Car shows in North Carolina: 2027
Two big April events, a pair of small-town street shows, and a mountain museum. If you only have one weekend, April in Charlotte and Raleigh is the strongest bet.
Last checked October 2026 · confirm every date with the organiser before you travel
April: two big shows, a week apart
Both have announced 2027 dates, a week apart, so you can plan a trip around both.
Charlotte AutoFair
Charlotte Motor Speedway (opens in a new tab)A three-day event with more than 50 car clubs, rare specialty vehicles, vendor displays and a sprawling flea market. The organiser's 2027 page lists only the spring edition; there was also a fall AutoFair in earlier years, so check whether it returns.
Suits: Parts hunters, club members and anyone who likes browsing a big flea market.
Tip: Car clubs, independent show cars and vendors register through the organiser's page.
Goodguys Griot's Garage North Carolina Nationals
Goodguys (opens in a new tab)Goodguys bills it as kicking off the Southeast's hot-rodding season. Rods, customs, classics, muscle cars, imports and trucks from 1999 and older, with AutoCross, an indoor show-car display and a Saturday-night demolition derby (extra ticket). Goodguys estimates about 1,500 cars.
Suits: Rod and muscle-car fans, and families who like a fairgrounds show.
Tip: The demolition derby needs its own ticket, so add it when you buy.
Small-town shows
Neither has published 2027 dates, but both follow a clear yearly pattern.
Hot Nights Cool Rides
Town of Forest City (opens in a new tab)On Saturday Main Street closes at 7 a.m. to everything but show cars, with food trucks, vendors and a trophy ceremony at 6 p.m. Registration was $30 per car, including a T-shirt. Friday's concert is free.
Suits: Small-town show fans who like a street full of cars.
Tip: Show-car registration was at Main Street Meetings, 108 East Main Street, on Friday afternoon and Saturday morning.
Mayberry Cool Cars & Rods Cruise-In
Mount Airy Downtown (opens in a new tab)A monthly cruise-in presented by the Mount Airy DBA. Registration is free and starts at 1 p.m. at the Carlos Jones Blue Ridge Park gazebo, at Main and Oak.
Suits: Anyone who wants a relaxed Sunday show while passing through Mount Airy.
Tip: Because it runs monthly, you can fit it around other travel; check the Mount Airy downtown site for the 2027 series.
A museum worth the detour
Dale's Wheels Through Time Museum
Wheels Through Time (opens in a new tab)A museum rather than a show, with themed exhibit areas such as Board Track America and Hill Climb Hill.
Suits: Anyone driving through Maggie Valley.
Tip: The museum runs a seasonal schedule (the 2026 season ended November 23), so check the hours page and phone ahead.
Dates and details change
Organisers move dates, venues and prices from year to year, and some events are cancelled. “2027 date announced” (green) means the organiser's own site had published the date when this page was last checked. “2027 date listed, confirm with organiser” means the date comes from trade press or third-party listings, not the organiser. “2027 date to be confirmed” means no 2027 date had been published, and the page only describes the usual pattern. Always confirm with the organiser using the link on each listing before you book travel.
Running a car show in North Carolina?
Car Show Expert handles registration, check-in, judging and People's Choice voting for a cruise-in or a full show. You can start free or see the demo first.
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