The year 2026 is set to be an exhilarating time for hot rod enthusiasts, with a diverse array of events scheduled across the United States. From the historic streets of Detroit to the sun-soaked avenues of California, and the legendary Route 66, these gatherings celebrate the rich heritage and vibrant culture of hot rodding. Whether you're a seasoned aficionado or a curious newcomer, these events offer a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of custom cars, innovative designs, and passionate communities. Mark your calendars and prepare to experience the artistry and engineering that define the hot rod scene in 2026.
Here are some of the top hot rod events to look forward to:
Grand National Roadster Show
Dates: January 30 – February 1, 2026
Location: Pomona, California
Website: https://rodshows.com/grand-national/
Celebrating its 76th anniversary, this is the world's longest-running indoor car show, featuring over 500 show vehicles competing for awards, including the prestigious America's Most Beautiful Roadster (AMBR) award. The event includes the Grand Daddy Drive-In with an additional 400-800 vehicles joining each day.
Detroit Autorama
Dates: February 27 – March 1, 2026
Location: Detroit, Michigan (Huntington Place)
Website: https://autorama.com/attend/detroit/
Known as 'America's Greatest Hot Rod Show,' the 73rd annual Detroit Autorama showcases custom cars and hot rods and is home to the esteemed Don Ridler Memorial Award, presented to the best in show. This event is part of the Summit Racing Show Car Series and features ISCA-sanctioned competition.
Goodguys 16th FiTech Fuel Injection Spring Nationals
Dates: March 13 – 14, 2026
Location: Scottsdale, Arizona (WestWorld of Scottsdale)
Website: https://www.good-guys.com/sn
Part of the Goodguys Rod & Custom Association's 2026 event schedule, this show features a wide array of hot rods, customs, classics, and muscle cars, along with vendor exhibits and live entertainment. The event moves to a new two-day format for 2026.
Goodguys 25th Meguiar's Del Mar Nationals
Dates: April 10 – 12, 2026
Location: Del Mar, California (Del Mar Fairgrounds)
Website: https://www.good-guys.com
This popular West Coast event showcases a vast array of hot rods, customs, classics, and muscle cars, along with vendor exhibits, swap meets, and live entertainment. The event features autocross competitions and attracts thousands of participants.
Goodguys 1st BASF Legends of Hot Rodding
Dates: May 15 – 16, 2026
Location: Nashville, Tennessee (Nashville Fairgrounds)
Website: https://www.good-guys.com
A brand-new premium, members-only event honoring legendary vehicles and people that have made the hot rod industry what it is today. Open to vehicles '64 and older, this inaugural event features outdoor covered and uncovered show options, an indoor car show with all-new major industry awards, nightly parking lot parties, and the 2026 TANKS Inc. Hot Rod of the Year competition.
Hot Rod Power Tour 2026
Dates: June 8 – 12, 2026
Location: Route 66 (Illinois to Oklahoma)
Website: https://www.hotrod.com/hot-rod-power-tour
The 32nd annual Hot Rod Power Tour celebrates 100 years of Route 66! This legendary road trip brings together thousands of hot rod enthusiasts for America's largest traveling car show, featuring over 6,000 vehicles. The tour route includes:
● Day 1: Route 66 Raceway, Joliet, IL
● Day 2: Village of Rantoul, Rantoul, IL
● Day 3: World Wide Technology Raceway, St. Louis, MO
● Day 4: Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
● Day 5: Tulsa Raceway Park, Tulsa, OK
MSRA Back to the 50's
Dates: June 19 – 21, 2026
Location: St. Paul, Minnesota (Minnesota State Fairgrounds)
Website: https://msrabacktothe50s.com/
The 52nd annual premiere event in Minnesota hosted by the Minnesota Street Rod Association features over 11,000 street rods, customs, classics, and restored vehicles from 1964 and older covering the entire Minnesota State Fairgrounds. This three-day family-friendly event includes live entertainment, vendors, and more than 2,000 volunteers making it one of the nation's top car shows.
Goodguys 35th Speedway Motors Heartland Nationals
Dates: July 3 – 5, 2026
Location: Des Moines, Iowa (Iowa State Fairgrounds)
Website: https://www.good-guys.com
One of the largest events in the Goodguys calendar, featuring over 4,000 hot rods, customs, classics, and muscle cars, along with live entertainment and a Fourth of July fireworks show. This Independence Day weekend celebration is a Midwest favorite.
Goodguys 28th Summit Racing Nationals
Dates: July 10 – 12, 2026
Location: Columbus, Ohio (Ohio Expo Center)
Website: https://www.good-guys.com
One of the largest events in the Goodguys calendar, showcasing over 6,000 hot rods, customs, classics, and muscle cars, along with autocross competitions and a massive swap meet. Columbus is where Goodguys gives away its 2026 Grand Prize '40 Ford Coupe built by Roseville Rod & Custom and selects the 2026 Street Machine and Classic Instruments Street Rod of the Year.
Hot August Nights
Dates: July 31 – August 9, 2026
Location: Reno, Nevada
Website: https://hotaugustnights.net/
The 39th annual celebration features 10 unforgettable days of pure automotive passion! This week-long celebration of classic cars and rock 'n' roll features 6,000 officially registered vehicles, car parades, drag races, live music, swap meets, and hundreds of classic cars on display throughout multiple venues in Reno-Sparks. Events kick off with Virginia City on July 31-August 1, followed by the main event featuring Show-n-Shines at multiple locations, cruise events, auctions, and the Grand Finale Parade on August 9.
Goodguys 39th West Coast Nationals
Dates: August 22 – 24, 2026
Location: Pleasanton, California (Alameda County Fairgrounds)
Website: https://www.good-guys.com
Known as the 'Crown Jewel' of Goodguys events, this show features thousands of hot rods, customs, classics, and muscle cars, along with vendor exhibits, swap meets, and live entertainment. This flagship West Coast event is one of the most anticipated shows of the year.
Goodguys 28th Griot's Garage Colorado Nationals
Dates: September 5 – 7, 2026
Location: Loveland, Colorado
Website: https://www.good-guys.com
This event showcases a wide variety of vehicles, autocross competitions, and a large swap meet, set against the beautiful backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. The Colorado Nationals consistently draws enthusiasts from across the region for its premier mountain setting.
The 2026 hot rod show season promises to be one of the most exciting yet, with events honoring automotive history, celebrating Route 66's centennial, and introducing new premium experiences like the BASF Legends of Hot Rodding in Nashville. Whether you're looking to cruise legendary highways, compete for prestigious awards, or simply admire world-class custom builds, there's an event for every hot rod enthusiast.
Make sure to check individual event websites for registration details, ticket information, and the latest updates. Many events sell out early, so plan ahead and secure your spot at these must-attend celebrations of American hot rod culture!