Car Shows & Cruise-Ins in Rowan County 2026 Guide
If you love classic cars, custom builds, and weekends filled with community events, Rowan County has a full lineup of car shows and cruise-ins happening throughout 2026. From small-town main streets to museum showcases and high-energy car culture events, there’s something for every kind of car enthusiast.
Here’s your guide to the top car shows and cruise-ins happening across Rowan County this year.
Hometown Horsepower – China Grove
📍 Main Street, China Grove
March 28, May 30, August 29, October 24
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Kick off the season with Hometown Horsepower in downtown China Grove. This free community event welcomes all vehicle types, makes, and models, making it a great place to see everything from vintage classics to modern performance builds.
Grab a drink, stroll Main Street, and support local businesses while checking out the lineup. It’s a relaxed, family-friendly way to spend a Saturday in Rowan County.
📸 Downtown China Grove
Downtown Cruise-In – Landis
📍 N. Central Ave., Landis
First Friday of each month (April–September)
5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Landis brings the energy all season long with its monthly Downtown Cruise-In. N. Central Ave. fills with classic cars, live music, local vendors, and plenty of community spirit.
Bring your own ride or simply come to walk the street, listen to music, and enjoy a fun evening out. In the event of bad weather, the cruise-in will be rescheduled for the second Friday of the month.
Landis Downtown Cruise-In
NC Transportation Museum Car Shows – Spencer
📍 NC Transportation Museum, Spencer
For a more immersive car experience, head to the NC Transportation Museum, where several themed auto shows take place throughout the year. These events feature impressive collections and are perfect for both casual visitors and dedicated enthusiasts.
Lester J. Brown Antique Truck Show
May 9
See a wide variety of antique trucks, from pickups to fire engines, all in one place.
All Ford Show
August 1
Explore one of the museum’s largest shows featuring Ford vehicles from every era.
All GM Show
August 8
Check out classic and modern GM vehicles, including Chevys, Buicks, and Cadillacs.
All Mopar Show
August 15
A must-see for fans of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and other Mopar brands.
Antique Automobile Club of America Show
September 12
View a curated collection of historic vehicles.
All Jeep Show
September 19
From vintage Willys to off-road builds, this show highlights Jeep culture.
Some events may require museum admission, and vehicle registration is available for those interested in participating.
📸 NC Transportation Museum
📸 NC Transportation Museum
Cartel Takeover Car Show – China Grove
📍 Grove Cartel Brewing Co., China Grove
August 25
7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
If you’re looking for something a little more high-energy, the Cartel Takeover brings a different kind of car scene to Rowan County. Hosted by Coyote Cartel and Grove Cartel Brewing Company during Mustang Week, this event is all about raw car culture, craftsmanship, and community.
Expect a packed lot of detailed builds, DJs setting the tone throughout the evening, and food and drinks available on-site. Standout vehicles will also be recognized with awards, adding a competitive edge to the night.
Whether you’re pulling up in your own build or just coming to take it all in, this event offers a more immersive and modern take on the traditional car show experience.
📸 Grove Cartel Brewing
Don’t Miss a Thing
Whether you’re a lifelong car enthusiast or just looking for something fun to do on the weekend, these events offer a great mix of entertainment, community, and local flavor. Many are free to attend and take place in walkable downtown areas, making them easy to pair with dining, shopping, or a full day out.
Be sure to check event pages or host websites for the latest updates, especially in case of weather changes or registration details.
From spring kickoffs to fall favorites, Rowan County’s car show scene is packed with opportunities to get out and enjoy the ride. Keep an eye on local event calendars for updates—and if we missed a car show, reach out to us with the details and we’ll do our best to add it here.
