From the sun-drenched coasts of California to the historic byways of New England, the United States hosts a variety of classic car shows, offering something for every automotive enthusiast. These events aren’t just for seasoned collectors; they attract a diverse crowd of families, casual onlookers, and serious gearheads, all united by a passion for automotive artistry and history. Among the polished chrome and roaring engines, you’ll often find a special breed of vehicle: the RestoMod.

What’s a Resto-Mod? A RestoMod refers to a type of classic car restoration where the vehicle is updated and modified with modern components and technology while preserving its original appearance or aesthetic. Think classic muscle car looks with a contemporary engine, suspension, and braking system. It’s the best of both worlds.

Here are just a few popular events where you can immerse yourself in automotive excellence:

Goodguys Rod & Custom Association Events | Various Locations Across USA

Goodguys hosts a series of nationwide events that are a haven for hot rods, custom cars, and classic American vehicles through the ’70s. Their shows are known for their lively atmosphere, massive car turnouts, and a strong focus on driving and enjoying these classic machines. You’ll find an incredible array of Restomods here, from subtly upgraded cruisers to wild, custom-built showstoppers, alongside traditional hot rods and pristine original classics.

*Fun Fact: Become a Platinum Member of the RestoMods car club and get entries to win plus Free tickets to Good Guys Shows near you. Limit 2x month per member. Learn More Here.

2025-schedule

Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance | Pebble Beach, California

Often considered the pinnacle of classic car shows, Pebble Beach showcases the world’s most beautiful and historically significant automobiles. Attendees can expect to see impeccably restored pre-war classics, rare European sports cars, and concours-level American muscle, all vying for prestigious awards. While traditional classics dominate, the increasing presence of meticulously crafted Restomods highlights the evolving tastes of collectors. 

SEMA Show | Las Vegas, Nevada

While primarily a trade show for automotive aftermarket products, SEMA is an unparalleled showcase for custom builds, including a significant number of high-profile Restomods. Though not a traditional car show open to the general public for display, media coverage and industry attendance reveal cutting-edge automotive trends, innovative modifications, and the latest in performance and styling, making it a must-follow for Restomod enthusiasts.

*Fun Fact: RestoMods 3 future giveaways will be featured at BluePrint Engines booth this upcoming 2025 show. Check out these epic rides in real life at their outdoor Booth #23443

Check out some of our content from the 2024 SEMA Show, we covered ALL Classic Car and RestoMods, Hot Rods, Aftermarket Products and MORE! Click Here to View.

Cruisin’ the Coast | Mississippi Gulf Coast

Dubbed “America’s Largest Block Party,” Cruisin’ the Coast transforms a 30-mile stretch of scenic highway into a rolling car show. Thousands of classic cars, hot rods, and Restomods cruise from town to town, stopping at designated venues for live music, food, and camaraderie. It’s less about competition and more about the sheer joy of driving and showing off your pride and joy in a relaxed, festive environment.

Hot August Nights | Reno and Sparks, Nevada

This is a week-long celebration of classic cars, rock and roll, and 1950s and ’60s nostalgia. Thousands of vehicles, including a wide range of classic muscle cars and Restomods, converge on the streets of Reno and Sparks for show-n-shines, drag races, and high-energy auctions. It’s an immersive event that captures the spirit of cruising and a bygone era.

Woodward Dream Cruise | Woodward Avenue, Metro Detroit, Michigan

The Woodward Dream Cruise is the world’s largest one-day automotive event. This isn’t a static car show but a massive, moving parade of more than 40,000 classic cars, hot rods, and custom vehicles. The atmosphere is electric as over a million spectators line the 16-mile route to witness a constant flow of automotive history, including countless performance-oriented Restomods.

The Detroit Autorama | Detroit, Michigan

Held in the heart of the American automotive industry, Autorama is famous for its “Ridler Award,” one of the most prestigious honors in custom car building. While featuring a vast array of custom vehicles, hot rods, and muscle cars, the show also attracts incredible Restomod builds that push the boundaries of design and engineering. It’s a fantastic place to see cutting-edge custom work and witness automotive artistry up close.

Iola Car Show & Swap Meet | Iola, Wisconsin

A staple on the vintage car show scene, the Iola Car Show is one of the largest in the country, attracting over 120,000 attendees. It’s a treasure trove for car enthusiasts, featuring a massive swap meet for parts, a car corral for vehicles for sale, and an impressive display of 2,500 classic show cars. The focus is on a wide range of classic vehicles, from untouched survivors to meticulously restored and modified machines.

Daytona Turkey Run | Daytona Beach, Florida

Held at the iconic Daytona International Speedway, the Daytona Turkey Run is one of the largest and most popular classic car events in the country. It’s a fantastic showcase of classic and custom cars, with a huge swap meet and car corral, where enthusiasts can buy, sell, and trade parts and vehicles. This event offers a unique opportunity to see classic cars and Restomods on hallowed ground.

Syracuse Nationals Classic Car Show | Syracuse, New York

One of the largest car shows in the Northeast, Syracuse Nationals is a weekend-long event that attracts over 8,000 cars and trucks. It’s known for its laid-back atmosphere and a diverse collection of street rods, customs, classic cars, and Restomods. The show offers live music, a large swap meet, and a variety of awards, making it a favorite for both car owners and spectators.

Southern California Local Cruise & Meet-Up Events

Quarantine Cruise (QruisinPCH) | Various locations including Long Beach area.

Born out of the need for a socially distant car community during the pandemic, the Quarantine Cruise has evolved into a monthly rolling car show in Southern California. Unlike a static car show, this is a cruise where hundreds of classic cars, hot rods, and of course, Restomods, drive together along scenic routes, often starting in the Long Beach/Orange County area and cruising along the Pacific Coast Highway. It’s a high-energy, in-motion spectacle that’s become a staple for enthusiasts in the region.

RestoMods Cars & Coffee | San Diego, California

Hosted by RestoMods, a company dedicated to the Restomod lifestyle, this Cars & Coffee event is a must-visit for anyone who loves the fusion of classic design and modern performance. Held at their headquarters in San Diego, the event attracts a fantastic variety of vehicles, with a special emphasis on classic muscle cars with modern engine swaps and custom builds. Attendees can enjoy coffee, vendors, check out the company’s famous giveaway cars, and connect with other Restomod enthusiasts. 

Need a RestoMod to bring out to your next car show? Check out RestoMods giveaway car that comes with a nice stack of cash at: RestoMods.com. 

What’s a RestoMod? Read more: https://restomods.com/what-is-a-restomod-137689/