Iowa’s auto shows provide exciting opportunities for vehicle owners to proudly display their "babies" and receive recognition in the form of trophies, cash awards, and other special prizes. Many of these shows are highly-anticipated community events showcasing impressive collections of rare, distinctive cars and other vehicle types. The best auto shows in Iowa are family-friendly events uniting participants and spectators with memorable automobile-related activities.
Goodguys Heartland Nationals, Des Moines, IA
Goodguys Heartland Nationals takes place each summer at the Iowa State Fairgrounds and features over 4,000 hot rods, muscle cars, customs, classics, and trucks. This massive event offers fun for the entire family with a Saturday night fireworks extravaganza, dragster exhibition, twilight cruise, swap meet, games, arts and crafts, prizes, and more at this exciting three-day event.
Hot Rods and Harleys, Hopkinton, IA
As the premier outdoor car show of Northeast Iowa, Hot Rods and Harleys is a must-attend event for any car enthusiast. This popular event takes place at the Main Street Square each October and allows everyone an equal chance to win an award. Over 200 custom awards are given out, plus there’s door prizes, live music entertainment, delicious food, goody bags, arts and craft vendors, and more at this free event.
All Iowa Auto Show, Des Moines, IA
Held each March at the Iowa Events Center, All Iowa Auto Show offers the opportunity to get up close and compare hundreds of the latest vehicles in every category including compacts, family sedans, luxury cars, SUVs, trucks, and more. Attendees can get behind the wheels of these sleek, shiny cars and learn all about the latest and greatest features and technology. There’s also hybrids and electric varieties at this free-admission show.
Top of Iowa Car Show, Joice, IA
Every fourth Sunday of July, Top of Iowa Car Show offers a day of beautiful cars and fun for all ages. There are no classes, but participant voting and awards given for the top 60 vehicles. Dash plaques are also given out to the first 200 cars. This community event also includes breakfast at the Joice Community Center, lunch in Joice Park, DJ music, and a free tractor pull for kids of all ages.
The Albaugh Classic Car Show, Ankeny, IA
The Albaugh Classic Car Show is held each July in The District's Town Square Park and showcases hundreds of participants’ vehicles competing for best in class awards. This car show is free for the public to attend and also features the private collections of original and custom modified Chevrolet vehicles presented by Dennis Albaugh and Carl Moyer. Classic car lovers from all over Iowa gather this outdoor festival for good, old-fashioned summertime fun.
Duesey Days Car Show, Garner, IA
Held in July at Garner Central Park, the Duesey Days Car Show features cars, motorcycles, trucks, and even tractors. There is no entry fee at this judged event, which provides several awards for various divisions and classes. There’s also special awards and the “Overall Best of Show” award. Shine up whatever car you’re proud of most and bring it out to this popular community event.
Antique City Car Show, Walnut, IA
Held the first Sunday each August, the Antique City Car Show features 27 classes with many trophy awards and special awards for various categories. Both sides of the Antique City Drive are lined with polished and gleaming vintage and antique cars at this nostalgic show, which offers a day of family-friendly fun. This event is held “rain or shine” and attracts a large crowd of classic car lovers.
Annual Valley Classic Car Show, Des Moines, IA
There’s over 350 cars of all kinds on display at the Valley Classic Car Show, which takes place each July on the Valley Community Center campus. Everyone is welcome to attend or enter their cars in this free community event, which attracts car enthusiasts and local spectators with an appreciation for automotives. It’s a great way to celebrate summer by enjoying cool cars in the presence of neighbors and locals.
