5 Best U.S. Car Shows & How To Get Your Car There

Having a common interest in automobiles is a great way to bring people together. Thus, it's no surprise that automobile events and festivals attract tens of thousands of enthusiasts every year.

Whether you're like antique vehicles, supercars, motorcycles, or motorsports, there's something here for everyone.

Find out which five major US auto shows in 2022 will feature the most cutting-edge models and technologies, and plan your trip accordingly.

The Best U.S. Car Shows

These events offer a fantastic opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the world's most impressive automobiles and motorcycles and even take them for a spin. Preview new releases, revisit old favorites, or watch thrilling races with some of the world's greatest drivers.

  • The Woodward Dream Cruise (Detroit, MI)
  • The Amelia Island Concours D’Elegance (Amelia Island, FL)
  • Miami International Auto Show (Miami, FL)
  • Specialty Equipment Market Association Show (Las Vegas, NV)
  • Monterey Car Week (Monterey, CA)

Attending auto shows is an excellent opportunity to discover new things about the automobiles you already have a passion for. Whether you get to view the latest and best automobiles or just meet other fans, these events are what car aficionados look forward to the most.

Even though an auto show may be anything that brings together many automobiles and the people who produced them, certain exhibitions stand out above the others.

1. The Woodward Dream Cruise (Detroit, MI)

The Woodward Dream Cruise originated in 1995 as a fundraiser for a Ferndale, Michigan, children's soccer field organized by Nelson House and a small group of volunteers. The event, which was only supposed to gather 30,000 people, drew 250,000 people.

Annually, the Cruise draws more than 1.5 million people from around the globe to commemorate the 50s/60s automotive culture. There are about 40,000 vintage automobiles and street rods lining Woodward Avenue for the cruise, making it the world's biggest one-day vintage car festival, although unauthorized cruising and viewing begin weeks before the official start date.

The third Saturday in August sees a 12-hour car cruise celebrating the age of classic American automobiles, although there are also many latest model vehicles in attendance.

When it comes to cruising down Woodward Avenue between Ferndale and Pontiac, the route begins north of the Detroit River, at Eight Mile Road, following a 16-mile circle through the suburbs.

A large portion of Woodward is blocked off as spectators line the curbs to watch free auto exhibitions, "oldies" music performances, and other family-friendly gatherings.

A great deal of attention is given to Detroit and its main export, the car, by local and national media during this event. Since the 1960s, automakers that used to "unofficially" test their vehicles along Woodward Boulevard have turned to cruise events like the Dream Cruise for a platform to show off their newest models while also contributing financially, a sign of the importance of these gatherings and the people they draw.

2. The Amelia Island Concours D’Elegance (Amelia Island, FL)

The Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance is an annual automobile charity event hosted at the Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island on Amelia Island, Florida, during the second weekend of March each year.

The 2022 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance will be held at The Golf Club of Amelia Island and The Ritz-Carlton on March 3-6, 2022, to commemorate another award-winning vehicle show. It's the show's 27th year, and it promises to include over 220 spectacular vintage automobiles and some of the greatest collector cars in the world now that it's under new management.

It's a three-day festival that includes car-themed activities, entertainment, premium shopping, bidding, conferences, new vehicle driving opportunities, and a Cars & Coffee Saturday.

3. Miami International Auto Show (Miami, FL)

Every year at Miami Beach, Florida, since 1971, the Miami International Auto Show has taken place. The exact date varies, but it's normally between the final week of October and the beginning of December.

Auto exhibitions in the United States have been more popular in recent years, and this one is no exception. The Miami International Car Show, formerly called the "South Florida Auto Show," currently attracts about 650,000 people each year, making it one of the most popular auto exhibitions in the United States.

Aside from the "A-sized category" car shows in Los Angeles, Chicago, Detroit, and New York, the Miami exhibition is the first of its kind to be planned in the United States.

Automakers and vintage vehicle clubs from all over the globe go to Miami for the annual Miami International Auto Show, which typically attracts roughly a quarter of a million visitors over its four-day run.

There are already numerous automakers that have committed to participating in the show this year. Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Jeep, Fiat, Honda, Hyundai, Lincoln, Nissan, Ram, Subaru, and Toyota are among them.

