Know Before You Go: Downtown Arlington Classic Car Show Returns Sept. 26

Let's try this again! After a rain delay in June, the Downtown Arlington Classic Car Show is officially back this Saturday, September 26.

Expect a full day of classic cars, live music, local food and family-friendly fun in downtown.

Whether you know your classics from your cruisers or just want a fun Saturday in Downtown Arlington, this year’s show is also a chance to celebrate a little bit of Arlington history. As Arlington marks its 150th anniversary, the Classic Car Show brings more than 200 classic and antique vehicles to a city shaped in part by the historic Bankhead Highway, one of the early transcontinental highways that helped connect Arlington to communities across Texas and beyond.

With more than 5,000 attendees expected, the Downtown Arlington Classic Car Show is one of the biggest days on the downtown calendar. From classic cars and live music to local food, the Farmers Market and family-friendly activities, here's everything you need to know before you go.

Event Details

The 2026 Downtown Arlington Classic Car Show takes place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at Vandergriff Town Center, 200 N. Mesquite St.

Admission is free and open to the public.

Get ready to check out a collection of classic and antique vehicles, with plenty of polished chrome, custom builds and timeless automobiles on display. Awards for the Top 10 vehicles and specialty categories will be handed out at 2:15 p.m.

What You'll Find at the Show

The cars may be the stars, but there's plenty happening around them.

Throughout the day, you can enjoy:

• Classic and antique cars from across the decades

• Live music from DJs

• The Downtown Arlington Farmers Market

• Food trucks and local food vendors

• A dedicated kids activity area

• Live music at Knapp Heritage Park

Downtown restaurants, bars, breweries and entertainment

The Downtown Arlington Farmers Market will be open alongside the show, giving you another reason to stick around downtown for the morning.

Don't Miss the Awards

Think you've spotted the showstopper?

You'll have a chance to see which cars take home top honors when awards are presented at 2:15 p.m.

The competition includes awards for the Top 10 vehicles, Mayor’s Choice and other specialty categories. Be sure to vote for the People’s Choice Award at the Information Booth on Center St., or using the QR code in the program. 

Parking & Arrival Tips

Classic cars, crowds and a Saturday in Downtown Arlington? Plan to arrive early.

The show runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and visitors should expect increased traffic around the event area. Give yourself extra time to find parking and make your way to Vandergriff Town Center. 

Additional parking is available at First United Methodist Church, located at 313 N. Center St. Check the parking map below for additional parking locations and details.

Comfortable shoes, sunscreen and water will be your best friends. You'll want to leave yourself plenty of time to explore the show, the Farmers Market and everything else happening around downtown.

Bringing a Car to the Show?

If you were hoping to show off your own classic, registration is currently full for this year's event.

The show is open to vehicles built in 1980 or earlier, and all participating vehicles must be preregistered. No walk-up entries will be accepted on the day of the event.

Registration fees benefit the Arlington Police Foundation.

Make a Day of It

Why stop at the car show?

After you've admired the classics, take some time to explore Downtown Arlington. Grab a bite, visit a local business, check out the Farmers Market or settle in for a drink at one of downtown's restaurants, bars or breweries.

With the car show, live music, food and plenty to explore, Sept. 26 is shaping up to be the perfect Saturday in Downtown Arlington.

See You Downtown

So, yes, we're trying this again. And this time, we're putting the pedal to the metal.

Mark your calendar for Saturday, Sept. 26, and come spend the day celebrating classic cars, local businesses and all the fun happening in Downtown Arlington.