Want to take a step back in time this summer? Looking for things to do with your family? Head to an old car show in Wisconsin! See some great vintage/classic cars from simpler days without backup cameras, remote start, or GPS! And a bonus? Most of these shows are free or cheap admission!
Your typical car show is a fun atmosphere with food and drinks for purchase and music, but other extra additions to some shows are vendors selling crafts/baked goods, swap meets, raffles to raise money for charities to win cash/prizes, contests, and local bands.
Look for a select few on our list with airplanes and motorcycles and potential meet and greets of celebrities such as former Packer players, race car drivers, and actors/tv/YouTube personalities!
You could even enter at certain shows for a chance to win your classic car!
We have weekend and weekday options and list everything you need to know. In addition, you’ll find dates, times, locations, admission, and other tips to know before you go. We also highlighted some car shows to our neighbors in the west and north in Minnesota and the Michigan Upper Peninsula that are worth the drive!
*Please note that a separate entry fee may be required for those entering a car at the shows.
Editor’s Note: Have an update or addition to our list? Email govalleykids.com!
Tips for Visiting Car Shows With Kids
- Ask Questions
The people that have brought their cars to a show love them! They’ve worked hard on them and are happy to chat with you about their vehicle. - Wear Comfortable Shoes
There’s often a lot of walking involved in visiting a car show. Wear shoes that you’re going to be happy in all day. Make sure the kids do also because nothing kills fun faster than kids whining about their feet. - Keep Your Hands to Yourself
As mentioned above, the people showing cars love them and have worked hard to get them ready to show. Remember the lessons of Kindergarten and resist touching the shiny parts. And, remind your kids too! - Keep Track of What Your Kids Are Up To
With all of the cool cars around and so many things to look at, it can be easy to get distracted. Keep a close eye on the kids, because as tempting as the shiny parts and sparkling paint are for us to touch (or is that just me?) it is tenfold for kids. - Bring a Stroller or Wagon
Related to the comfortable shoes, your time at a car show will likely be more fun with somewhere for a tired kid to catch a little break. But, keep them at a distance from the cars. - Food and Drinks
Some shows have concessions or food trucks around, so you’ll want to have cash handy. You also might pack snacks for a picnic if you’ll be at a larger show for a large part of the day. In any case, keep kids snacking and drinking separately from car viewing.
April Car Shows
Raceway Supper Pubs Tuesday Night Car Show
- Tuesday, April 25, 2023: 5 pm – dusk
- 711 E Washington Street, Slinger, WI
- Admission: Free
- 50/50 raffle, door prizes, and music
- Food and drink specials at Raceway Bar & Grill
46th Annual Spring Jefferson Swap Meet & Car Show
- Friday, April 28, 2023: 10:00 am- 6:00 pm
- Saturday, April 29, 2023: 6:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Sunday, April 30, 2023: 6:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Admission:
- Friday & Saturday: $15.00 per adult (parking included)
- Sunday: $10.00 (parking included)
- Children under the age of 12 are FREE with paying adult
- Jefferson County Fair Park, 503 North Jackson Avenue, Jefferson, WI
- Food Stands and Music
- Ford Mustangs highlighted this year
- No pets
May Car Shows
35th Annual NWTC Auto Club Car Show
- Sunday, May 7, 2023: 10 am – 4 pm
- Northeast Wisconsin Technical College Green Bay Campus
- Admission: $5 per person ($1 off with non-perishable food items)
- Seniors and kids under 12: Free
- First big car show of the season in Eastern Wisconsin, with typically over 1,000 cars!
- Music, food, and refreshments
American Antiques & Jewelry Car Show
- Saturday, May 6, 2023: 10 am – 2 pm
- American Antiques and Jewelry, 2545 W Mason Street, Green Bay, WI
- Admission: Free
- In-store specials, food, music, prizes, and giveaways
15th Annual Freedom High School Car Show
- Saturday, May 6, 2023: 9 am – 2 pm
- Freedom High School, N4021 County E Freedom, WI
- Admission: Free
- Hosted by the Freedom High School Auto Club. All makes and models are welcome!
