4 Car Show Experiences I Recommend to Every Enthusiast

One of the best parts of owning a car – besides the experience behind the wheel and how good it looks every time you drive it – is being a part of the car’s culture. And there’s no better way to experience car culture than going to car shows. From local gatherings to some of the most prestigious car shows, you can see all kinds of cars and communities at these events.

I think every car show is rewarding in its own way – and every one will feel like a window into a different community, from classic cars to super trucks – but I’ve included these four because they all offer a very different experience that you won’t have anywhere else. Some of my favorite memories are in these types of shows, whether it’s going on a boat ride down the coast next to some super rare cars or hearing a story about a fully restored human race.

You don’t need to drop $650-plus at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance to enjoy Monterey Car Week — I never would. In fact, I think it’s the obscure and unique events throughout the week that make this event feel really special.

I am a person who does not like crowds, so popular shows like “Exotics on Broadway” did not please me. You’ll be surrounded by “automobiles” racing in front of you to record TikToks of all the supercars – although you can still hear their V12s whizzing down the road. What makes Monterey Car Week really interesting is seeing those supercars randomly parked in Monterey Bay. I will never forget seeing the Glickenhaus 004S Specs parked outside Pacific Grove Middle School.

Another special experience was driving along the 17-Mile Drive beach early last week, it was packed with people. You’ve seen all kinds of exotic cars go by and you can get great photos of your car without too many people around. My boyfriend said it’s like the “GTA lobby,” he can’t describe how it feels to have exotic cars popping up everywhere you go.

If you want to see all the new models coming out in the next few years, you’ll want to check out the LA Auto Show – or a similar show near you, like the New York International Auto Show on the other coast. A number of major automakers set up small showrooms throughout the Los Angeles Convention Center, and Subaru even created a mock camper. You can check out new models before anyone else, often with the opportunity to sit inside or take a test drive. The Jeep obstacle course is always fun to look forward to, and last time I got to experience a heart-pounding ride in an electric vehicle.

What’s great about the LA Auto Show are its unique exhibits. Many car manufacturers will also bring concept cars that allow you to see their creative and creative side. In addition to seeing new cars, you can see lowriders, supercars, and celebrity car collections. It’s a great way to experience the car culture of Los Angeles.

The Woodward Dream Cruise is the largest one-day cruise in the world. Since 1995, enthusiasts have been gathering in Detroit to celebrate automotive culture, from classics to supercars to custom creations and special editions. At this point, you will see 40,000 cars and 1 million people coming down Woodward Avenue.

The most important thing about the Woodward Dream Cruise is the variety of cars you will see on the road at the same time. I think it’s amazing that you can just put chairs on the side of the road and watch the cars go by all day. At some point, you might see a Dodge Challenger Hellcat and a Chevrolet Chevelle SS driving next to each other. Go to the place of your choice early in the morning because of the traffic. The man who piloted the Dream Cruise, Nelson House, unfortunately died in 2010. But his cruise has gone on to become a rite of passage for car enthusiasts around the world.

It feels very special to take a trip to a major car show and see so many car enthusiasts in one place. But nothing can really beat the vibe of a local car meet. Dedicated car enthusiasts wake up before 7 to attend these early morning meetings to show off their car, check out other cars, and talk about cars. What more could you want?

I love seeing the variety of cars that show these things. Often you will be surprised by a random rare car that you never thought you would see in person, especially not in your town. But the best part is seeing all the drivers gathered in one place, whether they are classic car enthusiasts, JDM collectors or EV enthusiasts. I love hearing all their stories and seeing the special touches they’ve done to their cars. Oh, and it feels really good when you see someone checking out your car.