Best Car Meet Spots in the US

Being a car nut, I had to put together this list of the hottest car gatherings in the US. Two events that totally rock the scene are the Triple Crown of Rodding and the MSRA Back to the 50’s Weekend. Let’s see why these car meets are a must and why you might wanna throw them on your bucket list.

Exploring Popular Car Meets in the USA

Triple Crown of Rodding

Over in Lebanon, Tennessee, the Triple Crown of Rodding is where it’s at if you dig hot rods, classics, and muscle cars. This shindig showcases beauties made up until ’72, plus American-made trucks rolling back to ’98. It’s a paradise for anyone who loves the art and horsepower of older rides.

But hey, it ain’t just about car gawking. At the Triple Crown, you get to rub elbows with car celebs, take tracks for a spin, and dive into a bustling swap meet. Rocking live tunes keep the vibes electric and fun.

What’s Hot:

• Where: Lebanon, Tennessee
• Cars That Steal the Show: Hot rods, customs, classics, muscle cars (up to ’72), American trucks (up until ’98)
• Fun Stuff: Celebrity hangouts, track spins, swap meet scene, live jams

MSRA Back to the 50s Weekend

If the ’50s is your groove, the MSRA Back to the 50’s Weekend in St. Paul, Minnesota, is your dance floor. Imagine over 10,000 cars all dolled up in their vintage glory. It’s like a time warp for hot rods, customs, and classic lovers, making it a mind-blowing experience for both veterans and newbies.

Besides the jaw-dropping line-up, there’s live ’50s music to time travel in style. Plus, a huge swap meet for hunting down rare parts and relics. With activities for the kiddos, it’s the perfect family outing. And hey, don’t miss that epic flyover that just caps the day off in style.

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What’s Hot:

• Where: St. Paul, Minnesota
• Cars That Steal the Show: Hot rods, customs, classics
• Fun Stuff: ’50s tunes, airplane overhead show, digging for swap treasures, kid-friendly games

Ready to hit up your first car meet? Check out our tips on your first car meet and get your wheels in top gear with our advice.

These gigs are bursting with life and sick car displays, making for an epic day out for any car lover. Whether you’re hot for rods or soaking up that ’50s vibe, there’s a bit of magic for everyone.

Carlisle Chrysler Nationals

Rolling into the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals in Pennsylvania felt like stepping into a playground for die-hard Chrysler fans. Imagine a parking lot the size of Texas, filled with both the classics shining bright and today’s beasts.

What’s featured at Carlisle Chrysler Nationals:

• Drag racing events: Roaring engines and the smell of burning rubber – it’s a must-see.
• Swap meets: Like a candy store for Chrysler parts and treasures.
• Celebrity meet-and-greets: Rub elbows with the legends of the car world.
• Showcases: Drool-worthy displays of the rarest and boldest custom rides.

The vibes here are infectious! A shared love for Chrysler meant strangers became friends by just talking cars.

Mopar Nationals

The Mopar Nationals in Ohio is another banger that every Mopar devotee needs on their bucket list. Spanning three days, it’s a massive bash in honor of this iconic performance brand.

Here’s what spun my wheels at the Mopar Nationals:

• Exhibitions: Pure eye candy. Rows and rows of Mopar glory, from old-school favorites to new-age muscle powerhouses.
• Racing events: The thrill of watching speed demons tear up the tracks – heart-pounding!
• Vendor booths: Everything a Mopar fan could need, from parts to sweet memorabilia.
• Networking: Hang out with others who share your Mopar obsession!

If you live and breathe Mopar, this gig is a no-brainer. Thanks to USA Today for this one.

Cars & Coffee Events Across States

If you’re like me and you enjoy a fine coffee while your heart revs at the sound of a finely-tuned engine, then Cars & Coffee events are your weekend paradise. They’re not just about showing off your wheels; they’re perfect for chatting with fellow car buffs and getting the lowdown on different makes and models. Here’s where you can sip your morning joe with the coolest cars across California, Ohio, and North Carolina.

