With winter finally in the rearview mirror, it’s a good time to look at how to spend those sunny weekends — and for local car lovers, that means scouting out the best Cleveland auto shows and surrounding Northern Ohio towns. Spring and summer in the Buckeye State bring plenty of chances to check out cars of all makes, models and eras, so grab your GPS, mark your calendar and plan to check out some of these shows.
May 6, 2018, at Parma Heights, Ohio
Shake off the winter blues with the Spring Dust-Off, presented by the Northern Ohio Chapter of the Oldsmobile Club of America. Whether you want to enter your own Olds (for $5 per car) or want to admire the work that others have done on their Oldsmobiles, this is the place and the day to do it. The first 50 entrants receive dash plaques, and there also will be door prizes and more. In case of rain, this event moves to May 20. Find out more by contacting Rich Hilko at (330) 225-0793.
May 19, 2018, at Cleveland, Ohio
Going back to school has never been so much fun. The Max Hayes High School Car Show is open to students, staff members and anyone from the community who is interested in participating. This classic car show begins with registration at 9 a.m., and the car show runs from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Judging starts at 12:30 p.m., and participants will receive dash plaques and goodie bags. There are trophies for the winners, and the show also includes music served up alongside great food and refreshments. For more information, call Greg at (330) 459-0888.
May 20, 2018, at Parma, Ohio
There's so much more than a car show at this popular annual event presented by the American Cruisers classic and custom car club. Look for contests that go back to the 1950s to find the best hula hooper and the best jitterbug dancer. There's even a costume contest to see who wears that era best. There's also a model car contest for the kids, a muffler rap contest and a club participation award. You'll enjoy a full day of food trucks, a live DJ, door prizes and so much more. The first 300 entrants will get dash plaques and goody bags. Admission is $1 for spectators and $15 if you're entering a car; registration starts at 10 a.m., and the show goes until 3 p.m. Start practicing your best '50s moves today.
June 16, 2018, at Willoughby, Ohio
One of Ohio’s most popular car and truck cruise-ins returns to Willoughby for a full day of music, food and, of course, fantastic cars and trucks. The Willoughby Car Cruise is a free all-day event includes bands on two stages, a great lineup of food vendors and a shady park in which to enjoy it all. They shut down the streets for this one to give you a chance to stroll the downtown area, check out the cars and trucks and even explore the restaurants, shops and cafes in the downtown area. Proceeds from the event benefit various community organizations.
July 21, 2018 at Willoughby Hills, Ohio
There's a little bit of something for everyone at this show, which kicks off at 9 a.m. and runs until 12:30 p.m. Cars will be divided and judged by decade, and there will be 10 people's choice awards handed out. Registration is free, and the fun will include "oldies" music, trivia games (with prizes), displays of antiques and memorabilia and more. Coffee, donuts and snacks will be available for purchase. In case of rain, this moves to the next day from 2 to 5 p.m. Call (440) 318-3742 for more info.
June 23, 2018, in Middleburg Heights, Ohio
The tradition continues at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds with this annual event that combines everyone’s favorite food with live music, a charity run, games and rides and — most importantly — motorcycles and classic cars. Admission to the event is $6 for adults, $2 for children 13 to 17 and free for anyone 12 and under.
August 1, 2018, at Cleveland, Ohio
For the fifth year, this event will bring together some of the things we love most about summer — hot cars and cool ice cream. This year’s focus is on super-charged cars, and they’re offering a five-foot trophy for the best super-charged hot rod. All vehicles are welcome, and the first 100 cars receive dash plaques. There will be plenty of sponsor trophies and door prizes as well, but it’s not all about cars. You can also load up on hot dogs and hamburgers while enjoying music from a DJ. Admission is $10, and the show goes from 5 to 7 p.m., with proceeds benefitting St. Patrick Church West Park.
September 7–8, 2018, at Sandusky, Ohio
Presented by the Remember Cruisin’ Car Club of Northern Ohio, Cruisin' by the Bay brings together more than 500 hot rods and classic cars for a full day of fabulous automotive eye candy. The event unfolds in the downtown area, so you’ll have access to all the food and beverages offered through Sandusky’s historic downtown, and a DJ will spin classic music all day long to keep your ears as happy as your eyes.
If you need to get your car in shape for the summer shows, be sure to visit us at one of our six Cleveland-area locations for a free estimate.