Gearheads, park it here. San Diego County is home to many cool car shows, some of which are revving up for their 2023 season. Let’s cruise through a few wheely fun, free gatherings.
Cajon Classic Cruise , Downtown El Cajon
Beep, beep. This show sets up shop at Magnolia and Main streets every Wednesday through October, 5-7:30 p.m. Attendees can expect themes — like Semi-Truck Night on June 14, Convertible Night on July 19, VW Mania on Aug. 23, and Mustangs Madness on Sept. 6.
La Mesa Classic Car Show , Downtown La Mesa
This La Mesa Village staple rolls back onto La Mesa Boulevard (between 4th and Spring streets) every Thursday, 5-8 p.m., from June 1-Aug. 31. The show features pre-1974 vehicles — plus live bands performing on 3rd Street.
Cruisin’ Grand , Downtown Escondido
This North County favorite gears up on June 9 , and runs Fridays through Sept. 29, 4-9 p.m. The show invites pre-1974, American-made classics, customs, vintage, muscle, and hot rods to proudly park along West Grand Avenue for a real community vibe.
La Vuelta Car Cruise , Barrio Logan
This community lowrider cruise rolls through Logan Avenue every other Wednesday, April through early August. Pro tip: Grab food at a local restaurant, sit on the patio , and enjoy the rides.
Encinitas Cruise Night , Downtown Encinitas
This showcase takes place along South Coast Highway 101 monthly on Thursdays, 5:30-7:30 p.m. The next shows are on June 15, July 20, Aug. 17, and Sept. 21.
Hillcrest Classic Car Show , Hillcrest
This event takes place on the third Saturday each month, 1-3:30 p.m., at Pride Plaza on Normal Street. Expect to see at least 20 collectors.
Cars & Coffee , Balboa Park
The San Diego Automotive Museum hosts this meetup in its parking lot on the third Sunday of each month, 7:30-9 a.m. Check out dozens of cars — all years, makes, models, and styles — while the museum provides donuts and coffee. Pro tip: enjoy $10 museum admission before 10 a.m.
🛑 Detour: This is just a sampling of local car shows — we know there are more across our county. If we missed you favorite, leave us a note .