Car Show Registration

IMPORTANT UPDATE: DATE CHANGE
Due to the weather forecast and out of an abundance of caution, we’ve made the difficult decision to reschedule the 2026 Downtown Arlington Classic Car Show.

NEW DATE: Saturday, September 26, 2026

Experience the thrill of timeless automobiles at the 2026 Downtown Arlington Classic Car Show. Explore a curated collection of classic cars, enjoy live music, and taste offerings from local food vendors.

PLEASE READ: If you are a First Responder , Senior (65+) or Veteran - Register for FREE using promo code at registration. To receive the promo code, contact [email protected] or call .

Click "Get Tickets" to register your car

Downtown Arlington Classic Car Show Registration

Date: September 26, 2026 - 9:00AM - 3:00PM

Location: Vandergriff Town Center (200 N. Mesquite Street)

Beneficiary: Entry fees benefit the Arlington Police Foundation.

Registration Requirements:

• Eligibility: All vehicles must be built on or before 1980. Vehicles that do not meet this requirement will be denied entry and refunded.
• Pre-Registration Only: Due to public safety - no walk-ups allowed on the day of the show, all cars must be pre-registered
• Deadline: Thursday, June 4th at 12:00 PM (Noon)
• Multi-Car Entry: If entering more than one vehicle, you must complete a separate registration for each.

Schedule for Participants:

• Load-in: 7:00 AM – 8:30 AM
• Hard Cut-off: No entries allowed past 8:45 AM per safety permit requirements, regardless of prior registration.
• Public Show Hours: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
• Awards Ceremony: 2:15pm

Registration Fees & Discounts:

• First Responders , Seniors (65+) & Veterans: Register for FREE using promo code at registration
• To receive the promo code, contact [email protected] or call .

Vehicles are expected to be in “enthusiast” condition. Newer stock vehicles are not eligible. Preference is given to models that are unmodified or use period-correct parts; basic cosmetic changes (wheels, stereo, engine dress-up) are acceptable. Replica and kit cars will not be included in judging.

Judging Process:

• Decade Categories: Registered cars are judged within their respective decades: ’20s/’30s, ’40s, ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s.
• Top 10: Judges select 1st and 2nd place vehicles from each decade to form the event’s overall Top 10.
• Best of Show: The judging panel determines the overall 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners from the Top 10 finalists.
• Specialty Awards: Mayor’s Choice (Pro-Tempore), People’s Choice, Best Story, and Best Hometown Car.
• Judges: A diverse panel of industry experts and local leaders, including specialty judge Mike Ames from Arlington Today.

Awards & Prizes:

• Trophies: Best of Show winners will receive custom-made trophies and prizes.
• Plates: Top 10 winners receive a commemorative license plate.
• Gift Certificates: Mayor’s Choice, People’s Choice, Best Story, and Best Hometown Car winners will receive gift certificates and special recognition.
• Media Features: All winnters will recieve post-event print and social media recognition. Winners of "Best Story" and "Best Hometown Car" will be featured in a future issue of Arlington Today Magazine.
• Grand Prize: Announced at Show!