- Registration for vehicles starts at 7 am
- Food, Music, and lots of family fun!
2nd Annual Vintage Steel Showdown
- Saturday, May 13, 2023: 9 am – 3 pm, rain or shine
- 16807 W 4th S Stone Lake, WI
- Admission: Freewill donation
- Music, food, a pin-up contest, and vendors
- All proceeds benefit Wrenching for the Future.
2023 Memorial Fest Car Show
- Saturday, May 27, 2023: 11 am
- Village Park, N87W16749 Garfield Dr, Menomonee Falls, WI
- Admission: Free
- Music, food, drinks, and door prizes
June Car Shows
Krusin Klassics 38th Annual Fun Run, Car Show & Swap Meet
- Friday, June 2, and Saturday, June 3, 2023: Gates open Saturday at 8:00 am
- Escanaba State Fairgrounds, 2401 12th Ave N, Escanaba, MI
- Admission: $5 (includes button) for both days
- Veterans free with ID
- Includes Dance with The Grand Design Band
- Food, beverages, music, raffles, and prizes
- Prizes include a Custom 1950 Ford Tudor and a 1996 Mustang Convertible GT
26th Annual Model A Days “Roaring 20s & 30s”
- Sunday, June 4, 2023: 9 am – 2 pm
- Downtown Clinton Wisconsin
- Admission: Free
- Music, food, crafters, vendors, and Time Era Fashion Show
Sheryl’s Club 175 2nd Annual Car Show
- Saturday, June 10, 2023: 9 am -3 pm
- 3545 WI-175, Slinger, Wisconsin
- Admission: Free
- Food, refreshments, music, raffles and prizes
38th Annual Allouez Fest Picnic & Car Show
- Sunday, June 11, 2023: 10 am – 3 pm
- Green Isle Park, 900 Green Ave, Allouez
- Admission: $2.00 suggested donation
- All makes models and years welcome
- Food, refreshments, music, DJ, kids games, bounce houses, face painting, remote control car demo, trophies, and vendor fair
- NEW Zoo “Zoo-mobile” from 10 am – 12 pm
Gilbert Brown Foundation Car Show at Wilderness Campground
- Saturday, June 17, 2023: 10 am – 3 pm
- Wilderness Campground, N1499 State Highway 22, Montello, WI
- Admission: Free
- The GBF Foundation supports Camp Sunshine – Kids with Cancer, Gilbert Brown’s All-Pro Football Camp, Milwaukee Skills Camp, Make a Wish Foundation, Mark Tauscher’s TriFecta Foundation, and a High School Scholarship Program.
- Food & Beverage Tent
- Raffle Items & 50/50 Raffle
- Special guests include former Green Bay Packers!
Summer Knights Car & Bike Show
- Saturday, June 17th, 2023
- W10663 Moodig Road, Tomahawk, WI
- Admission: Free
- Music and Food
6th Annual Cars & Guitars Show
- Saturday, June 17, 2023: 8 am – 2 pm,
- 400 Block of S Washington, Green Bay, WI
- Admission: Free
- Food and live music from 9:30 am – 2 pm
- Non-perishable food collection for Paul’s Pantry
32nd: Rods-n-Relics Car Show
- Saturday, June 17, 2023: 9 am – 2:30 pm
- Lime Kiln Park, 2020 Green Bay Rd, Grafton, WI
- Admission: Free
- Live music by Maple Road Blues Band, food, soda, beer, and raffles
- Fundraising to provide tools for local high school and auto school classes
Les Stumpf Ford 42nd Annual Car Show
- Sunday, June 18, 2023: 8 am – 2 pm
- Les Stumpf Ford, 3030 W College Ave, Appleton, WI
- Admission: Free
- Come see some great Ford vehicles and enjoy food and music (DJ)
- Make Wish Foundation Raffle
Waterfront Bar & Grill Annual Car Show
- Sunday, June 18, 2022: 11 am
- Waterfront Bar & Grill, 215 N Main St, Kewaunee, WI
- Admission: Free
- Music and food
- Full bar open inside and outside for 21 and older
42nd Annual British Car Field Day
- Sunday, June 18, 2023: 9 am – 3 pm (Rain or Shine)
- Sussex Village Park, W244N6125 Weaver Dr, Sussex, WI
- Admission: Adults: $2
- Kids free with paid adult
- Refreshments will be available on the grounds from Boy Scouts of America.
