RIDE-CT – Classic Cars Celebrating Classic Cars in Connecticut
It’s not a statistic that anyone tracks, at least as far as RIDE-CT knows, but it seems 2026 is on track to set a record for the number of car shows staged in Connecticut during a calendar year. As of the moment, this website’s 2026 Car Show Calendar lists 356 shows, and that doesn’t include regularly scheduled car cruises or morning-time Cars & Coffee type events.
The sense here is that the number has already topped last year’s total even with inclusion of a few large or close-by out of state events. New shows are being added to the calendar on a daily basis, including two more today. Even more can be anticipated.
RIDE-CT gasped back in the spring when at least 20 shows were held across the state on the weekend May 16-17, but an upcoming September weekend is shaping up to be nearly as busy. A total of 18 shows are planned for Sept. 19-20. The preceding weekend of Sept. 11-13 has 16 shows scheduled – with a dozen planned on Sept. 13.
One might think that the car show season would be beginning to wind down by the end of August, but there are still 91 shows remaining on the calendar. At least as of this evening.
RIDE-CT has attended 30 shows so far this year, with more to come. Again, without any supporting data, the sense here is that a couple of trends have emerged this car show season. While more shows are charging $20 entry fees, many more shows are holding to steady in the face of the rising prices facing consumers by holding entries fees to $10 or $15. It’s to their benefit.
Other observations are that shows appear to be drawing more spectators, many more are now welcoming motorcycles, and modern cars that help boost revenue are being welcomed and seen parked on show grounds.
It might be worthwhile for some shows to consider which side of a line in the sand they wish to park. On the side that’s merely seeking revenue? Or the side that wants to celebrate classic models? Those falling on the latter side might want to set age parameters for entries if they don’t already.
Regardless, 2026 has already proven to a success for car show organizers and for everyone who enjoys cars both old and new.
