Carlisle Car Show 2023
Carlisle Car Show 2023
Car shows have gotten complicated with all the events competing for your attention these days. As someone who has been hitting Carlisle events for years now, I learned everything there is to know about what makes this particular show worth the trip. The Carlisle Car Show, held annually in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, is one of those events that just keeps pulling you back.
Historical Background
Carlisle Events has been running these shows since 1974. What started as a modest gathering of local car guys has turned into one of the biggest automotive events in the country. I remember my first time walking through the gates — the sheer scale of it caught me off guard. They cover everything: muscle cars, imports, trucks, you name it. That inclusive approach is a big reason why the show has lasted this long and keeps growing.
What To Expect
The car auctions alone are worth showing up for. You will see vehicles in condition you rarely find in the wild, and the bidding gets intense. Then there are the swap meets — if you are restoring something and need that one obscure part, chances are somebody at Carlisle has it buried in the back of their trailer. I have found pieces I had been hunting for months just by walking the rows.
They also run educational seminars throughout the event. Real experts talking about restoration techniques, market trends, buying strategies. Whether you have been collecting for decades or you are just getting started, there is something useful in those sessions. I sat through one on paint correction last year and completely changed how I approach my own projects.
Vehicle Displays
Probably should have led with this section, honestly. The car displays are the heart of the show, and the variety is staggering. Meticulously restored 1950s and 60s classics sit next to raw, loud muscle cars. European sports cars share space with modified trucks and modern performance machines.
Some highlights you can expect:
- Vintage muscle cars with matching-numbers drivetrains
- Classic European sports cars you rarely see outside of concours events
- Modern high-performance vehicles pushing the limits of street-legal
- Customized trucks and off-road rigs that are rolling works of art
The best part? Most owners stand right next to their cars and love talking about them. I have learned more from those conversations than from any book or YouTube video. That is what makes Carlisle endearing to us car enthusiasts — it is not just a show, it is a community gathering.
Special Events
The car parade is something else. Hundreds of vehicles rolling through the fairgrounds while spectators line the route. You hear everything from rumbling big-blocks to whining turbos. Kids love it, adults love it — it is just a good time.
And then there is the burnout competition. If you have never watched a guy in a vintage Camaro turn his rear tires into smoke clouds, you are missing out. The competition draws a mix of muscle cars and modern tuners, and the crowd goes absolutely nuts. Bring earplugs.
Family-Friendly Environment
I have brought my family to Carlisle multiple times, and it works. There are activities for younger kids — model car building, entertainment zones, that kind of thing. The fairgrounds are big enough that you do not feel packed in like sardines, and there is always something to look at. It is a full day out that everybody enjoys, not just the car people in the group.
Vendors and Food
The vendor area is massive. Parts suppliers, merchandise, tools, memorabilia — if it is car-related, somebody is selling it. I usually budget for at least one impulse purchase I did not plan on. The food situation is solid too. You have got your standard fair food alongside some surprisingly good options from local food trucks. Nobody goes hungry at Carlisle.
Camping and Lodging
The fairgrounds offer camping for RVs and tents, which is convenient if you are coming from out of state. Hotels in the area fill up fast though, so book early. I learned that lesson the hard way my second year and ended up staying 30 minutes outside of town. Not the end of the world, but not ideal either.
Planning Your Visit
Get there early. Gates usually open at 7 AM, and the first couple of hours before the big crowds show up are the best time to really look at the cars and talk to owners. Wear comfortable shoes — you will be walking all day. Grab a map at the entrance so you do not miss the sections you care about most.
Tickets are available online or at the gate. Buy them ahead of time if you can — it saves you time in line and sometimes a few bucks. Whether you are there for the cars, the competitions, the parts, or just the atmosphere, Carlisle delivers every single year.
Protect Your Classic Car
Your classic car is an investment. Protect it with quality car care products:
Classic Car Cover
CarsCover Retro Classic Megashield – Heavy-duty weatherproof cover designed for classic cars. Protects against rain, snow, UV rays, and dust with a soft inner lining to prevent scratches.
Complete Car Care Kit
Chemical Guys 14-Piece Arsenal Builder Kit – Professional-grade car wash kit with foam blaster, wash bucket, premium chemicals, and microfiber towels.
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