Car Shows
It all starts with a dream. ~Dr. Ferdinand Porsche
Going to car shows is like being a kid in a candy store. The excitement from seeing rare, vintage, and customized cars up close, admiring their design, and craftsmanship is thrilling. And the anticipation of discovering unique vehicles and exquisite details is never-ending. Scroll down to peruse recent car shows in the Tampa Bay Area (and beyond).
VFW Post 2550 Cars & Coffee
First Saturday of Every Month
2024
360 Douglas Ave | Dunedin, FL
The VFW Post 2550, Cars and Coffee Cruise-In, began in August 2021. The first Saturday of each month, car enthusiasts of all kind arrive early for a fun and casual cruise-in. What I love about this cruise-in is the variety of cars that show up. There are the original, dedicated car owners and car clubs that are tried and true. And yet every month there are new participants with classic cars, exotic cars, and everything in between. If you are looking for a car event that’s fun, engaging, and continues to give back to our veterans, this is the one for you.
“Cruisin’ The Park” Festival
April 20
2024
John Chesnut Sr. Park | Palm Harbor, FL
This was the 17th Annual “Cruisin’ the Park” charity car show and community festival. The Rotary Club of East Lake Sunrise organizes this event each year and it is worth a trip if you have not been. Not only is John Chesnut Sr. Park a beautiful place on any given day, it is the perfect backdrop for a car show in that it provides shade and beautiful scenery alike. The variety of cars is impeccable, and the car owners are always a delight. They share their car stories and compare the details (inside and out) which creates a beloved camaraderie amongst all car enthusiasts present. And as usual, I’m looking forward to the next one.
Gathering of the Faithful South LVIII
April 18-21
2024
Plantation Resort | Crystal River, FL
Although the car show was on Saturday, I made it up to the Plantation Resort on Friday and still caught several beautiful MGs. It was here that I learned all about “The Midge”; MG’s mascot (hood ornament) that has adorned the MG for many years. The first appearance of the Midge was found in an advertisement on of the May 1934 issue of “The MaGazine” according to Doug Pelton of the MG ‘T’ Society.
Chasco Festival
March 17
2024
New Port Ritchey | Downtown
This was my first time attending the Chasco Festival Car Show in New Port Ritchey. It was so exciting to see such a variety of cars, trucks and motorcycles. Even more so, the owners that I met were incredibly kind and fun. They lit up when describing the individual details that made their vehicle super special in every way. The creativity and individuality throughout the show was exceptional. Looking forward to next year!
Festivals of Speed
January 21
2024
Vinoy Park | St. Petersburg, FL
This was the 20th Annual Festivals of Speed St. Petersburg presented by Porsche Clearwater. There are always such unique cars that are rarely seen at any other car show. What I appreciate so much about this show is the variety of vintage and contemporary vehicles of all makes and models. It’s a great presentation for all car enthusiasts and always worth the trip.
Mecum Kissimmee
January 5-7
2024
Osceola Heritage Park
It is a thrill of mine every January knowing that the Mecum Auction will be in Kissimmee, FL. The fluid choreography of cars moving around the campus while listening to the auctioneer speaking a mile a minute as you walk around is intoxicating. If you are a car enthusiast, it is a must. At least once. With each year that I attend, it is inevitable that I see cars and other things that I have never heard of.