- Proceeds from the event benefit the Children’s Hospital of Milwaukee and the Boy Scouts of America.
- Wisconsin’s Largest All–British Car and Motorcycle Show!
Northern Roundup Vintage Weekend
- Thursday, June 22 – Saturday, 24, 2023: All day and night long!
- MC Festival Grounds, N5890 County Rd H, Gleason, WI
- Admission: Weekend Pass: $25
- Friday Day Pass: $10
- Saturday Day Pass: $15
- Kids under 12 get in free.
- Tons of great live music, food trucks, a pin-up contest, mini-bike races, raffles, and auctions
- Register in advance for camping for an additional fee
49th Annual Back to the 50s Car Show
- Friday, June 23 – Saturday, June 24, 2023: 8 am – 10 pm, Sunday, June 25, 2023: 6 am – 3 pm
- Minnesota State Fairgrounds, 1265 Snelling Ave N, St Paul, MN
- Admission: Adults: $15
- Kids 15 and under: Free with paid adult (cash only)
- Discount tickets ($13.00) can be purchased beginning in June at participating NAPA Auto stores in MN and western WI.
- Voted “Best Car Show” in 2019 by USA Today with 11,345 Cars shown
- Live Music Friday and Saturday
- Free Park and Ride Saturday
5th Annual Out-A-Site Drags
- Friday, June 23, and Saturday, June 24, 2023
- Gates open Friday at 10 am and Saturday at 9 am, rain or shine
- 18411 1st Street Union Grove WI
- Admission: Adults: $25
- Kids ages 10 – 15: $12
- Kids ages 9 and under: free
- Racing starts on Friday at 2 pm and Saturday at 12 pm
- Oldest Continuously Operating Drag Strip in America
- Food and refreshments
- Live music: Saturday night
St. Mary’s Memorial Food Pantry Car & Motorcycle Show
- Saturday, June 24, 2023: 9 am – 2 pm (Rain Date: June 25, 2023)
- White River Trail Courtyard, 6000 Railroad Street, Downtown Lyons, WI
- Admission: Free
- Food and music
- 50/50 raffle with five grand prizes and other prizes awarded throughout the day
- ALL proceeds support St. Mary’s Memorial Food Pantry
- Voted “Best Little Car Show” in Wisconsin by Hot Rod Radio!
Calumet County VFW 25th Century Car, Truck & Bike Show
- Sunday, June 25, 2023: 8 am – 2:30 pm
- Hobart Park, 471 Four Seasons Drive, Chilton, WI
- Admission: Free
- Food, refreshments, live entertainment, raffles
- Fundraiser to help widows and orphans of departed veterans
Central Wisconsin Auto Collectors 41st Annual Benefit Car Show
- Sunday, June 25, 2023: 8 am – 4 pm
- Brennand Airport, 3282 Breezewood Lane, Neenah, WI
- Admission: Free
- DJ-Sizzlin’ Sonny’s Rockin’ Roadshow with Hula Hoop Contest
- 50/50 raffle cash drawing and door prizes all day to benefit local charities
- Food and beverages
- Airplanes on display
- Swap and Flea Market
Celebrate Waupun Festival 9th Annual Car Show
- Sunday, June 25, 2023: 8 am – 4 pm
- Harris Mill Park, 300 N Forest Street, Waupun
- Admission: Free
- Door prizes
- Food and drink by Go Dutch Solutions
- Shade available with a great view of Rock River
- Take part in the many festivities half a block from the Car Show!
