COMING EVENTS

NATIONAL EVENTS

Sep 11-14. The Australian Willys Nationals celebrates its 50th Anniversary in Mildura, welcoming Willys owners and enthusiasts from around the country. Open to all Willys models up to 1966, including Jeeps and Wagons, with original, restored and hot rodded vehicles invited. Program includes cruising, attractions, evening restaurant meal, public Show ’n’ Shine and vehicle awards. Based at NRMA Mildura Riverside Holiday Park. Contact Graham Matthews on 0419 807 837 or email bimbimbirds@bigpond.com. Accommodation enquiries: 03 5021 2299.

Oct 9–12. Monaro Nationals, Mount Barker and Adelaide Hills region. Includes scrutineering, Show & Shine, driving events, presentation dinner and farewell cruise. Venues include Mount Barker, Tailem Bend, Morphettville and Birdwood. https://www.monaroclubsa.asn.au/monaro-nationals-2026

Oct 23–25 – 25th Early Falcon Nationals. Sydney Motorsport Park. For 1960–1969 Falcons XK, XL, XM, XP, XR, XT. Email earlyfalconnats2026@hotmail.com

Mar 18–22. ASRF Street Rod Nationals 2027, Ulverstone Showgrounds, Ulverstone. 27th ASRF Street Rod Nationals featuring rod runs, camping, entrants’ breakfast, show n shine, presentation dinner, closed street cruising in Reibey St Friday, and Symmons Plains Raceway access Saturday for circuit cruising, Go-Whoa and driving activities, www.asrf.org.au/2027nationals.

QUEENSLAND

Sep 13. Eliminators Hot Rod, Car & Bike Show returns to the Beenleigh Showgrounds with a full day of chrome, customs, bikes and swap meet action. Swap meet kicks off from 6am, with the show from 8am and trophy registrations closing at 10am. Live music from Peter Black & The Lonesome Crows adds to the atmosphere. Adult admission is $5, kids under 12 free. Contact Hank on 0411 636 293, general enquiries 0428 867 015, email eliminatorsclub@gmail.com or visit https://www.eliminatorscarclub.com.au.

Sep 13. 36th Annual Chrysler Expo, Rocklea Showgrounds. Show ’n’ shine for Chrysler-related vehicles, historic motorcycles, swap meet, classic speedcars and dragsters, heritage trucks, hovercrafts, tractors and stationary engines. Traders and food vendors. Entry from 7am. $10 per person; children under 14 free.

Sep 19. Wild Gasser Drag Racing, Round 5 of the Vintage Gassers Championship at Warwick Dragway. Old-school gasser drag racing with classic straight-axle machines. Warwick, QLD. Details: www.vintagegassersqueensland.com

Sep 20. Fine Iron Rod & Custom Club Car & Bike Show and Swap Meet, Ebbw Vale Soccer Fields. Swap meet, car show, trophies, raffles, food stalls, coffee and live music. Contact Rod 0433 300 266 or Col 0448 899 865.

Oct 2-5. Bargara Beach Campout Auto-Mazing Car Show, King’s Birthday long weekend at Bargara Beach, Bundaberg. Presented by Rum City Rods & Customs Inc, featuring custom cars, hot rods and a relaxed beachside campout vibe. Runs Oct 2–5. More info: https://www.facebook.com/bundyclub/

Oct 16–18. Warwick Dragfest 2026, 1320 Motorsports Warwick Dragway. Australia’s biggest 1/8-mile weekend with 230+ drag cars and bikes, three days of racing, Friday night radial shootout, sportsman racing, trade stalls, food vendors and camping. Kids under 13 free. warwickdragway.com

Oct 16–18. Dragfest, Round 6 of the Vintage Gassers Championship at Warwick Dragway. Three days of drag racing action featuring vintage gassers and plenty of track activity. Warwick, QLD. Info: www.vintagegassersqueensland.com

Oct 24–25. Classic & Muscle Car Club Ipswich Annual Swap Meet, West End Leagues Club, 193 Chermside Road, Ipswich. Saturday camping and swap site setup, Sunday swap meet and car display. No bookings required. Contact Kim McEwan 0423 090 444.

