Car Show vs. Cruise-in...what’s the difference?

I get this question all the time, so I decided to fill you in and then you will know what to expect.

A cruise-in is a more laid back type of event where you just drive your ride in and park, there is no fee to park and show your ride, there are no trophies given, and it is typically held on a Friday night or Saturday afternoon/night.  These cruise-in events are sometimes called “Show & Shine” because that’s all you do-shine your ride up and show it off.  There is sometimes music and door prizes but it’s just a little more easy going that a full blown car show.  Typically the cruise-in will only have 25-50 cars/trucks where everybody just wants to stroll around and see the vehicles and chat for a while.  Most of the time a cruise-in is held near or in the parking lot of a restaurant or business, that way the women can shop or the family can eat while they are there enjoying the rides.  Cruise-in’s typically only last 3-4 hours.

(Cruise-in a Dreamland BBQ in 2013)

Car shows are typically a lot larger in size and offer more for the serious car guy or gal.  The major differences are that there is usually a cost or entry fee to show your car and they usually judge the cars/trucks in some type of classes and give a few trophies at most shows.  A car show will also typically have vendors selling food/collectibles/parts/etc to help draw in a larger crowd. 

Most of the time a car show will attract more folks who just come by to see and admire the vehicles, as where a cruise-in is mostly just the folks who bring their rides.  At a typical car show, participants will arrive early to get their car/truck registered and then begin an hour (or longer) process of detailing their ride.  They will setup their chairs to relax in later in the day, but upon arrival they spend a good bit of time putting the final touches on the car/truck to make sure it’s ready for the judging.  A car show will typically last from 8:00 am till 3 or 4:00 pm.  The registration ends and judging begins at most shows around 12 to 1:00 pm.  Door prizes and other giveaways are always an attraction at car shows…….in fact a few of the larger show across the country give away an engine, a $5000 tool chest, or even a nice used car to help attract more folks.  Another great bonus to these events is that many shows are now charity events where most if not all of your entry fee is given to a local charity for a very worthy cause.

(Car Show in Somerset, KY in 2011)

Car show season is in full swing now that the weather is finally turning warmer, so now you have no excuse not to know the differences in car shows and cruise-ins.  The only question is now…….which one are you going to attend and when??

Joseph