California

California is the king of Cars & Coffee shindigs. Whether you’re cruising along the sunny streets of SoCal or winding down a Bay Area road, there’s a bunch of meetups you won’t want to miss. Here are the places to rev your engine:

• Bakersfield
• Corona
• Walnut
• San Jose
• Carlsbad
• Ventura
• Culver City
• Valencia
• Thousand Oaks
• Westlake Village

These events are like Christmas morning every week for car nuts, kicking off bright and early. Got a ride you want to shine at the meet? Give it a spit and polish the night before. Need pointers? Our prep car for car meet guide has some handy tips.

Ohio

Ohio’s car scene might surprise you with its rich assortment of Cars & Coffee events:

• Columbus Cars & Coffee: Organized with flair, often featuring cool activities and surprise guests.
• Dayton Cars and Coffee: Pops up every other Saturday from April to October.
• NEO Cars & Coffee: A spot where community vibes drive the experience, welcoming all wheels.

These meetups give you a front-row seat to a smorgasbord of vehicles and the chance to rub elbows with enthusiastic gearheads. Each has its own groove, so hit up a few. Here’s when the Ohio rides roll out:

A big thanks to America on Wheels for keeping us in the loop. Make sure to check out the event/location’s social media pages and websites, so that you know for sure where and when to go.

North Carolina

North Carolina revs up the fun with several top-notch Cars & Coffee events that draw petrolheads from every corner of the state. Must-visit spots include:

• Cars & Coffee Raleigh: Kicks off the 4th Sunday of each month.
• Cars & Coffee Charlotte: Rolls out the third Saturday monthly, showcasing both classic and contemporary models.
• Cars & Coffee Greensboro: Famous for its laid-back vibes and an eclectic mix of cars.

Keep track of the action with this cheat sheet:

Time to grab those keys and head out for some car fun! And don’t forget to pack the essentials: our what to bring to car meet guide is your trusty sidekick.

Essential Tips for Car Enthusiasts

So you’re gearing up for your first car meet in the USA? You’re in for a treat, my friend! Whether you’re sprucing up your ride or just getting the feel for the kind of shindig you’re hitting up, these tips are gonna be your secret sauce to ensure you have a fantabulous time.

Prepping Your Vehicle

Before heading out, make sure your car is looking slick and in top-notch condition. When I’m readying my own ride for the limelight, I double-check everything—from interior detailing to fluid checks and any fixer-uppers that need tackling.

Here’s how to get down to business:

• Scrub-a-Dub-Dub: Inside and out, your car should sparkle like new. Nothing says “check it out” like a shiny, tidy auto.
• Fluid Check: Don’t skip the basics. Peek at your oil, coolant, brake juice, and transmission fluid.
• Tire Kickin’ & Brake Checking: Peek at tire treads, make sure air pressures are on point, and check them brakes.
• Papers, Please: Keep your ride legal with your registration and insurance docs in check.

For the full scoop, don’t miss our article on prepping your car for a meet.

Understanding Event Differences

Knowing the difference between a car show and a meet-up can make or break your fun. Car shows are all about the grand display and competition, complete with categories and trophies. But a car meet? That’s a laid-back hang where the love for engines is shared amongst like-minded roadsters.

Car Shows

• Show Off: Let others bask in the glory of your automotive masterpiece.
• Trophies Up for Grabs: Got some competitiveness in ya? Awards like “best in class” might just be yours.
• Button Up: With rules on what you can wear and how your car can look, you’ll need to stick to the script.
• Play It Safe: Follow the safety do’s and don’ts.

Car Meets

• Kick Back: The vibe is chill—just car folks being car folks.
• Fun & Games: Don’t be surprised if there’s some burnouts or drag races in the mix.
• Less By-the-Book: Fewer rules mean more freedom, though respecting the guidelines is still key.

With these tips, you’re ready to hit the car scene! Get your ride ready, know your event, and roll with confidence.