July Car Shows
Tony’s Hot Rod Shop Car Show and 4th of July Celebration
- Tuesday, July 4, 2023: Starts at noon and goes all day and night
- Tony’s Hot Rod Shop, W10532 County Road Y, Antigo, WI
- Admission: Free
- Food, fun, and fireworks!
Iola Swap Meet & Car Show 51st Annual
- Thursday, July 6 – Saturday, July 8, 2023: 9 am – 9 pm
- 350 Chrome Place, Iola
- Admission: Guests are encouraged to purchase online rather than at the gate.
- Daily: $15 online, $20 at the gate
- 3-Day Pass: $28, $30 at the gate
- Ages 12 and under: Free
- One of the Largest Car Shows in America with many unique cars, including 2,500 show cars, 4,000 swap spaces, 1,600 campsites, and 350 for-sale car corral spaces
- Special surprise celebrity appearances
- Live music, food, and drinks
Kewaunee Car, Motorcycle & Vintage Snowmobile Show
- Saturday, July 8, 2023: 8 am – 5 pm
- 216 Ellis Street, Downtown Kewaunee
- Admission: Free
- Music, food, and refreshments
- A unique show that highlights vintage snowmobiles
Ninos 19th Annual Car Show for the Red, White & Troops
- Sunday, July 9, 2023: 8:30 am – 4 pm
- Racine Fairgrounds, 19805 Durand Ave, Union Grove, WI
- Admission: Free Walk In (Fee for parking)
- Silent Auctions, raffles, 50/50 raffle, vendors, food trucks, a pin-up contest, and music
Paperfest Car & Motorcycle Show
- Saturday, July 15, 2023: 8 am – 2 pm (rain or shine)
- Memorial Park, 360 Wallace St, Combined Locks, WI
- Admission: Free
- Great food, drinks, music
- Kids’ activities all in the Family Tent, carnival rides, inflatables, and entertainment
- Hot air balloon glow Saturday at dusk (same day as the car show)
45th Annual Appleton Old Car Show & Swap Meet at Pierce Park
- Sunday, July 16, 2023: 8 am – 4 pm
- Pierce Park, 1035 W Prospect Ave Appleton, WI
- Admission: Free
- Largest car show in the Fox Valley with over 1,000 cars from 1992 and older
- Wide variety of food Trucks throughout the park
- Music
St. Bernard Parish 2nd Annual Car Show
- Sunday, July 23rd, 2023: 11 am – 3 pm
- St Bernard Catholic Church, 2040 Hillside Lane, Green Bay, WI
- Admission: Free
- Food including ice cream and bake sale, music, door prizes, music, and lawn games
Wrench Life Weekender Swap Meet & Car Show
- Saturday, July 29, 2023, 8 am – 3 pm
- Downtown Clinton, WI
- Admission: Adults: $5
- Children under 12: free when accompanied by an adult
- BBQ Pit and other local restaurants in Downtown
- Antique and gifts stores open
- Special Music includes a 7 Piece Classic Rock Band
- Very Family Friendly for younger kids
- “Kids Korner” includes police cars and firetruck displays, and special kids judging on the cars
- This Swap Meet is a great place for vendors to sell or buy their cars, car parts, and accessories!
