It is not only the cars that draw you to an event but the atmosphere that surrounds that event, that’s what pulls you in. An event that was created by like-minded auto enthusiast individuals that think exactly like you. This is the type of activity that I look for when looking to see some impressive vehicles.
I can say for one person that I have been to some great car shows and bike weeks that they deserve a second and third trip to see them all over again. From the streets of Los Angeles with the classics cruising down Crenshaw, there are events everywhere, and each one brings its own unique vibe into the car enthusiast lifestyle.
So here are six must-see car shows in the United States, and who knows one might call your name to plan a trip to visit.
West Phoenix Bike Night
To the locals, this bike night is known as Westgate. Car shows and Bike nights; if every event were like this one in West Phoenix, there would be a lot more parties at car shows. Leave it to bikers to shut down a street and bring in a band as they did in Westgate. The police are on-site, but they are just making sure no one does anything stupid, so show them some love.
I remember my first night at this bike night like it was yesterday. The band was playing while we rode onto the street, with bikes lining the road you could feel the exhausts shaking the windows that filled the surrounding buildings, talk about a grand entrance!
Numerous restaurants surround that area so a type of food for every tastebud. Sadly there are no cars at this bike night. But there are hundreds of vehicles at the car show that happens every Saturday night by the Indian casino on the north side of Phoenix. There are many options to go to in this area.
This show is in association with CycleRides and does not meet in the winter months in Phoenix. This event is every Thursday, March to June at the Waterdance Plaza from 5 pm to 9 pm. Make sure you check it out at least once and enjoy a fantastic night with fellow bikers and auto enthusiasts.
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San Diego International Car Show
So if you have ever been to California, you would know that San Diego is the place to be. From refreshing drinks on Pacific Beach, also known as PB to hot engines on the strip, this is one show that brings out the head turners!
From domestic muscle to exotic speed, this car show brings an array of vehicles to show the world. This car show is children friendly and has a few activities that children will enjoy as well!
I remember when my family and I went Jeep had a complete track set up 
for people to test drive their new Jeep models on rocky terrain, of course, it was test vehicles and not your own Jeep.
Then they had all the new models of the new vehicles coming out of course. If you walked to the end of the convention center, you would walk right into the exotics sitting there.
The Lamborghinis, Ferraris, and other high-end models were being shown, which I enjoy, but if you live in California, you get used to seeing the exotics stuck in traffic alongside you.
Still an awesome show but if you do take your children to make sure you feed them before, so you don’t have to pay high food costs for moderate quality pub food.
This event is at the San Diego Convention Center and changes the date every year, but you can find the information on their website here.
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Kansas City World of Wheels Car Show
This show really takes me back to my teenage years when I first stepped into Bartle Hall in downtown Kansas City, Missouri. From wall to wall cars lined up, domestic, import, classics, and new age there were cars everywhere!
When I say wall to wall in Bartle Hall I mean the 800,000 square feet of Bartle Hall taken up by some of the hottest wheels to touch the streets. The World of Wheels car show is known for its fantastic car shows, and the quality of those rides is astounding!
The date of the car show very every year but you can find the date and get your tickets here on their website. So make sure you stop by KCMO for the show and while you are there, don’t forget to pick up some Gates BBQ; their brisket is mouth-watering.
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Laconia Bike Week
You probably weren’t expecting this one to be one of the shows you have to see because who has ever heard of Laconia before? Laconia is in New Hampshire, and if you have ever driven or rode through this state, you would be amazed by all of the greenery and scenery you get to take in.
So if you like riding around Sturgis, you need to come to Laconia because you will fall in love with it. With hundreds and thousands of bikes lining the streets every year in June ending the show on Father’s Day, the city is jumping with the busyness and excitement of the show!
Starting out back in 1923 as a motorcycle race and gathering now has over 100,000 people come through town every year, so not as big as Sturgis bike rally with their 700,000 people showing up, this is still an excellent show to check out!
Arizona Bike week
Speaking of Sturgis and Laconia, you must bring up the rally of the Southwest, and that is Arizona Bike Week. This is when the streets of Phoenix to Cave Creek explode with excitement, concerts, and bike shows.
This is one event that hundreds of thousands of bike riders do not miss out on. Hosted in Westworld over in Scottsdale, Arizona this bike week is incredible!
Make sure you check out their ticket prices here on their website and every year in April be prepared to make your way down the 10 highway to Phoenix and enjoy the rally! Make sure you book your accommodations in advance because hotels book up quickly.
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Sturgis Bike Rally
For everyone that has been to Sturgis, you already know what I am talking about. But if you drive far out in the middle of the Black Hills in South Dakota, you will come across the town of Sturgis.
Which throughout the entire year is a typical South Dakota town filled with hard-working Americans living their lives. But when August rolls around Sturgis becomes a thriving biker metropolis!
Filled as far as the eye can see with biker enthusiasts with a wide array of bikes. Ranging from baggers, trikes, and street bikes, bikers from different generations have come together to continue the Sturgis tradition.
River City Classics Car Show
As a nice little bonus, I wanted to put this car show on the list. Not only is this show not in the United States but if you love classic cars and seeing these beautiful machines go through the Canadian Rockies, then I suggest you check out this car show.
This one is in High River, Alberta, and it lines the streets make sure you read that right, they line the STREETS with works of art. See vehicle range from old classic muscle cars to the new age drag cars.
High River is located 40 miles south of Calgary, Alberta so it is not too bad of
a drive if you need to find accommodations in Calgary for the car show. This area thrives with amazing scenic corridors through the mountains that become a motor enthusiast dreamland.
Find the location and any newly released information here on their website about the car show, this show is known as the River City Classics and has been a local tradition for over 17 years.
Also while you are there take a trip down the famous Canadian highway the number 1 the Trans-Canada. Whether you choose a bike or vehicle, you will be amazed by the scenic views while the roar of your engine fills the canyon walls!
In Conclusion
There are many more events that I did not put into this article, but so many to choose from. No matter what show you decide to go to remember what made you become a motor enthusiast and show that to the newer generation.
Everyone has the same passion as you do, no matter the wheels they are rocking, so have a great time, be safe, and keep it rolling!
