Car shows are pure Americana. Enthusiasts of all ages enjoy the masterpieces on display, which might be everything from perfectly polished classics to finely tuned muscle cars. Every vehicle comes with its own story. Beloved classics are passed on from generation to generation, while long-forgotten vintage vehicles are rescued and restored.
In Wisconsin, these shows are a special rite of summer for many people, including car lovers in the northeastern part of the state. Who can resist the beauty of summer mixed with the sound of a Challenger, GTO, Hemi ‘Cuda or Shelby Mustang roaring to life?
A classic car show gives you a chance to reminisce about the amazing cars that made their debut in the 1950s, like the Corvette and the Thunderbird. Every show presents a memorable opportunity to marvel at the creativity that goes into a rat rod or the technical prowess that coaxes maximum speed from a hot rod.
Looking for some shows to attend this summer? Check out 199ride’s list of recommendations.
Enjoy These 5 Can't-Miss Wisconsin Car Shows
You’ll find some great car shows to attend in June, July and August. Join the many WCEC members who plan to include one or more of these popular car shows in their summer plans.
1. 34th Annual All Pontiac & GMC Show – Oshkosh, WI
On Saturday, June 2, the Make-a-Wish Foundation will benefit as one of the state’s more established car shows comes to Oshkosh. Don’t miss the 34th Annual All Pontiac & GMC Show.
The Wisconsin Chapter of Pontiac-Oakland Club International (POCI) will host the car show.
From the GTO to the Firebird, and from the LeMans to the Grand Prix, the Pontiacs of the sixties are legendary. Who knows which muscle cars you’ll see at this show, but any vintage Pontiac with a high-horsepower V8 is worth checking out.
Spectators enjoy free admission to an established event that comes complete with music, food and beverages.
2. Winneconne Road Runners Annual Car Show – Winneconne, WI
Come to Marble Park on Saturday, July 7, for the annual Winneconne Road Runners Car Show. Registration runs from 8 a.m. to noon and a commemorative dash plaque will go to the first 150 entrants. Unique custom-crafted trophies will be presented at 2 p.m., and the show runs until 3 p.m. Special black WRR t-shirts with a green logo will be available for purchase.
This is a family-friendly event featuring kids’ games, food and beverages. Don’t forget to sample the pie and ice cream near the historical society museum. Live music by PF and the Flatheads will fill the air.
3. Ridin Durty X Car Show (RDX) – Green Bay, WI
This year’s Ridin Durty X Car Show is scheduled for Sunday, July 15, at The Ravine (2633 Manitowoc Rd). Several of last year’s visitors proclaimed RDX as one of the best annual car shows in Wisconsin.
Registration is from 8 a.m. to noon. The first 25 to register will receive free RDX t-shirts, while the first 50 will get an RDX dash plaque. Judging gets underway at 11 a.m., and the awards will be presented at 4 p.m., including those for the “sickest rides.” Numerous classes include those for classics, muscle cars, hot rods, street rods and exotics. Entrants with SUVs, trucks, motorcycles and lowriders are also welcome.
With three trophies awarded in each of the 56 classes, plus 10 Judge’s Choice Awards and others, RDX will hand out a total of more than 190 trophies this year. Judge’s Choice and Best in Show winners will walk away with massive trophies that are five to seven feet tall.
4. 103.9 WVBO Classic Car Show & Cruise – Appleton, WI
The 24th Annual 103.9 WVBO Classic Car Show & Cruise is slated for Saturday, July 21. The show will be staged in the East Lot at Fox Valley Technical College. Registration begins at 1:30 p.m. and the show runs from 3 to 6 p.m. At the end of the show, dozens of vehicles will cruise down College Avenue on a route that concludes at Lawrence University.
Trophies will be awarded for Best in Show Classic, Contemporary and Paint. Three “WVBO DJ Favorites” will also receive trophies. Entrants have an extra incentive since each of the six winning vehicles will be considered for inclusion in an upcoming 103.9 WVBO calendar.
Join other enthusiasts at this festive event featuring music from Styles Entertainment and food provided by The Dog House food truck.
5. Shriners Car Show – De Pere, WI
The Shriners Car Show 2018 is set for Sunday, August 26, at the Brown County Fairgrounds. There are 24 classes with three trophies per class. Enjoy the music and check out the swap meet and vendor area as you enjoy the show from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
The annual Shriners Car Show is a charity event staged by local Shriners so children with life-changing illnesses or injuries can survive and thrive. Today, Shriners Hospitals for Children is a comprehensive health network with 22 locations.
In the Market for a New Ride?
When you’re in the market for a nicer, newer, worry-free pre-owned vehicle for yourself or a family member, check out 199Ride. Browse our extensive inventory online, or visit us at one of our five Wisconsin dealerships: Green Bay Auto, Appleton Auto, Wausau Auto, Antigo Auto and La Crosse Auto.