For petrol heads, car lovers, and anyone with an interest in the automotive, the USA hosts some brilliant car shows throughout the year. While there are special interest events such as the Grand National Roadster Show and the Back to the 50s, there are also plenty of general events where the emphasis is on selling or swap and meet. Exhibitors include owner drivers, enthusiasts, dealers, and manufacturers, along with purveyors of automotive parts, related items, and collectibles. Some emphasize the “fair” aspect, making it more a festival, while others focus on the business end.
Here are some of the most popular US car shows:
1. Iola Car Show
Held annually over three days, usually in July, the Iola Car Show is one of the largest auto events in America. On a showground near Iola in Southeast Kansas, the show is a fun and entertaining event run by a non-profit organization. It is always a high profile event with special guests with close associations to all things auto, and an impressive line-up of national sponsors. The famed poster has become a trademark and every year there’s a new theme to the design contest.
With 1,600 camping pitches, there’s plenty of room for visitors to enjoy the 2,500+ show cars. 4,200 swap and meeting spaces are available along with 1,000 corral spaces for cars for sale. The Iola Car Show is a great family event with lots of entertainment for all ages along with plenty of great food options.
2. Hershey Car Show
The Antique Automobile Club of America organizes a number of events throughout the year. One of the most notable is the Hershey Car show which takes place in the fall, usually in early October. Hosted on Hersheypark and the Giant Center, the event is not only a car show but also one of the pre-eminent flea markets in the USA.
Running for four days, the events include a high wheeler contest, car corral, ladies luncheon, race car condition run, judging school, old time movie night, talent show, and a special show for AACA juniors, as well as the usual automobile attractions. Everything at the Hershey Car Show winds up with an awards banquet. Being in Hershey – Chocolate Town USA – there are also attractions away from the show.
3. Atlanta International Auto Show
This is one of the premier events for manufacturers and dealers. For four days in March, cars and all things, auto takes over the Georgia World Conference Center. The Atlanta International Auto Show is the largest event of the year for auto dealers and there are usually more than 30 factory and dealer representatives.
The exhibits include all types of domestic vehicles (cars, vans, SUVs, and light trucks and pickups) and the newest model imports. Concept cars and new introductions are also on display or revealed to the public.
The showcase of cars to suit every budget and lifestyle is a great opportunity to compare features and prices and talk to experts about their particular vehicles. With plenty of exhibits, stands, and displays, the Atlanta Car Show is a great day out for the family.
4. Jefferson Car Show
Taking place twice a year, in spring and fall, the Jefferson Car Show takes over the Jefferson County Fair Park for a three-day weekend. 99 acres are covered with enough to make all automotive lovers drool. The car show takes place on the Saturday and Sunday, while the Swap and Meet Car Corral is on a Friday as well as the weekend. Convertibles are always among the favorite attractions.
There are over 3,000 vendor spaces with hundreds of cars just waiting to be snapped up by eager buyers. Plenty of stalls with parts and collectibles attend and the Jefferson Car Show might just be the fair where you find that essential piece you’ve been looking for. It’s a pet free event but kids under 12 go free with a paying adult.
5. Houston Auto Show
One of the oldest events in the automotive calendar, the Houston Auto Show has been running since the 1950s. Regularly attracting more than 450,000 visitors, the January event happens at the NRG Center. Around 40 manufacturers cram into the 800,000 square foot of space and the show has seen notable public unveilings in the past including the 2007 Ford Expedition in 2006 and the 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee in 2012.
Focus at the Houston Car Show is very much business to business; for trade professionals rather than an attraction for enthusiasts. It is a huge opportunity for people in the automotive trade to network and there is a wide representation alongside the domestic and international vehicle retails and makers, including manufacturers of equipment and accessories, service companies, the tourism industry, nonprofit organizations, and the media.
Aboutcarsreviews.com brings you all the latest and greatest news about the automotive world. This list of the top car shows in the USA was compiled for car lovers by car lovers.