If you're a fan of cars, especially those of the classic '50s and '60s vintage, then the car shows held in La Mesa, El Cajon, Chula Vista and Escondido are must-dos. You can admire the lovingly restored machines, all shiny and glistening. My personal favorites are the '55-'57 Chevys, and the '50s era Ford Thunderbirds. Whatever your favorites are, classic car shows are a nice dose of nostalgia -- a time when cars were cars, cruising was safe and SUV wasn't a ubiquitous acronym.
Even if you're not particularly enamored with cars (i.e. the wife? the kids?), these various car shows are still lots of fun. Depending on the venue, the activities range from live music, food and craft booths, and entertainment for the youngsters.
The beauty of these local car shows is that you get a taste of the local community and its businesses. Give these car shows a try -- you might be reminded that life in crowded San Diego doesn't have to revolve around a mall and that there are still pockets of small town life thriving just fine.
Here's a list of a few of the well-established classic car shows around San Diego:
Encinitas
Rods & Woodies Classic Car Show
Third Thursday of the month from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Rods & Woodies is the newest addition to the classic car show rotation. Unlike the other weekly shows, this one is held only on the third Thursday of each month through the summer (for 2008: June 19, July 17, August 21 and Sept. 18). But the cool thing is you get to see classic woodies in a true beach town setting. More info: Downtown Encinitas MainStreet Association at (760) 943-1950.
El Cajon
Cajon Classic Cruise Car Show
Wednesdays, June 4 through Sept. 24, 5 to 8 p.m.
The largest weekly classic car show in Southern California takes place on Main Street, in downtown El Cajon. Free to the public, the car show has a street fair flavor and features over 400 cars, live music, food, and craft vendors. Anyone may enter his or her car for one of the 25 trophies given out each night. There are no entry fees and the car show is a great place for the whole family to enjoy an evening of fun and excitement.
La Mesa
Thursday Night Back to the '50s Car Show
Thursdays, June 5 through August 28, 5 to 8 p.m.
One of the best in the county, La Mesa's Thursday Night Car Show is a perfect small town setting for crusing. La Mesa's charming village area, with its antique stores and popular restaurants, provides a perfectly nostalgic backdrop for hot rods and muscle cars. Each week there are as many as 160 cars parked along La Mesa Blvd., and many more cruising slowly for a moving show. Each week there are between 2,500 and 4,500 spectators strolling the boulevard. People of all ages love the cars and there is a lot to see. There are Horseless Carriages, Antique Cars, Classic Cars, and Hot Rods. There is also a contingent of motorcycles for the crowd to enjoy.
Escondido
Cruisin' Grand
Friday Nights, through September 26, 5 - 9 p.m., Grand Avenue
On Friday nights a time warp hits downtown Escondido. The streets are filled with strolling people of all ages, while a parade of pre-1970s vintage cars slowly cruise up and down Grand Avenue. All kinds of vintage cars—from American Hot Rods, Classics, Antiques, and Customs help make seven blocks of Escondido the place to be on Friday nights.
Chula Vista
Blast from the Past Car Show
Tuesday nights, May 29 through September 4, 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Over 125 classic cars and motorcycles on display as well as music, food and vendor booths. Third Avenue in downtown Chula Vista.
