The Ultimate 2026 Guide To San Jose, CA Car Shows: Dates, Venues, And Must-See Events
Contents
The 2026 San Jose Car Show Calendar: Major and Annual Events
The backbone of the San Jose car scene is its collection of large-scale annual shows, which draw thousands of attendees and hundreds of unique vehicles. These events range from massive international expositions to highly specialized cultural showcases.The Silicon Valley International Auto Show 2026
This is the premier event for new car buyers and technology enthusiasts in the region. The show is not just about looking at cars; it’s about experiencing the future of the automotive industry. * Focus: New production vehicles, electric vehicles (EVs), concept cars, and automotive technology. * 2026 Date: Friday, January 9 – Sunday, January 11, 2026. * Venue: Santa Clara Convention Center, Santa Clara, CA. * The Experience: Attendees can explore hundreds of new models from world-class manufacturers, including domestic, European, and Asian brands. Many exhibits offer ride-and-drive experiences, allowing you to test out the latest EV technology.SAN JOSE SUPER SHOW 2026
The San Jose Super Show is a legendary event, widely considered one of the most important lowrider and custom car shows in the world. Organized by Impalas Magazine, this show is a vibrant cultural showcase. * Focus: Lowriders, custom cars, hydraulics, and automotive artistry. * 2026 Date: Sunday, August 23, 2026. * Venue: San Jose McEnery Convention Center, San Jose, CA. * The Experience: Expect to see immaculate paint jobs, intricate engraving, custom interiors, and the famous hydraulic "hop" competitions. It is a must-see event for anyone interested in the history of custom car culture.Hot San Jose Nights Airport Day
A unique event that combines two passions: classic cars and aviation. This show offers a spectacular backdrop for automotive enthusiasts. * Focus: Classic cars, hot rods, muscle cars, and a variety of aircraft. * Typical Month: Annually held in August. * Venue: Reid-Hillview Airport, San Jose, CA. * The Experience: Attendees can walk among dozens of beautiful classic automobiles parked alongside vintage and modern airplanes, offering a double dose of machinery appreciation.Deep Dive into San Jose's Classic and Specialty Car Scene
Beyond the major conventions, San Jose is rich with smaller, deeply rooted classic car events that celebrate specific eras and models. These shows foster a strong sense of community among local enthusiasts.Cars in the Park: A Journey Through Automotive History
This event is a true historical deep dive, focusing on the earliest days of the automobile. It's a key event for vintage and antique vehicle lovers. * Focus: Antique and classic vehicles, specifically those manufactured from the 1890s through 1949. * Typical Month: Historically held in September. * Venue: History Park, San Jose, CA. * The Experience: The setting at History Park, with its historical buildings and period-correct environment, perfectly complements the vintage automobiles and antique bicycles on display. It's often referred to as a "Living History Day" event.San Jose Classic Chevy Club Car Show / Toy Drive
This charitable event is a staple for fans of American muscle and classic cruisers, particularly those bearing the iconic Chevrolet bowtie. * Focus: Classic Chevrolet passenger cars, trucks, and Corvettes, though often open to all makes and models for the Toy Drive. * Typical Month: Annually held in early November (e.g., November 1, 2025). * Venue: Cathedral of Faith Church, San Jose, CA. * The Experience: A family-friendly event where the entry fee often includes a toy donation, blending a passion for classic cars with community charity. It's a great place to see impeccably restored models like the Bel Air, Camaro, and Impala.Wekfest USA
Wekfest is a highly curated, all-custom automotive exhibition that brings together the finest examples of tuner, modified, and JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) vehicles. * Focus: Custom cars, JDM, modified vehicles, and tuner culture. * Venue: San Jose is a recurring location for this national event. * The Experience: Known for its high-quality entries, Wekfest showcases precision builds, air suspension setups, performance modifications, and unique aesthetic styles, making it a favorite for the younger generation of car enthusiasts.Weekly and Monthly Car Meets: The San Jose Cruise Scene
For those who need a regular fix of automotive excitement, San Jose and its immediate neighbors host several recurring meets, often called "Cars and Coffee" or "Cruise Nights." These are low-key, informal gatherings perfect for enthusiasts to socialize.Ronnie's Morning Get Together
A popular monthly gathering that serves as a consistent community hub for local car owners. * Type: Monthly Cars and Coffee event. * Schedule: Every second Saturday of the month. * Venue: San Jose (check local listings for the exact location, as it sometimes changes). * The Experience: Free coffee and donuts are often provided, and the event welcomes all years, makes, and models, creating a truly eclectic display from muscle cars to exotic imports.The Great Mall Meet (Milpitas)
Located just north of San Jose, this weekly meet is a major draw, especially for JDM enthusiasts and the tuner crowd. * Type: Weekly Car Meet/Cruise Night. * Venue: The Great Mall, Milpitas, CA. * The Experience: While all vehicles are welcome, this location is particularly known as a hotspot for Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) cars, giving you a chance to see rare imports and highly customized tuner builds.The Regional Powerhouse: Blackhawk Museum Shows
While technically located in Danville (a short drive from San Jose), the Blackhawk Museum is a major regional entity that hosts several high-profile shows throughout the year, making it a must-visit for serious collectors and fans. * Father's Day Car Show: Typically held in June, this popular event brings together a wide variety of collector vehicles. * All-British Motor Show: A specialized event, usually in October, celebrating the engineering and charm of British classics like MGs, Triumphs, and Jaguars. * A Brighter Day Car Show & Shine: A charitable event with over 250 cars, food trucks, and live music, often held at the Blackhawk Museum Plaza.Topical Authority Entities & LSI Keywords
The San Jose car show scene is a complex ecosystem of clubs, venues, and vehicle types. Key entities to know include: Santa Clara Convention Center, San Jose McEnery Convention Center, History Park, Reid-Hillview Airport, Cathedral of Faith Church, The Great Mall, Blackhawk Museum, Silicon Valley International Auto Show, SAN JOSE SUPER SHOW, Hot San Jose Nights, Cars in the Park, San Jose Classic Chevy Club, Wekfest USA, Ronnie's Morning Get Together, JDM enthusiasts, Lowriders, Classic Cruisers, Muscle Cars, Electric Vehicles (EVs), Concept Cars, Antique Bicycles, Tuner Culture, Hydraulics, Impala Magazine, GGCVVWCA (Kelley Park VW Show), Santa Clara Valley Model T Ford Club, Bay Area Car Shows, South Bay Area, and Automotive Technology.
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