Guide to Charlotte car shows

Charlotte car shows range from high-profile affairs, such as the AutoFair, the largest collector's event in the Southeast, to more modest specialty events. All the car shows have a common goal of bringing car fans together, whether their interest lies in racing, tinkering, investing or just cruising in a classic car.

Charlotte AutoFair
Charlotte Motor Speedway
5555 Concord Parkway South., Concord
704-841-1990

Each April and September, the Charlotte AutoFair plays host to more than 100,000 collector car enthusiasts. They buy and sell collector vehicles of all descriptions, along with restoration parts and supplies. The Hornets Nest Region, a chartered region of the Antique Automobile Club of America, produces this world-famous Charlotte car show with collector vehicles of all descriptions. Its collector car Flea Market includes all things automotive, from tires and wheels to automotive toys and vintage signs. 

Both events reflect the general goal of the AACA, which is to restore vehicles 25 years old or older to almost-new condition. 

During the fall show, Saturday events include the "Region Auto Show – Original to Custom," in which competitors display modified and street rod vehicles and vie for awards. The fall event also includes a cruise-in component on Thursday and Friday.

The Hornet's Nest Region holds the National AACA Southeastern Spring Meet Car Show as part of the April car show. Only vehicles that are preregistered, original or restored to original are allowed in this AACA Meet, which is open to the public.

Charlotte International Auto Show
Charlotte Convention Center
501 S. College St., Charlotte
704-364-1078

Once each year, ordinarily in November, the Greater Charlotte Automobile Dealers Association hosts an automobile show featuring the latest auto technology and more than 300 vehicles. Children under 12 are always free and ticket holders are given a chance to take a ride and drive. (Restrictions apply.)

Cars and Coffee Charlotte
Old Charlotte Coliseum
135 Hive Drive, Charlotte

This is one of the popular Charlotte car shows that is more modest. A casual gathering of car enthusiasts, Cars and Coffee Charlotte meets on the first Saturday of each month. The common link among the enthusiasts is an appreciation of "all things that spit, sputter and roar!" They welcome people of all ages and a wide variety of vehicles, including classics, exotics, hot rods, muscle cars and motorcycles.

Caffeine and Classics
Streetside Classics Charlotte
800 Derita Road, Suite A, Concord
704-598-2130

From 9 a.m. to noon on the last Saturday of each month, you can find a premium car show a few miles from the famed Charlotte Motor Speedway and Concord Mills Outlet Mall. The host, Streetside Classics has a newly built showroom that has more than 50,000 square feet and space for around 260 cars. The dealership also presents a springtime car show,  usually in May, to benefit local charities.

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