- 100% of proceeds support the Clinton Food Pantry
August Car Shows
16th Annual Apple River Car Show
- Saturday, August 5th, 2023: 8 am – 3 pm
- Village Park, Somerset, WI (2 blocks northwest of Holiday Gas Station)
- Admission: Free
- Food, drinks, music, and raffles
Kiwanis Car, Motorcycle, & Vintage Camper Show
- Sunday, August 12, 2023: 10 am – 4 pm
- Washington Park, 1101 Washington St, Manitowoc, WI
- Admission: Free
- Wide selection of food, beverages, and treats
- Raffles
- Funds raised will help children in the area in need
- Themed car show
- Car calendar provided for those entering the show
Symco Hotrod & Kustom Weekender
- Thursday, August 10, Friday, August 11, and Saturday, August 12, 2023: 9 am – 1 am
- Union Thresheree Grounds, E6361 WI-22, Manawa, WI
- Admission: Wristband required for 14 and younger
- Prepay online to save
- Online: $20 for a 3-day wristband
- At the gate: Thursday: $5, Friday: $15, Saturday: $20
- Weekend wristband at the door: $30
- Kids 14 and under: free with paying adult
- Food, drinks, live music, Pin up girl contest, mini bike races, and camping
Richfield Days Classic Cars Show
- Saturday, August 26, 2023: 10 am – 4 pm
- Richfield Fireman’s Park, Richfield, WI
- Admission: $5 donation to Richfield Fire Department
- More info TBD
September Car Shows
20th Annual Kenosha Classic Cruise-In
- Saturday, September 2nd, 2023: 9 am – 4 pm (Rain date: September 9, 2023)
- Downtown Kenosham, 5601 7th Avenue, Kenosha, WI
- Admission: Free for spectators and cars
- Accepting non-perishable food items for the Salvation Army
- “Elvis” will be performing live
- Local Restaurants and shops will be selling food, drinks, and goods
“Moose on the Menominee” 15th Annual Car & Bike Show
- Saturday, September 2, 2023: 8 am – 2 pm
- Moose Lodge, N5233 E Nettleton Ln, Marinette, WI
- Admission: Free
- Food, music, raffles, and swap meet
Calumet County Fair Car Show
- Monday, September 4, 2023: 10 am -3 pm (Labor Day)
- Calumet County Fairgrounds, 900 Francis St, Chilton, WI
- Admission: $10 per car load of 2 people includes fair admission and car show
- Car Show is next to the Calumet County Fair, with access to carnival rides, craft vendors, animals, 4H displays, and more!
Merrill Lions Club Labor Day Parade and Car Show
- Monday, September 4, 2023: 10 am – 3 pm (Labor Day)
- Merrill Festival Grounds, 2001 E 2nd St, Merrill, WI
- Admission: Free for everyone and free parking
- Food, drinks and flea market
59th Annual Studebaker & All Make Classic Car Show
- Saturday, September 16, 2023: 8 am – 4 pm
- Manitowoc County Fairgrounds, 4921 Expo Dr, Manitowoc, WI
- Admission: Adults: $10
- Kids 12 and under: free with paid adult
- Fairgrounds will be open to see the hundreds of Studebaker cars at this once-in-a-lifetime event in Wisconsin!
- Other great classic cars
- Food trucks, drinks, and music
Oconto Elks Fly-In “Wheels Wings and Things”
- Saturday, September 16, 2023: 9 am – 4 pm
- Oconto Airport, 2983 Airport Road, Oconto, WI
- Admission: $7 a person (pre-sale $5 at area businesses)
- Classic cars, tractors, and airplanes on display
- Music, great food, and shopping at all the craft vendors
- Kids’ area featuring face painting, a bungee-bounce experience, and a balloon artist
- This year plane and helicopters rides for a fee (Estimated $50-$100 to go up)
- Free parking
- Proceeds donated to local charities
Octoberfest & License To Cruise
- Friday, September 29, 2023: 6 pm – 10 pm
- Downtown College Avenue, Appleton, WI
- Admission: Free
- Classic Cars displayed up and down the avenue
- Music, bands and DJs
- Over 100 Food Vendors
- Octoberfest festivities carry into the next day on Saturday
46th Annual Fall Jefferson Swap Meet & Car Show!