Nov 1. Brisbane Toy & Hobby Fair, Nissan Arena, Nathan, 9am–3pm. Trading cards, diecast, model kits, LEGO, comics, toys, books and collectibles. Contact: 1300 727 971, 0497 544 197, www.ashow.com.au.

Nov 14. Wild Gasser Drag Racing Finals, the championship decider at Warwick Dragway. The Vintage Gassers Queensland season wraps up with the final round of straight-axle drag racing. Warwick, QLD. Details: www.vintagegassersqueensland.com

NEW SOUTH WALES (INC ACT)

Sep 11–13. 11th Romans Kiama Hot Rod Run, Kiama. Three-day hot rod run culminating at Black Beach Park on Sunday from 8am–2pm, with hot rods and customs, music, trade and food stalls. Display car entry $10; public entry free. Presentation from 1pm.

Sep 11–13. Maitland Street Rodders’ 50+1 Rod Run at Big4 Karuah Jetty Holiday Park. Pre-’78 vehicles only. Weekend includes Friday meet-and-greet, Saturday Show ’n’ Shine at Karuah RSL, lucky draws, raffles, trophies, meals and Sunday breakfast. Accommodation bookings: Big4 Karuah, 02 4997 5520.

Sep 18–19. Woolgoolga Diggers Run at Discovery Holiday Park, Emerald Beach. Hosted by Woolgoolga Hot Rod & Customs Club. Includes dinner, BBQ, band and Saturday Show ’n’ Shine from 9am at Woolgoolga Diggers RSL. Vehicle entry $10. Carl 0405 471 871, Bruce 0417 213 276, park 1800 681 521 or wrac2456@gmail.com.

Sep 19–20. The North West Swap Meet & Car Show hits Gunnedah Showground with two days of vintage vehicles, swap sites and cruising action. Swap meet Saturday from 7am, car show Sunday from 8am. Admission $5, outdoor swap sites $15. Camping available. Hosted by Gunnedah and Namoi Valley vehicle clubs. Contact 0498 180 966.

Sep 20. Picton Swap Meet. Picton Showground, 151 Menangle St. Gates open 7am, adults $5 (till noon), kids free. Automotive parts, tools, memorabilia, cars, bikes and more. Camping available. Enquiries: 0421 109 694.

Sep 20. Show n Shine Swap Meet, Finley Showgrounds. Open to cars, bikes, trucks (pre-1995), tractors, 4WDs and kids’ decorated bikes. Gates open 8am, registration closes 11am, trophies 12.30pm. Entry $5. Contacts: Finley Lions 0447 541 459, Graeme 0427 830 268, Michael 0418 575 830, Bernie 0427 839 418.

Sep 25–26. Wagga Rod & Rock N Roll Festival, Rules Club Wagga Wagga. Friday night Uptown Catz, Saturday Show & Shine, fashion parade, dance lessons, cruise and Atomic Hi-Tones Saturday night. Free entry for viewers, $5 car entrants. Details via the event Facebook page.

Sep 27. Reflections Rod & Custom Club presents the Intershed Open Day, 7am–2pm at 631 Old Pitt Town Road, Oakville. Explore an extensive private truck collection, with muscle cars, hot rods, customs, classics, trucks and bikes welcome. $10 per car, including show entry. Coffee, meals and Top 8 awards.

Sep 27. Twisted Pistons Annual Spring Swap Meet & Car and Bike Trophy Show, Orange Showgrounds, Orange. Swap meet plus car and bike trophy display. Public from 6am, $5 entry (under 16 free). Enquiries: George 0422 560 810.

Oct 2–5. Temora Rod Run, Temora. A Country Weekend 2026 celebrating hot rods, customs and classic cars with cruises, scenic country runs, show and shine, food and good times. Hosted under ASRF sanction S26-07. Follow updates via Facebook.

