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.
The La Mesa Classic Car Show 2023 runs every Thursday, June 1-Aug. 31.
Photo via CeCe Canton
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.
The music stage on 3rd Street at the La Mesa Classic Car Show
Photo via La Mesa Village Association
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.
