Clip N’ Keep: 2016 Car Shows Guide

Jan. 15, 2016

There are car shows aplenty all summer long in northern Michigan, as soon as the weather gets mild and car owners feel brave enough to bring their prized vehicles out of winter storage. Want something automotive to look forward to? Clip and keep this guide to plan your route to some of the biggest car shows in the region for 2016!

CARS IN THE PARK, NORTHPORT

May 26

Drive your own car up scenic M-22 to what’s billed as “the longest running auto show in Leelanau county” and you’ll find a quirky mix of more than 100 cars along the water at Haserot Park in the pretty village of Northport, just a block away from downtown shops and restaurants. Awards are given for everything from Best Classic to People’s Choice, plus fun giveaways. More information: northportcarsinthepark.com

BACK TO THE BRICKS, CADILLAC

June 4–5

This year’s plans are still being finalized, but Back to the Bricks, an offshoot of the original Buick-sponsored event in Flint, is well known for its retro feel, figure-8 cruise around Lake Cadillac and hugely popular sock hop dance. Last year’s event included more than 400 classic cars taking over Cadillac’s main street, with more than 5,000 people taking in all those automotive views. More information: backtothebrickscadillac.org

ANTIQUES ON THE BAY, ST. IGNACE

June 17–18

Serving as the kickoff for the Mackinaw/St. Ignace area’s lineup of summer events, this show features original and restored classic and antique vehicles along St. Ignace’s downtown waterfront. If you want to see Mopar Muscle cars right alongside Ford Model Ts, this is your car show; many folks dress in period costumes to add to the fun vintage ambiance. More information: saintignace.org

41ST ANNUAL CAR SHOW, ST. IGNACE

June 24–26

Well known as one of the largest all-make, all-model shows in the country, you’ll find hundreds of custom, antique and celebrity vehicles at this popular event, with its busy schedule of cruises, parades, awards, exhibits, vendor booths and more. The Kewadin Casino Cruise Night gets things rolling the night before (June 23), with cars on display all weekend long. More information: stignace.com

VINTAGE CAR FESTIVAL, BAY HARBOR

June 23–25

With the added attraction of a wooden boat showcase going on at the same time, Bay Harbor’s vintage car fest helps kick off the summer season in the village with its display of elegant, classic vehicles topped off with their now-traditional drive-by awards ceremony in the afternoon. The event is free and draws visitors and returning vacationers from across the Midwest. More information: bayharborfoundation.org

OLD TOWN CLASSIC CAR SHOW, TRAVERSE CITY

Date TBA (July)

This local favorite is part of Traverse City’s Cherry Festival every year and features hundreds of show-condition collector vehicles competing in three judging classes, with lots of fun for the whole family. Other than the cars themselves, buffed to a high sheen, there’s always a cruise night that’s great fun for participants and spectators alike. More information: cherryfestival.org

STREET LEGENDS 24TH ANNUAL CAR SHOW, CHARLEVOIX

Dates TBA (expected in July)

The Street Legends team is still putting together the lineup for this year’s car show event, but you can pretty much count on it including the traditional cruise around Lake Charlevoix, followed by live music outdoors and then the big event the next day: the big car show in East Park including more music, door prizes, a silent auction and, of course, a whole lot of legendary cars. More information: streetlegends.net

HARBOR SPRINGS CAR FESTIVAL, HARBOR SPRINGS

Aug. 11

This free show brings together a plethora of often unusual cars in downtown Harbor Springs’ Zorn Park. Highlights in the past have included more than 20 Rat Rods, the Deco Liner that was on Jay Leno’s Garage and a Moxie Mobile. There are always a few surprises at this one, which usually coincides with one of the Street Musique live outdoor music nights. More information: harborspringschamber.com

BOYNE KIWANIS CAR SHOW, BOYNE CITY

Sept. 2–3

Plenty of fun is in the works for this year’s Boyne City event — a great way to wrap up the summer. This show traditionally includes a preview night to build enthusiasm for the main event the next day, which usually features food, music from a DJ and prizes for the vehicles that include dash plaques, trophies and recognition from viewers and fellow car owners. More information: boynechamber.com