Oct 16–18. Eden Rod Run, Eden, NSW. Hosted by the Far South Coast Rod & Custom Club, this three-day rod run is held in conjunction with the Eden Whale Festival. Enjoy a weekend of hot rods and customs, culminating in Sunday’s Show ’N’ Shine in Main Street from 10am. A great weekend of cars and festivities in this popular South Coast destination. Contact Garry: 0412 486 608. Eden Rod Run Facebook page

Oct 17. Parkes Central West Car Club Show ‘N’ Shine & Swap Meet, McGlynn Park, Baker St, Parkes (entry off Forbes Rd). New location. Feature vehicle: European. Music, canteen and Friday night street cruise. Details: Jeff 0428 348 203, Simon 0428 964 579, https://www.centralwestcarclub.com

Oct 17. Back to the Bush Auto Festival at Barraba RSL & Rec Club, 2 Maude Street, Barraba. Free entry, with a Show ’n’ Shine, markets, children’s entertainment, live music, fireworks and more. Phone 0429 090 373, email aircooledassembly@gmail.com or visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1554940309309110/

Oct 18. Camden Car Show NEW VENUE – Gledswood Winery, 900 Camden Valley Way, Catherine Field, celebrating the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Chevrolet. Open to all classics, street machines, hot rods, bikes and commercials, with food trucks, plenty of parking and judged displays. Gates open 7am, with judged vehicles to be in place by 10am. Entry is $20 per vehicle. Enquiries: John Fenato 0418 238 919.

Oct 18. Lake Mac Action Fest, Speers Point Park, Lake Macquarie. Super boats racing on the lake plus Show & Shine for vintage, classic, muscle, custom cars, hot rods and bikes. Free entry. Enquiries: Rob Garrett 0426 005 447 or Bill Kalb 0428 465 057.

Oct 23–25 – 25th Early Falcon Nationals. Sydney Motorsport Park. For 1960–1969 Falcons XK, XL, XM, XP, XR, XT. Email earlyfalconnats2026@hotmail.com

Oct 23–25. ChromeFest. The Entrance town centre, Central Coast NSW. Three-day event celebrating pre-1979 vehicles, with more than 450 cars on display across the weekend. Program includes Show ’n Shine, cruise, live music on multiple stages, retro markets, fashion parade, dance demonstrations and the Australian Pin Up Pageant. Entrants must pre-register and meet vehicle eligibility criteria. Spectator entry is free, with road closures in place throughout the event precinct. Hosted by Central Coast Council. Contact (02) 4306 7900, https://chromefest.org

Oct 31. Bangers & Mash 2026, Sydney Dragway. Old-school drag racing featuring nostalgia funny cars, fuel altereds, super stock, vintage gas, front-engine dragsters, hot rods, nostalgia street, outlaws, veteran and vintage speedsters. Details: Sydney Dragway.

Oct 30–31 – Rods on the Peel Tamworth. Austin Caravan Park, Tamworth. Hot rod, custom, classic, muscle car and commercial show with live band, poker run, bingo, show ’n’ shine, raffle and auction.

Nov 27–29. Rockin’ by the Beach Festival returns to Club Forster with three days of rock ‘n’ roll, classic cars, live music, dancing, pin-up glamour, markets and family entertainment. Held at Club Forster, 19 Strand Street, Forster. Details: https://clubforster.com.au/whats-on-at-club-forster/rockin-by-the-beach-festival-2026. Phone (02) 6591 6591.

Feb 21. Tumut Swap Meet, Tumut Showground, Broughton Street, Tumut. Swap meet, Show & Shine, coffee and food. Public entry $5, swap sites $20, Show & Shine $10. Cash only. Contact Andrew 0411 614 839.

VICTORIA

Sep 12–13. Victorian Hot Rod Association Hot Rod Show heads to Caribbean Park, Scoresby, with a new indoor/outdoor venue in Melbourne’s east. Vehicle entries open in stages with priority for car clubs, followed by individual entrants. Trade stands and interactive club displays welcomed. More details and updates via Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063547512316

Sep 18–20. CHOPPED Festival, Carisbrook Raceway, Carisbrook. Three days of dirt drags, hot rods, customs, choppers, gassers, live bands, camping, tiki bar action and show ’n’ shine fun. One of Australia’s wildest traditional hot rod gatherings, with scrutineering for participating vehicles and spectator tickets available online. Info: https://www.chopped.com.au .

