
The best way to find car shows happening today is by using a combination of online search tools, checking local event calendars, and looking at social media. Websites like AutoShowNews.com, Eventbrite, and local news stations' community pages are excellent starting points. Since "today" is a moving target, having a reliable method is more useful than a static list.
Effective Search Methods Start with a simple Google search using specific keywords like "car show near me today" or "[Your City] car show October 26." Search engines are good at prioritizing current events. Major auto show organizers, like the ones for the LA Auto Show or SEMA Show, often have "find a local show" features on their websites.
Don't Overlook Local Venues Check the event calendars for large local venues. Fairgrounds, convention centers, and even large shopping mall parking lots are common hosts for car shows, especially on weekends. Community-focused platforms like Facebook Events are invaluable. Local car clubs frequently create events there, and you can see real-time updates and discussions.
Types of Shows You Might Find The type of show varies greatly. You could find everything from a small, informal "Cars and Coffee" meetup in a shopping center to a large-scale concours d'elegance featuring classic and exotic cars. There are also brand-specific gatherings for owners of Mustangs, Corvettes, or Jeeps.
| Car Show Type | Typical Features | Best Source for Info | Example Venues |
|---|---|---|---|
| Major International Auto Show | Manufacturer debuts, concept cars, industry reveals | Official show websites, major news outlets | Convention Centers (e.g., Javits Center, LA Convention Center) |
| Local Club Meet/Cars & Coffee | Informal, diverse mix of enthusiast cars, early morning | Facebook Groups, regional forums | Shopping Plaza Parking Lots |
| Concours d'Elegance | Judged event for rare, pristine classic and luxury cars | Specialty automotive magazines, high-end event sites | Golf Clubs, Estate Grounds |
| Charity Car Show | Fundraiser, wide variety of vehicles, family-friendly | Community bulletin boards, local news websites | School Grounds, Public Parks |
| Brand-Specific Show | Focus on a single marque (e.g., Porsche, Corvette) | National and local brand clubs | Dealerships, Dedicated Fields |
To stay consistently informed, consider joining a regional automotive enthusiast group online. This proactive step ensures you hear about events well in advance.

Honestly, I just open up Google Maps and search for "car show." It pulls from event listings and shows you pins on the map for anything happening nearby, which is perfect for figuring out what's going on right now. If I see a cluster of activity at a fairground or park, that's usually a good sign. I'll also quickly check Instagram stories with location tags for my area; sometimes people post from the show as it's happening.

My process is a bit more planned. I have a few websites bookmarked that I check every Friday. Sites like AutoShowNews have a national calendar you can filter by state and date. I also signed up for email alerts from the nearest big convention center—they host the major auto show each year, but also smaller events throughout the season. It takes two minutes to scan these sources and I always know my options for the weekend.


