By Summer is one of the best times of year to be a car enthusiast. From massive rolling road trips to classic car shows, historic racing, and one of the most famous automotive weeks in the country, the 2026 calendar is packed with events worth circling.
Whether you are looking for a reason to take your own project car out for a weekend, planning to tow a track car across state lines, or simply wanting to experience some of the biggest automotive gatherings of the year, these summer car events deserve a spot on your radar.
HOT ROD Power Tour
June 8–12, 2026
The HOT ROD Power Tour returns in 2026 with a Route 66-inspired journey that starts in Joliet, Illinois, and ends in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Over five days, the tour will make stops in Illinois, Missouri, and Oklahoma, bringing together hot rods, muscle cars, customs, and enthusiasts from across the country.
For anyone who loves the idea of a true automotive road trip, this is hard to beat. Some participants drive the full tour from start to finish, while others join for a single stop along the way. Either way, it is a major summer tradition for people who love cars, community, and the open road.
Goodguys Heartland Nationals
July 3–5, 2026
The 35th Speedway Motors Heartland Nationals will take place over Fourth of July weekend at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines. The event is part of the Goodguys car show calendar and is expected to bring out a huge mix of classic cars, hot rods, trucks, muscle cars, and custom builds.
This one feels especially fun for families or anyone who wants a full holiday weekend centered around cars. Between the show field, vendors, autocross action, and thousands of vehicles on display, it is an easy event to build a summer trip around.
Monterey Car Week
August 7–16, 2026
Few automotive events carry the reputation of Monterey Car Week. Spread across 10 days in and around Monterey, California, the week features car shows, auctions, unveilings, racing, and gatherings that attract collectors and enthusiasts from around the world.
Some of the biggest highlights include the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca from August 12–15 and the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on August 16. In 2026, the Motorsports Reunion will also honor automotive designer and racing legend Pete Brock as Grand Marshal.
Monterey Car Week is bucket-list material for many car lovers. Even if you are not shopping at an auction or showing a rare classic, the atmosphere alone makes it one of the most exciting automotive experiences of the year.
Woodward Dream Cruise
August 15, 2026
The Woodward Dream Cruise returns on Saturday, August 15, 2026, along Woodward Avenue in Metro Detroit. Known as one of the largest one-day automotive events in the world, the cruise celebrates everything from vintage cruisers and muscle cars to custom builds and modern performance vehicles.
What began as a local celebration has become a major destination event, drawing spectators and participants who want to experience one of America’s most iconic car culture traditions. It is loud, nostalgic, and full of vehicles you may never see gathered in one place again.
Planning to Bring a Car? Think Through the Haul Before You Go
A lot of these events are worth traveling for, especially if you plan to bring a car of your own. Maybe it is a show car that you do not want to rack up highway miles on, a low-profile sports car headed for a track weekend, or a classic that simply makes more sense to transport than drive across several states.
Before the trip, make sure you have the right trailer for the job. Consider the vehicle’s size, loading clearance, tie-down setup, and whether features like a winch or enclosed storage would make the haul easier. A little planning before you leave can make the entire experience smoother once event week arrives.
For enthusiasts who do not own the exact trailer they need, towlos makes it easier to find trailer rentals from local owners across the country. From car haulers to enclosed trailers, the right rental can help you get your vehicle where it needs to go and spend more time enjoying the event once you arrive.
Make Summer 2026 One to Remember
The summer automotive calendar is shaping up to be a good one. Whether you are cruising Route 66 with HOT ROD Power Tour, spending Fourth of July weekend at a Goodguys show, checking Monterey Car Week off your bucket list, or heading to Detroit for the Woodward Dream Cruise, there are plenty of reasons to hit the road.
And for some trips, getting the car there is part of the plan. With the right trailer, the right preparation, and a little lead time, your next summer car event can turn into a road trip worth remembering.