Sep 20. Wallan Annual Show & Shine & Swap Meet at Wallan Secondary College. Public entry 8am–3pm, $5, under-16s free. Show vehicles $10. Swap sites $30, open from 6.30am. Show vehicle entry 8–10am. Cash only. Swap meet enquiries: Chris 0490 123 014.

Oct 9–11. Jamieson High Country Rod Muster, Jamieson. Family-friendly weekend of cruising, show ’n’ shine, trade stalls and entertainment. Contact: Evelyn 0419 765 489, highcountryrodders@hotmail.com.

Oct 10. Maddie’s Kool Car & Bike Cruise – an ASRF sanctioned charity cruise supporting 16-year-old Maddie, fundraising for a May 2027 Borneo community and wildlife aid trip. Start point is Waurn Ponds Hotel with a 10am departure, followed by an approx. 50km cruise to the Inverleigh Hotel. The day includes lunch, raffles, a small art auction and trophy presentations, including Maddie’s Choice, Inverleigh Hotel Choice and Police Choice for car and bike. Entry is $5. Contact: Craig – 0438 284 853 | hoptuphotrod@gmail.com

Oct 16. Autobarn Rush, Swan Hill, October 16–18. Motorshow, street cruising and show & shine hosted by Mallee Cruisers Car Club Inc. Info Tim 0418 939 332.

Oct 23–25. Goanna Run, Mildura. Hosted by Desert City Rodders, the annual Goanna Run returns to Mildura for a weekend of hot rods, customs, classics and cruising. Activities include registration, the Kate’z Cruise observation run, Mildura Feast Street display, live music, market stalls, kids’ entertainment and a Show ’n’ Shine at Nowingi Place. Saturday night features live entertainment and presentations, while Sunday wraps up with cruising and social activities. Open to hot rods, customs and classic vehicles. Contact: 03 5021 3288. Website: https://desertcityrodders.com/goanna-run/

Nov 8. Chrysler Display Day, Yarra Glen Racecourse, Armstrong Grove, Yarra Glen, 8am–2.30pm. Chrysler and Chrysler-related vehicles, held with the Historic Commercial Vehicle Club Australia. Public $10, under 14 free; display car, driver and one passenger free. David Richards: 0403 532 056,

Nov 14–15 (VIC) – Beginner’s Pinstriping Workshop. Learn the old-school craft of pinstriping with Julz Neville of Pinstriping by Julz. Small-group workshop limited to just five students. Pakenham, VIC. Phone 0408 979 681 or email pinstriper@bigpond.com. pinstripingbyjulz.com.au

Dec 5. Bangers & Mash 2026, Victorian Motorsports Park. The best of old-school drag racing featuring nostalgia funny cars, fuel altereds, super stock, vintage gas, front-engine dragsters, hot rods, nostalgia street, outlaws, veteran and vintage speedsters. Details: Victorian Motorsports Park.

Dec 5–6 (VIC) – Beginner’s Pinstriping Workshop. Get hands-on with the brushes and learn traditional pinstriping techniques with Julz Neville of Pinstriping by Julz. Numbers are strictly limited to five students. Pakenham, VIC. Phone 0408 979 681 or email pinstriper@bigpond.com. pinstripingbyjulz.com.au

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Sep 18–20. Victor Harbor Rock ’N’ Roll Festival, Victor Harbor, SA. Three-day coastal festival featuring live music, dancing, classic cars and motorcycles, markets, food, family activities and ticketed evening shows. Daytime attractions include vehicle displays around Warland Reserve, Albert Place and Ocean Street, with many daytime events free to attend. Info: rocknrollfestival.com.au.

Oct 4. The Palmer Hot Rod Show Street Party, Main Street, Palmer, 10am–4pm. Featuring hot rods, The Memphis Suns playing live, free entertainment and DJ Jes. A laid-back street party with plenty of automotive flavour. Enquiries: 0458 297 458.

Oct 15. 48th National Chevrolet Festival, Murray Bridge, October 15–19. Presented by the Chevrolet Performance Association of SA, bringing Chevrolet enthusiasts together for the national celebration. Details: chevperformancesa.com. Email: nationalchevroletfestival@gmail.com.

