10 Wisconsin Car Shows with Activities for All

Rev your engines and discover all types of classic cars, motorcycles and much more at Wisconsin’s many car shows. Featuring amazing vintage and modern vehicles, tasty food options, live music and plenty of kids’ activities, these events offer something for everyone in your family to enjoy. 

Annual Spring Jefferson Auto Swap Meet & Car Show - Jefferson

One of the largest car shows in the Midwest, enthusiasts come from near and far to the Jefferson Auto Swap Meet & Car Show. The two-day event happens twice each year, in spring and fall, and features hundreds of vintage and modern cars. You and your crew can explore all kinds of makes and models, enjoy tasty fairground food and find rare car parts at the swap meet.

Where to Stay: The nearby Camp Spangler is the designated campground for this event. You can also book a room at Alpine Valley Resort, which offers lots of fun on-site activities such as golf, an indoor pool, bike trails and more.

Automotion Classic Car Show - Wisconsin Dells 

Held at the popular Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park Resort in Wisconsin Dells, the Automotion Classic Car Show brings together over one thousand classic cars produced before 1995 for one spectacular weekend. Stop by to see replicas of the most iconic cars from the big screen, including the Blues Brothers’ Bluesmobile, Scooby-Doo’s Mystery Machine, the Batmobile and Ghostbusters’ Ecto-1. With plenty of kids' activities like balloon twisters, jugglers and face painting, this is a great event to enjoy with the whole family. 

Where to Stay: For easy access to all the fun, stay right at Mt. Olympus. Or, opt for a downtown option with The VUE - A Boutique Hotel.

Cool City Classic Car Show & Cruise - Two Rivers 

Spend a beautiful summer weekend browsing a wide variety of antique and modern cars, trucks and motorcycles at the Cool City Classic Car Show & Cruise. The event begins on Friday night with a cruise from Manitowoc that makes its way to downtown Two Rivers, where you and your group can enjoy food trucks, beverage stands and live music. The fun continues into Saturday with free admission for spectators, family-friendly activities and a trophy presentation.

Where to Stay: Enjoy a room with a view of majestic Lake Michigan at Lighthouse Inn on the Lake, or make time to pamper yourself at Violet Inn, Lounge & Spa.

Iola Car Show & Swap Meet - Iola

Another one of the largest car shows around, the Iola Car Show & Swap Meet in North Central Wisconsin is a fantastic three-day event that can’t be missed. Explore 2,300 show cars, browse 4,000 swap spaces, shop a flea market and even see celebrity guests. Organized by over 100 local groups that have raised over $9 million for the community, you can feel good about attending this lively gathering.

Where to Stay: Camp onsite at one of the 1,600 designated sites and dance the night away with a DJ and live music in the evenings. Or, stay at the nearby Helvetia Hideaway and relax in a hot tub under the stars.

Annual Cruis’n Wisconsin Car, Motorcycle & Truck Show - Blanchardville 

Head to McKellar Park on the Pecatonica River for a full day of fun at the Annual Cruis’n Wisconsin Car, Motorcycle & Truck Show. A featured vehicle type is chosen each year, and all stock vehicles produced until 2018 and all modified vehicles are welcome to compete for over 130 trophies. Explore food and craft vendors, enter to win door prizes and find rare parts at the swap meet for a terrific time.

Where to Stay: Camp together in McKellar Park or opt for a cozy stay at Drift Inn Cabins, right on the river.

Cars and Crafts in the Park - Turtle Lake 

Looking for extra fun on your trip to northern Wisconsin this summer? Stop at Cars and Crafts in the Park to shop over 50 local craft vendors, see all kinds of vintage vehicles and enjoy live music and food with your favorite people. Admission is free for spectators, and awards are given for all vehicle classes.

Where to Stay: Make it a true up north vacation and stay at a fully-furnished cottage at The Shores of Fox Lake. Or, camp out with the family at Chetek River Campground.

Pistons & Props Air & Car Show - Janesville 

Janesville takes its car show to the next level with a three-day event that also celebrates aviation. Pistons & Props Air & Car Show includes hot air balloons, fireworks, a thrilling airshow and plenty of fun kids’ activities. Saturday is especially for the car enthusiasts, and includes show vehicles and motorcycles of all years, makes and styles, many awards and sports cars available to test drive. With live music, a skydiving show and a hands-on “touch-a-truck” experience, this event truly has something for everyone in your group.

Where to Stay: Feel pampered with a stay at Century Elms Bed & Breakfast, or embrace the beautiful Wisconsin outdoors at Lakeland Camping Resort.

Annual Pardeeville Community Car & Truck Show - Pardeeville 

Just an hour’s drive north of Madison, the Pardeeville Community Car & Truck Show gathers over 900 impressive vehicles at scenic Chandler Park for a day of memory-making. The event also includes a tractor show, food stands, silent auction, children's activities and a variety of vendor booths to shop. Admission is free, but donations for the local food pantry are encouraged.

Where to Stay: Bring the RV or tent to Duck Creek Campground, or opt for the cozy Park Lake Cottages.

Wheels and Wings Show - Osceola

For another chance to see interesting vehicles both on the ground and in flight, check out Osceola’s Wheels and Wings Show. The day’s many activities include a tasty pancake breakfast, thrilling acrobatic air show, over 800 custom classic cars from every era and over 800 motorcycles. Hot rods, rat rods, vintage planes, ultralights and other incredible pieces of aviation, mechanical art and history fill the airport, and a designated Kid Zone offers fun for the whole family.

Where to Stay: Enjoy views of the St. Croix River from the St. Croix Valley Inn or find more of a rural escape at Pleasant Lake Bed & Breakfast. 

Mural Fest & Classic Car Show - Ashland 

Did you know that Ashland is known as the Historic Mural Capital of Wisconsin? Visit in September to join the city’s celebration of its 21 vibrant murals, which includes a downtown car show. The Mural Fest & Classic Car Show also includes a cornhole tournament, fun run, sidewalk sales, live music, food and more. Learn about Ashland’s colorful past and all kinds of fascinating vehicles at this one-of-a-kind event.

Where to Stay: End your day at a cute cottage at Mission Springs Resort or the peaceful Second Wind Country Inn.

Looking for more fun on four wheels? Check out these 5 exciting Wisconsin racetracks!