- Friday, September 22, 2023: 10 am – 6 pm; Saturday, September 23: 6 am – 4 pm, Sunday, September 24, 2023: 6 am – 3 pm
- Jefferson County Fair Park, 503 N Jackson Ave, Jefferson, WI
- Admission: Friday & Saturday: $15 adults
- Sunday: $10 adults
- Children under the age of 12 are free with paying adult
- Free spectator parking at the fairgrounds all three days
- Food and music
- Chevrolets highlighted this year
Peshtigo Historical Days and Car Show
- Saturday, September 30, 2023: 10 am – 3 pm
- Peshtigo Middle School, 380 Green St, Peshtigo, WI
- Car show and additional festivities hosted by Historical Days
- Arts and crafts sale, music, food, and drinks
- Kids bounce houses, face painting, and balloons
AUTOberfest
- Saturday, September 30, 2023: 2 – 6 pm
- The Automobile Gallery & Event Center; 400 S Adams St, Green Bay, WI
- Admission: $15 (includes gallery admission, beer samples, and pretzel necklace)
- Geared towards adults who want to peruse through 40+ German guest vehicles, drink German beer, and eat German food!
October Car Shows
3rd Annual Banana Peeler Rat Rod & Traditional Hot Rod Show
- Saturday, October 7th, 2023: 10 am – 2 pm
- Polish Legion of American Veterans, 3927 Lily Lake Rd, Green Bay, WI
- Admission: Free
- Featuring banana seat bicycles
- Raffle prizes, food, and drinks
- Exclusive Kids Hot Wheels Play area
- 100% of proceeds go to charity
North Star Cars & Handlebars
- Saturday, October 7th, 2023: 9 am – 3 pm
- North Star Mohican Casino Resort, W12180 Co Rd A, Bowler, WI
- Admission: Free
- Food trucks and Mohican Veterans will be selling Indian Tacos
- Celebrity appearance TBD
- A family-friendly event, but you must be 21 and over to enter the Casino
- Flea Market is new this year!
Caffeine & Chrome-Gateway Classic Cars of Milwaukee Trunk or Treat
- Saturday, October 28th, 2023: 9 am – 1 pm
- 9949 58th Place, Kenosha, WI
- Admission: Free
- Wear a costume and trunk or treat in classic cars!! Not your average trunk or treat!
- Indulge in coffee and pastries while supplies last
- Family and pet-friendly event
- Festivities held both indoor and outdoor
Weekly Car “Show Off” Gatherings (reoccurring)
- Weekly Mondays: 5 pm – dusk (weather permitting)
- Sheryl’s Club 175 Weekly Car Whow
- 3545 Hwy 175, Slinger, WI
- April 24th through October
- Drinks and food prizes each week
- Select Tuesdays: 4:30 – 7 pm
- Shake-A-Burger, Main St Oconto
- May 16, June 6, June 20, July 4, July 18, August 1, August 15, and September 5, 2023 (canceled if the temperature is under 55 degrees)
- Every Wednesday: 4 pm – dark
- A&W Duck Creek, 2002 Velp Ave, Green Bay, WI (Howard)
- Starts Spring through October, weather permitting.
- Wednesday Night Car Show: 5 pm – dusk
- Brama’s Pizzeria, N112W16700 Mequon Rd, Germantown, WI
- April 26 until Fall, weather permitting
- Saturdays: 5 pm until dark
- Jack Stand Racin’ Car Club
- Antique Up Parking Lot, 3256 Church St, Stevens Point, WI
- Saturdays, Memorial Day through Labor Day
- Last Saturday of every month
- Caffeine and Chrome-Gateway Classic Cars of Milwaukee
- 9949 58th Place, Kenosha, WI
- Everyone welcome anyone welcome with or without a classic car
- January – October, December 2, 2023 is a holiday event.
Visit Wisconsin Hotrod Radio for updates and more great Wisconsin car shows!