Oct 11. Buicks on the Beach, Henley Sailing Club/Beach Break Cafe, SA. Buicks of SA gathering from 8am–10am, bringing together Buick enthusiasts and their cars by the beach.

Oct 11. Strathalbyn Annual Auto Swap at Strathalbyn Oval Complex. Sellers enter from 5.30am; buyers from 6.30am. Sites $20; admission $5 adults. Camping available Saturday for $10 per person. Catering on site. Enquiries: Jim 0418 816 739 or Brian 0428 864 842.

Oct 17–18. Steel City Drag Club 60th Anniversary Nostalgia Meeting, Whyalla Dragway. Pre-1980s entries, nostalgia drags, Show & Shine, food and merchandise. Gates open 9am. Celebrating 60 years of Steel City Drag Club with old cars, big sounds and plenty of nostalgia.

Oct 18. Cobdogla Mega Swap Meet. Riverland Field Day Site, 52 Field Day Dr, Barmera. Buyers from 7am–1pm, sellers setup 5am–7am. Public entry $5, under 16 free. Outdoor sites $25, indoor sites from $25. Camping available from Saturday. Info: Craig 0425 339 444, www.cobdoglaswapmeet.com.au.

Nov 13–14. Adelaide Auto Expo, Adelaide Showground. South Australia’s ultimate automotive expo returns with an action-packed weekend of outstanding show cars, hot rods, customs, street machines, motorcycles, trade displays, competitions and prizes. On Saturday, don’t miss the Zippel Cruise for American cars, customs and hot rods, assembling from 3.30pm before departing the Showgrounds at 7.30pm. Details: www.adelaideautoexpo.com.au.

Nov 22. Peninsula Pile Up Traditional Rod and Kustom Show, 481 Victoria Road, Taperoo. Presented by Monarchs from 11 am onwards, featuring traditional rods and customs. Contact Adam on 0410 275 787.

Nov 15. Yankalilla Classic Motor Show, Yankalilla Showgrounds. All makes of classic cars and motorcycles welcome. Family-friendly event supporting Yankalilla District Lions community projects. Children under 12 free.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA & NT

Sep 18–19. Wheatbelt Motor Mayhem, Kellerberrin. Sponsorship and entrant opportunities available. Funds go toward prize pool. Contact Nikki Macdonald 0455 400 539 or Wheatbeltmm@gmail.com

Sep 25. WAHRA Sandgroper Mid-West Run to Geraldton, September long weekend. Open to pre-1978 road-licensed hot rods, customs and classics. Entry forms online at wahra.org.au. Details https://thq.fyi/se/h3T4vuQ.

Dec 5. Christmas Ride Charity & Community Car and Bike Show ’N’ Shine, Sir Ross McLarty Oval. Charity motorcycle ride followed by vehicle display, raffles, auctions, stalls and kids’ activities. Starts 8am, ride departs 9.30am. Hosted by Bikers Helping the Community.

Feb 27-28. Bumpers ’N’ Beats, Bunbury Geographe Motor Museum, Bunbury. Two-day long weekend event featuring hot rods, classics and live entertainment. Hosted by Bunbury Geographe Motor Museum.

TASMANIA

INTERNATIONAL

Oct 4. Tararua Rodders Chrome ’n Custom Show returns to the Horowhenua Event Centre, Victoria St, Levin, NZ. This biennial indoor event has built a reputation as one of New Zealand’s premier hot rod and custom car showcases, featuring fresh builds and standout vehicles from across the North Island. The spacious grounds transform into a rolling outdoor car show with visiting hot rodders, trade stalls, food trucks and live music. Open 10am–3pm. Entry $10 adults. Info: https://www.tararuarodders.co.nz, tararuarodders@gmail.com, 021 175 8325.

Dec 6. 33rd annual Yokohama Rod & Custom Show, organized by MOONEYES, the largest indoor custom car and motorcycle show in Japan. The event features vendor spaces, custom paint contest, pinstripers and so much more wrapped up in a one-day show. yokohamahotrodcustomshow.com