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7 Must-See Car Shows In Orlando For 2026: Dates, Locations, And What To Expect

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Planning your automotive pilgrimage to the Sunshine State? As of December 2025, the Orlando area is gearing up for one of its biggest years yet, offering an unparalleled lineup of car shows, auctions, and weekly cruise-ins that cater to every type of enthusiast. Forget the general knowledge—the 2026 calendar is packed with fresh dates for world-renowned events, from billion-dollar auctions to intimate exotic car gatherings near Disney World. This guide cuts straight to the chase, providing the confirmed, up-to-date schedule you need to map out your 2026 Central Florida car show experience.

Orlando and its surrounding areas, including Kissimmee and Winter Park, serve as a major hub for the automotive world, especially during the winter and spring months. Whether your passion is for rare American muscle, European exotics, or JDM tuners, the 2026 season kicks off with a bang, featuring events that draw thousands of vehicles and spectators from across the globe. Get ready to experience the roar of engines and the gleam of perfectly polished chrome.

The Biggest Spectacles: Major Car Shows and Auctions (2026)

These are the cornerstone events of the Orlando automotive calendar, drawing international attention and featuring thousands of vehicles. They are essential destinations for any serious car enthusiast or collector.

1. Mecum Auctions: The World’s Largest Collector Car Auction

The Mecum Kissimmee auction is not just a car show; it's a colossal, multi-day spectacle and the world's largest collector car auction. It serves as the official kickoff to the global collector car season and is mandatory viewing for anyone interested in high-stakes sales and rare automotive history.

  • Dates: January 6–18, 2026.
  • Location: Osceola Heritage Park, Kissimmee, FL.
  • What to Expect: An estimated 4,500 jaw-dropping vehicles are set to cross the auction block over 13 days. This massive event features everything from vintage Corvettes and Shelby Mustangs to modern supercars and Road Art. It is an unparalleled opportunity to see the sheer volume of the collector car market in one location. Children 12 and younger are admitted free of charge.

2. Celebration Exotic Car Festival

For those who prefer the sleek lines and roaring engines of high-end European and modern exotic machinery, the Celebration Exotic Car Festival is a must. This event combines luxury cars with a significant charitable mission, benefiting Make-a-Wish and other children's charities.

  • Dates: April 10–14, 2026 (A five-day event).
  • Location: The picturesque town of Celebration, Florida (near Orlando).
  • What to Expect: A stunning display of Ferraris, Lamborghinis, McLarens, and other supercars. The event often includes celebrity appearances, track days, and a spectacular road rally, culminating in the main display in the beautiful downtown area of Celebration.

3. Elite Tuner Auto Show Orlando

Kicking off the season with a focus on the modified, import, and tuner scene is the Elite Tuner Auto Show. This event brings a high-energy, modern vibe to the Orlando car community, focusing on custom builds, JDM, and competitive showmanship.

  • Date: January 24, 2026.
  • Location: Dezerland Park (implied from search results, a known massive indoor attraction).
  • What to Expect: A packed evening featuring hundreds of custom vehicles, live performances, and vendor displays. It's a key event for the younger generation of enthusiasts and those who appreciate highly modified and personalized automotive art.

Recurring and Niche Events: Cars & Coffee and Weekly Cruise-Ins

Beyond the major annual festivals, the Orlando area thrives on a consistent schedule of smaller, more intimate gatherings. These events, often held monthly or weekly, are perfect for a casual Sunday morning or a Friday night cruise.

4. Festivals of Speed: Winter Park Edition

Festivals of Speed (FOS) focuses on luxury lifestyle, blending high-end automobiles with fine watches, exotic motorcycles, and even aircraft. The Winter Park event offers a more refined, upscale atmosphere compared to the massive auction environment.

  • Date: April 19, 2026.
  • Location: Winter Park, FL (often held in the scenic downtown area).
  • What to Expect: A curated display of the world's most luxurious and fastest cars, set against a backdrop of upscale shopping and dining. It’s an ideal setting for appreciating automotive design and engineering excellence.

5. Orlando Cars and Coffee – Sanford

The original and longest-running monthly Cars and Coffee event in the Orlando area, established in 2013, is a staple for local enthusiasts. It's a relaxed, family-friendly gathering where you can see a diverse mix of classics, imports, and new performance cars.

  • Example Date: Sunday, January 4, 2026 (Recurring Monthly).
  • Location: Sanford, FL.
  • What to Expect: Hundreds of cars filling the lot, a great community atmosphere, and, of course, plenty of coffee. It’s the perfect low-commitment way to immerse yourself in the local car culture.

6. Porsche of Orlando Cars and Coffee

Focusing on one of the world's most iconic sports car brands, this event is a haven for Porsche enthusiasts. While open to all, the star of the show is always the lineup of 911s, Caymans, and classic 356s.

  • Date: March 14, 2026.
  • Location: Porsche of Orlando Dealership.
  • What to Expect: A focused gathering that showcases the engineering and design heritage of Porsche. It’s a great chance to talk shop with fellow owners and see rare models up close.

The Weekly Institution: Old Town Kissimmee Car Shows

No guide to Orlando-area car shows is complete without mentioning the legendary weekly cruise-ins at Old Town in Kissimmee. These events have been running for decades and offer a consistent, nostalgic look at American automotive history.

7. Old Town’s Friday Muscle Car Show & Saturday Classic Car Show

Old Town is Florida's premier destination for weekly car shows, celebrating the rich history of the automobile for nearly 35 years. The weekend events are a true step back in time.

  • Friday Event: Muscle Car Show (Starts at 3:00 PM).
  • Saturday Event: Classic Car Show (Every Saturday night since 1983).
  • Location: Old Town Entertainment District, Kissimmee, FL.
  • What to Expect: The Friday show is for the high-octane American muscle, while the Saturday show is a unique stroll down memory lane, featuring pre-1975 classic cars, hot rods, and antiques. Both events are free and offer a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere with music and entertainment.

Navigating the Orlando Car Show Scene

With so many events, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. The key to maximizing your experience in Central Florida is to plan around the big anchor events like Mecum Kissimmee and the Celebration Exotic Car Festival, then fill in your weekends with the recurring "Cars and Coffee" and "Old Town" shows.

Pro Tip: Many of the larger venues, such as Dezerland Park and Osceola Heritage Park, host other smaller, specialized events throughout the year. Keep an eye on local event calendars for last-minute additions, especially for truck meets, JDM showcases, and specific marque clubs (like Corvette or Mustang clubs) that often organize pop-up shows around the major dates.

The sheer variety of the 2026 Orlando car show calendar ensures there is something for everyone. From the multi-million dollar transactions at the collector car auction to the nostalgic cruise of a classic car, Central Florida remains a top destination for automotive enthusiasts worldwide.

7 Must-See Car Shows in Orlando for 2026: Dates, Locations, and What to Expect
car shows in orlando
car shows in orlando

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