The Seattle-Tacoma metropolitan region has its fair share of car shows, car clubs, and swap meets to satisfy car and motorcycle enthusiasts living or visiting the region. We’ve listed the key (get it?) events and organizations throughout the state. Find a calendar of upcoming car shows and related events below.
Auto clubs and car museums in Washington State
AAA Washington was established in 1904 by 10 Seattle businessmen with the mission of making automobile travel safe, comfortable and affordable. In the early years, AAA helped create legislation and enact laws, erect directional signs, develop traffic codes and licensing, and conventions such as headlamps driving in darkness, a muffler, brakes, car horns, and speed limits. A century later the fruits of their labor are still visible throughout our state. Today, AAA offers travel, insurance, financial and automotive services, and is active in highway and transportation safety programs. Membership begins at $65/year and includes towing, lockout, flat tire change, fuel delivery, discounts, and other benefits. (Many insurance plans include similar service as a benefit, so check with your broker or insurance company before you enroll.)
Classic Car Community is a national website devoted to classic and historical vehicles. It is free to join the online community and access their collection of online resources, including classified ads, events, and other information relevant to the classic car enthusiast. They maintain a list of auto clubs around the country, including a long list of auto clubs in Washington State.
Goodguys Rod & Custom Association is the world’s largest hot-rodding association with over 70,000 active members worldwide. Goodguys events feature thousands of hot rods, customs, tricked out trucks, muscle cars, and classics at events across the country, including Washington State car shows. Membership begins at $25 and includes discounts, magazine/newsletter, and other benefits.
Griot’s Garage & Retail Store in Tacoma is a family-owned retail store that develops and manufactures leading-edge car care products and accessories. Their Art Deco inspired headquarters features a rotating display of vintage autos. You’ll likely see something new every time you visit. Learn detailing secrets in their free Car Care School.
LeMay – America’s Car Museum in Tacoma includes 300 domestic and foreign cars in rotating exhibits and open storage galleries for vehicles not on active display, giving visitors the opportunity to see the majority of the collection on any visit. Explore the collections via hands-on activities, visit the gift shop, slot car track and racing simulators, and attend special automotive events throughout the year. Rated as one of the best automotive museums worldwide. Admission: $18/adult; dome activities additional charge. Individual membership: $50/year includes unlimited admission plus other benefits.
Ongoing car shows and cruise-ins
You can visit the link or scroll down to our calendar for upcoming auto and car shows.
Monthly Griot’s Garage cruise-in car show in Tacoma (year-round)
Griot’s Garage in Tacoma hosts monthly ‘Caffeine & Gasoline’ cruise-in car shows. You might see exotic supercars, street rods, tuner cars, race machines, and more on the first Saturday of every month. Each month has a different theme, but all kinds of cars are welcome. Cruise in to their Tacoma Flagship Retail Store in your favorite ride and hang out over coffee and donuts. It doesn’t get much better than this. It’s a great chance to talk cars with fellow enthusiasts, get inspiration for your own projects, and tune in to the local car scene.
Weekly Exotics@RTC free car enthusiast gathering in Redmond (April – October)
Exotics@RTC free car enthusiast gathering in Redmond Town Center parking lot. It’s the largest weekly car gathering across the United States. Best of all, it’s free, family-friendly, and outdoors. When the weather looks iffy, or if you want to know about any special events that may be happening, be sure to check the Exotics@RTC Facebook page before you head over there. Throughout each season, there are special events including unique themes, pre-production and prototype cars, new model unveilings, and occasional sessions with automotive company management. Find Exotics on the south side of Redmond Town Center. For special events, cars will be located in the center mall as well as the south lots. When: Weather permitting, Saturdays from April to October, 9-11AM—IF the chance of rain is 30% or less.
Annual auto shows and car swap meets in the Puget Sound region
Listed below are briefs descriptions of the major auto shows in the Puget Sound region. For more details, click on the link for each event. Also scroll down to the calendar below for a list of all upcoming auto shows, car shows, and automobile swap meets.
(Listed alphabetically by city.)
Everett Cruizin’ 2 Colby (cruzin2colby.com) annual cruise and car show. Cruzin’ to Colby was created by a passionate group of people in 1999. The car show has been one of the largest events in downtown Everett for many years, attracting hundreds of thousands of participants over the years. The dedicated sponsors and vendors have made it possible to contribute over $250,000 dollars to local charities. Hosted by a group of volunteers who are committed to the continuation of this cherished community tradition, the weekend includes several events including parties and a dance. When: Memorial Day Weekend.
Kent: Binford’s Field of Dreams | Facebook. hosts car cruises throughout the year, typically spring to fall.
Monroe Auto Swap Meet (previously known as the Seattle Auto Swap Meet) is the Pacific Northwest’s Oldest Automotive Swap Meet at the Evergreen State Fairgrounds. When: spring.
Puyallup Good Guys Pacific Northwest Nationals Auto Show on the Washington State Fair Grounds features hundreds of Rods, Customs, Classics, Muscle Cars and Trucks. Plus a Saturday cruise, exhibits, swap meet, Kids Zone, live entertainment, and more. Discounts tickets: GG Members. When: summer.
Seattle International Auto Show is the city’s annual showcase of all that’s new in cars, trucks, crossovers, vans, hybrids, SUV, electrics, alternative fuel vehicles, exotics, supercars, and all the latest models from the world’s automobile makers. Get behind the wheels of many different brands. Driving simulator. Kids’ activities. Kids 12 and under are FREE. Discount tickets: advanced online purchase. When: fall.
Calendar of car shows, air shows, and train events
The following events on our calendar include car shows, air shows, train excursions and other car, aviation, and train events around the Puget Sound region.
But wait, there’s more!
- Here’s a list of 101+ always free things to do for fun.
- Find free and cheap things to do every day on the Greater Seattle on the Cheap event calendar.
- Visit the Greater Seattle on the Cheap home page and choose from a menu of free and cheap activities in the Puget Sound region.
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