30th Annual San Clemente Car Show
More than 250 classics, muscle cars, exotics, woodies, and vintage trailers take over Avenida Del Mar. It’s free for spectators and worth the drive south.
Check event details
Automotive Orange County
Worth waking up early for.
Cars and coffee, old-school cruise nights, major shows, and the local gatherings that keep OC car culture moving.
See this weekend’s lineup
September 18 to 20
This weekend behind the wheel.
If you like a little chrome with your weekend, this one’s got you covered. There’s a big downtown show, a college car meet, and a classic Friday night cruise worth checking out.
Cruisin’ to College Car Show
An easygoing community show at Fullerton College with all makes and models, awards, food, entertainment, and family activities. Spectator admission is free.
Check event detailsMain Street Classic Car Show
A Friday night cruise through Historic Main Street with classics, customs, music, raffles, and a relaxed downtown atmosphere. It’s free for spectators.
Check event detailsSchedules were checked September 15, 2026. It is always smart to confirm with the organizer before heading out.
The reliable regulars
September’s recurring meets.
These are the gatherings you can build a weekend around without waiting for a big annual show.
Friday nights
4 to 8 p.m.
Main Street Classic Car Show
Historic Main Street, Garden Grove
A walkable weekly cruise with classics, live music, raffles, and rotating themed nights.
Sept. 18 and 25
Saturday mornings
About 6 to 9 a.m.
Donut Derelicts
Adams Avenue Donuts, Huntington Beach
The old-school OC gathering for hot rods, classics, coffee, and donuts. The early crowd is part of the experience.
Sept. 19 and 26
Saturday mornings
9 to 11 a.m.
South OC Cars & Coffee
Outlets at San Clemente
A huge weekly mix of exotics, classics, muscle cars, trucks, motorcycles, and just about everything else. The official schedule still lists Saturdays, rain or shine. Please check the organizer’s latest update before heading out this week.
Sept. 19 and 26
Great OC drives
Take the long way.
A few local roads worth driving when the destination is not really the point. We will rotate this list as the seasons change.
Santiago Canyon and Live Oak Canyon
Irvine Regional Park to O’Neill Regional Park
A close-to-home run through rolling foothills, oak-lined bends, and some of the best back-road scenery in inland OC.
Pacific Coast Highway
Dana Point to Huntington Beach
Ocean views, beach towns, and plenty of worthwhile stops. Take it north for the long version or turn around in Laguna Beach for a shorter cruise.
Carbon Canyon Road
Brea to Chino Hills
A compact canyon drive with tight curves and a surprisingly rural feel between north OC and Chino Hills.
Road conditions can change. Check Caltrans QuickMap before you go, obey posted limits, and keep it easy through neighborhoods and canyon roads.
Know a good one?
Tell Mike
Tell me what should be on the list.
If there is a local meet, drive, shop event, or show I should know about, send it my way.