.

Custom and specialty shows

Here, creativity reigns. Think hot rods, restomods, tuner imports, lifted trucks, one-of-a-kind builds, and showstopping engine swaps. These shows focus on individuality and performance.

Informal car meets

These are laid-back community gatherings hosted by clubs or local enthusiasts. They’re typically free, incredibly social, and a great place to see everything from project cars to daily drivers.

What to expect at most car shows

Unforgettable vehicle displays

From concept EVs to barn-find classics to outrageous custom builds, the variety of cars on display is a major part of the magic.

Competitions & judging

Many shows host contests ranging from “Best in Show” to category-specific awards like “Best Paint,” “Most Original,” or “Best Modified.”

Live demonstrations

Depending on the show, you may see engine rev-offs, dyno pulls, burnout pits, or live restoration demos.

Vendors & exhibitors

Expect booths offering aftermarket parts, detailing products, performance upgrades, accessories, memorabilia, apparel, and more.

Community & charity

Many shows support local charities or car-related foundations. Beyond the cars themselves, these events are powerful community builders.

How cars are transported to shows

You might assume most people simply drive their cars to shows - and some absolutely do - but for many high-value, fragile, or historically significant vehicles, transportation becomes a carefully planned operation. Sometimes owners are getting car shipped to another state just to ensure their pride and joy arrives safely at the next big event.

Enclosed carriers take the spotlight

The most trusted method especially for concours-level classics, rare exotics, or museum-grade machines is the enclosed car carrier. These trailers are basically mobile vaults, shielding vehicles from weather, debris, prying eyes, and even minor vibrations. They’re the go-to choice for priceless automobiles that can’t risk a single stone chip during long journeys throughout the entire U.S. If a car is worth seven or eight figures, it’s almost guaranteed to travel in a climate-controlled, fully enclosed hauler.

Open carriers still play a role

Open haulers are more common for enthusiast builds, show-ready daily drivers, or cars that don’t require that extreme level of protection. They’re cost-effective and practical for shorter regional trips.

Driving to the event

And of course, plenty of folks choose the nostalgic, romantic route-driving their car to the show. Sometimes it’s a rite of passage. Other times, it’s simply more fun to roll in with your engine rumbling and your paint glistening in the sun.

Can you find and buy your dream car at a car show?

Surprisingly, yes - depending on the event. While major manufacturer auto shows like Chicago or New York are primarily public showcases, many classic, custom, and enthusiast shows double as informal marketplaces. You’ll often see “For Sale” signs on everything from restored Mustangs to rare vintage imports.

Swap meets, which often accompany shows like Carlisle or Daytona, offer opportunities to buy complete vehicles or project cars. These events can be treasure troves for collectors hunting for something unique.

And even if a car isn’t officially listed for sale, conversations happen. It’s not uncommon for an enthusiast to fall in love with a particular vehicle and strike up a negotiation with its owner. In many cases, buyers later arrange getting car shipped to another state, especially when purchasing rare classics or custom builds from out-of-state sellers.

So while car shows aren’t always formal marketplaces, they’re absolutely a place where deals happen sometimes quietly, sometimes surprisingly quickly.

The top 10 car shows in the U.S.

Below are ten of the most iconic, culturally significant, and widely loved automotive events in the United States.

1. Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance (Pebble Beach, CA)

Considered the most prestigious car show in the world, this event is the pinnacle of automotive elegance. Held every August on the 18th fairway of the Pebble Beach Golf Links, it features some of the world’s rarest, most historically significant automobiles. Vehicles are judged on authenticity, restoration quality, beauty, and provenance. For collectors and enthusiasts, Pebble Beach is the Super Bowl, Oscars, and Met Gala of the automotive world.

2. SEMA Show (Las Vegas, NV)

An industry-only event held every November, SEMA is the world’s premier show for automotive aftermarket parts, custom builds, specialty products, and cutting-edge tuning technology. From outrageous custom trucks and drift cars to celebrity-built hot rods and concept builds, SEMA is where automotive creativity reaches its wildest heights. Though not open to the general public, its cultural influence is massive.

3. Woodward Dream Cruise (Detroit, MI)

The largest one-day classic car event on the planet, attracting more than a million spectators and tens of thousands of vehicles every August. The 16-mile stretch of Woodward Avenue transforms into an open-air rolling museum featuring muscle cars, cruisers, classics, and specialty vehicles. It’s one of the most energetic and accessible car events in America.

4. Chicago Auto Show (Chicago, IL)

America’s longest running auto show, dating back to 1901. Held annually at McCormick Place, it features nearly 1,000 vehicles, ranging from concept cars to EVs, supercars, luxury models, and major brand debuts. Indoor and outdoor test tracks add an interactive element few shows can match.

5. North American International Auto Show – NAIAS (Detroit, MI)

Also known as the Detroit Auto Show, NAIAS is a major industry event showcasing global debuts, futuristic concepts, and emerging automotive technology. Detroit’s deep automotive legacy gives this show a gravity and credibility that few can match.

6. New York International Auto Show (New York, NY)

Hosted at the Javits Center, this is the longest running auto exhibition in North America. Automakers frequently choose New York for major unveilings, with displays that are theatrical, high-tech, and incredibly diverse. It’s one of the most public friendly major shows.

7. Hot August Nights (Reno/Sparks, NV)

One of the largest classic car gatherings in the world, celebrating the cars and rock ’n’ roll of the 1950s through the 1970s. Expect nightly cruises, drag races, show-and-shine events, music festivals, and thousands of pre-1979 classics. It’s nostalgic Americana at its most vibrant.

8. Concours d’Elegance of America (Detroit, MI)

Formerly the Meadow Brook Concours, this event showcases a curated selection of historically significant and impeccably maintained vehicles. Now part of the Detroit Concours, it honors the city’s automotive heritage and brings together collectors from across the country.

9. Carlisle Ford Nationals (Carlisle, PA)

The largest all-Ford car show in the world. Fans of Ford, Mercury, and Lincoln flock here to explore thousands of cars, attend massive swap meets, join specialty sub-events, and participate in autocross competitions. It’s a paradise for Blue Oval enthusiasts.

10. Daytona Turkey Run (Daytona Beach, FL)

Held at the iconic Daytona International Speedway over Thanksgiving weekend, this event is one of America’s biggest mixes of car show and swap meet. Thousands of classic cars fill the infield, while vendors sell rare parts, vintage memorabilia, and specialty components.

Conclusion

The U.S. is home to some of the most diverse and exhilarating car shows in the world. Whether you’re drawn to concours-level elegance, over-the-top custom builds, or interactive manufacturer showcases, there’s an event for every kind of automotive enthusiast. Attend one-or all-of these top 10 shows, and you’ll walk away inspired, educated, and maybe even one step closer to your dream car.