You'll also be able to engage in various activities and witness some historic automobiles that seem like they belong in a museum at the South Florida Auto Show.

4. Specialty Equipment Market Association Show (Las Vegas, NV)

Aftermarket manufacturers, OEMs, media, car dealerships, specialty equipment distributors, installers, retailers, and restaurants are all represented by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA). SEMA was founded in 1963 by Roy Richter, Els Lohn, Willie Garner, Bob Hedman, Robert E. Wyman, John Bartlett, Al Segal, Dean Moon, and Vic Edelbrock Jr.

SEMA delivers these services to its member firms:

  • Educational & professional development
  • Market analysis
  • Legislative and regulatory lobbying
  • Business publications
  • International business growth
  • Business-to-business

The SEMA Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center, in collaboration with the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week, is the biggest of the SEMA events held annually in the first week of November.

SEMA and many other automotive aftermarket trade associations participate in this event, one of the biggest on the Las Vegas calendar. The public is not permitted entry to this vehicle exhibition. Media, buyers, and exhibitors must register to participate in the event.

SEMA stated that its 2020 show would be canceled due to the COVID-19 outbreak for the first time in the exhibition's history.

5. Monterey Car Week (Monterey, CA)

Every year, the Monterey Car Week is among the most eagerly awaited car events in the county of Monterey, California.

Monterey Automobile Week is the best set of activities for car enthusiasts, whether you're into classics or sports cars. Almost every luxury automaker will have a presence, and there will be days and days of vehicle exhibits and souvenirs and VIP parties to go along with it. In addition, most of these events are free of charge, making them much more enjoyable.

Anybody who has even a passing interest in historic vehicles will find something to their liking during Monterey Car Week. A must-attend is the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. If you're looking for a chance to admire some of the world's most beautiful classic automobiles, this event is for you. You'll even be able to see debuts of one-of-a-kind concept automobiles if you attend this event.

Monterey Car Week is one of the largest and most elaborate vehicle extravaganzas in the United States, so if you want to have a good time, you better put it on your calendar right away. This vehicle week is packed with a variety of automobile-related thrills and surprises.

How To Get Your Car to a Car Show

Attending one of these great car events is a delight in and of itself, but it may be much more exciting if your own vehicle is on exhibit.

  • Find an auto transporter with a strong reputation.
  • Get a quote for shipping your car.
  • Book enclosed auto transport.

If you're planning on bringing your classic automobile to a show, think about the best way to get there safely and efficiently. It's not a good idea to put a lot of miles on your vintage automobile by driving it around town.

As a result, the value of your vehicle may decrease and the risk of damage or automobile issue. Your best bet is to ship your classic automobile. Shipping a classic automobile might be tricky, so here are some pointers:

Find an Auto Transporter With a Strong Reputation

You want to make sure that you use a trustworthy auto transport company specializing in transporting historic automobiles. You want to be sure that the firm you choose takes the proper precautions to protect your car. Ensure that you do extensive research and analyze many vehicle shipping companies before making a final decision.

Get a Quote for Shipping Your Car

Find out whether the vehicle shipping company you’re considering gives online or telephone quotations before you begin. Although online estimates are quicker, phone estimates are more accurate on the whole.

You'll be able to get an idea of how much it will cost to transport your vehicle after you've provided some basic details like the year, make, and model. Comparing prices from multiple different businesses is always a good idea (it can save you hundreds of dollars).

Book Enclosed Auto Transport

When transporting a car, you can choose either open or covered transportation. The ideal way to transport a classic or antique automobile is in an enclosed vehicle since it provides the greatest security for the vehicle.

What To Do Next

Fortunately, there is an auto transport company that checks all your boxes: Carvaygo. Carvaygo is the newest and most technologically advanced car-hauling company in America. Our services are affordable and reliable, and our user-friendly interface makes the shipping process entirely transparent — from pickup to delivery, you’ll get tracking notifications and detailed vehicle-inspection reports the whole way. Click here to learn more.

Sources:

Woodward Dream Cruise
The Amelia | Amelia Concours
Miami International Auto Show
SEMA Show
Monterey Car Week 2022 | Schedule of Events and Things to Know | What’s Up Monterey

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