How a walk-in car show attendee can enjoy the event of the summer without facing the pressure of the dreaded ‘trophy dash.’
American culture is jam-packed with smile-making summertime encounters, and at the top of that list is the car show. Gleaming vehicles, roaring engines, and the palpable excitement of fellow enthusiasts – there’s nothing quite like it.
But to truly make the most of this experience, preparation is key. That's why we've crafted the ultimate car show attendee checklist for you. Whether you get your kicks ogling classic iron, wild customs or aspirational exotics, this comprehensive guide will equip you with everything you need to have on hand for a seamless and unforgettable time.
Pre-Attendance Planning
It doesn’t matter if you’re attending a small local event or an enormous show delivered at a world-class venue, there are a number of planning steps necessary to ensure the most fun.
- Gather information about the show you plan to attend like the location, date, and theme of the event. Review the show’s official website or social media pages relating to feature cars, any special activities, and any required attendance guidelines.
- Plan your schedule. Review the event schedule and take note of any special displays, parades, or guest speakers. Markup your visit so you don't miss any highlights.
- Pack the essentials. Everyone’s list will look a little different here, but a few must-haves include sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a refillable water bottle.
- Flex those picture-taking muscles. Car shows offer incredible photo ops, so be sure to bring a camera or your smartphone to capture everything that’s worth looking at.
- Check for discounts/pre-sale tickets. Some shows offer discounted tickets if purchased in advance. Look for promotional codes or special offers to save money on entry fees. Also look into VIP packages or early-access passes.
- Plan for meals and refreshments. Car shows typically require a lot of walking, and for some, this can be tiring. Carve out time for meals and refreshments, and if you don’t want to buy something at a venue, plan to bring your own snacks and drinks.
- Review event guidelines. Familiarize yourself with any venue rules. This may include parking instructions, prohibited items, or specific protocols to follow throughout.
What to Have On-Hand
When attending a car show, it's crucial to come prepared for an unforgettable experience. Packing the right essentials is part of that, so check out this list of additional items that are smart to keep on hand so you have a comfortable and enjoyable time.
- Notepad and Pen. Take notes about interesting cars, jotting down relevant details or recording owner/vendor contact information. If you’re relying on a smartphone to keep track of the day, remember that you can add captions and notes to the photos you take for easy cataloging.
- Tote Bag. Some kind of tote bag or backpack will be useful for carrying brochures, catalogs, promotional items, or souvenirs. If the car show has a swap meet component, consider bringing multiple bags – or better yet, a small wagon.
- Although many vendors accept credit cards, it's a good idea to carry cash for small purchases for souvenirs, and/or parking fees. Having cash on hand is also a hedge against technical difficulties with card payment systems.
- Event tickets or confirmation. Make sure to bring event tickets and/or confirmations, whether they’re physical copies or screenshots stored on your phone.
- Maps or directions. If the car show is in a large venue or unfamiliar location, be sure to grab a map if they’re available. This will allow you to easily locate particular exhibits or areas of interest.
- Hand sanitizing wipes. Whether or not you’re a “wet wipe” kind of person, toss a small pack in your bag. After walking around in the summer heat and touching car parts all day, you’ll be grateful for a cool, clean disinfectant wipe.
- Folding chair and/or blanket. If the car show allows, consider bringing a folding chair or blanket to enjoy breaks in the action.
- Personal identification. Carry some kind of personal identification, such as a driver's license or ID card.
- Business cards. If you're part of a car club, own a classic car yourself, or simply want to exchange contact information with fellow enthusiasts or vendors, having your own business cards makes networking easier.
- Portable fan. It is a summer car show, after all. If the weather is expected to be hot or if the car show is held in a location with limited shade, a portable fan or cooling towel can provide relief from the heat and keep you comfortable.
- Enthusiasm!! Engage in conversations, ask questions, and soak in the show atmosphere.
Post-Show Considerations
After attending a car show, there are several steps you can take to make the most of your experience beyond simply reflecting on the overall experience.
Start by reviewing any materials you collected, such as brochures or business cards, and sort them to keep track of important contacts. Don't forget to follow up with vendors or club members you connected with, sending a thoughtful email or message to continue building relationships within the car community.
If you took photos during the car show, take some time to review and edit them. Sharing these photos on social media or with fellow enthusiasts can be a great way to showcase the cars you admired and preserve the memories of the event – not to mention build excitement for the vehicle owners’ pride and joy.
Of course, mark your calendar and start planning for additional events! Some car shows have annual schedules, so keeping track of these ensures you won't miss out. Consider joining a car club or online community that aligns with your interests if you haven't already done so. These communities provide an avenue to connect with like-minded car enthusiasts and stay updated on the latest news and events.
Lastly, if you collected any special memorabilia or souvenirs from the car show, such as event tickets, posters, or promotional items, consider preserving them in a scrapbook or dedicated display. These items serve as mementos of your car show experience and can evoke fond memories in the future.
By planning for and following these checklists, you can help make the most of your car show experience -- and continue to engage with the car community long after the event has ended.