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Central Ohio Car and Bike Events for July 27 to August 2, 2026

Published on 2 Comments on Central Ohio Car and Bike Events for July 27 to August 2, 2026
1951 Ford F-1 Pickup - Owners: Annette & Pete Lieb
1951 Ford F-1 Pickup - Owners: Annette & Pete Lieb

This week wraps up another month of the 2026 show season, and the final third officially begins on Saturday. The biggest attraction will undoubtedly be the Mopar Nationals at Darana/National Trail Raceway, along with the many cruise-ins and parties surrounding one of Central Ohio’s premier automotive events. While Monday offers a chance to catch your breath, the rest of the week is packed with car shows, cruise-ins, bike nights, and special events. There’s simply no excuse not to get out and enjoy an event or two this week.

Monday (July 27th):

  • No Events Found

Tuesday (July 28th):

Wednesday (July 29th):

Thursday (July 30th):

Friday (July 31st):

Saturday (August 1st):

Sunday (August 2nd):

Be sure to check out the Save the Dates for 2026 page for the most comprehensive, best-organized list of upcoming Central Ohio car shows, cruise-ins, meet-ups, and bike events you’ll find anywhere online.

Don’t miss a single event — bookmark it and stay in the loop all season long.

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NEWS AND NOTES

Der Dutchman Cruise-In:

You know it’s going to be a big evening when you arrive shortly before 4:00 PM, the main field is already full, and two rows of vehicles have formed on the overflow field. And indeed, it was a huge evening, with 551 vehicles in attendance. The turnout was so impressive that even the Plain City and Columbus Police stopped by to check it out.

I don’t think there were ever fewer than 10 people standing in line at the food concession all evening, and Wayne was back in his dress jeans and boots thanks to the cooler temperatures.

As usual, the variety and quality of the vehicles on display were outstanding. Here’s a sampling of Thursday evening’s cars and trucks from the combined photos taken by Tom Lawrence, Bryan Mauger, and yours truly.

Next week is Corvette week with three clubs participating. The long range forecast looks good so expect another big turnout.

Friday Night NAPA Cruise-In:

The first Friday Night NAPA Cruise-In of the season took place in Hilliard on Friday evening.

About 30 vehicles turned out to enjoy pleasant summer weather and good conversation. There was definitely a Mustang vibe, with Fords making up the largest group of cars in attendance. The second most represented brands were Porsche and Corvette, with three examples of each, followed by Dodge with two of its newest muscle cars—one all-electric Charger Daytona and one gas-powered Charger Sixpack.

While the turnout was modest compared to some of the area’s larger cruise-ins, it provided a relaxed atmosphere where participants had plenty of time to visit with fellow enthusiasts and take a close look at the vehicles on display.

Here are a few of the cars that caught our attention Friday evening.

Blackwing Summer Blast Car Show:

The Blackwing Shooting Center in Delaware hosted its annual Summer Blast on Saturday, featuring a car show, a large retail sale, and a raffle with premium prizes. Manufacturer representatives were also on hand to showcase their latest products and answer questions from attendees. Schmidt’s Sausage Haus and Little Ladies Ice Cream provided food and refreshments throughout the day, and every registered show vehicle received a door prize ticket. Proceeds from the car show benefited youth shooting sports.

This year’s show attracted one of its best turnouts, with approximately 115 registered vehicles. The Shooting Center presented 10 specialty awards, including Eye Catcher, Under Construction, Greaser’s Choice, Most Unique, Coolest Drop Top Ever, Ladies’ Favorite, Favorite Truck, Favorite Car, Favorite Engine, and the Blackwing Show Favorite.

Before getting to the award-winning vehicles, one of the cooler sights at the show was a group of five Chrysler 300s that arrived together and parked side by side. It’s not often you see that many first-generation 300s together in one place.

Now on to this year’s award-winning vehicles.

  • EYE CATCHER: 1964 Chrysler 300 - Owner: Moye
  • UNDER CONSTRUCTION: 1950 Ford F1 Panel Van - Owner: DeJarnette
  • CREASERS AWARD: 1955 Chevy Pickup - Owner: Collins
  • MOST UNIQUE: 1968 Hercules Mule - Owner: Parks
  • COOLEST DROP-TOP EVER: 2000 Pontiac Trans Am Firehawk - Owner: Harris
  • LADIES FAVORITE: 1966 Ford Mustang - Owner: Hocker
  • FAVORITE TRUCK: 1953 Chevy 3100 - Owner: Milliron
  • FAVORITE CAR: 1970 Plymouth AAR Cuda - Owner: Ferguson

Not Pictured: BEST ENGINE: 1970 Chevy Chevelle with a 454

And finally, the Blackwing's Show Favorite went to Greg Nobis and his 1951 Hudson Hornet.

Heels & Wheels Car Show:

Caution: Adult Content

After the Black Wing Summer Blast Car Show wrapped up, I made the drive to the Vanity Gentlemen’s Club on Bethel Road in Columbus for the annual Heels & Wheels Car Show.

More than 60 vehicles were officially registered, with another 15–20 cars occupying parking spaces without registering. Every registered participant received a door prize ticket, and, as usual, Country Bob came through with an outstanding selection of door prizes, including another golf bag.

Unfortunately, the scheduled food truck canceled early Saturday morning, so anyone looking for something to eat had to visit one of the nearby Mexican or Greek restaurants.

In addition to the automotive awards, the show also featured awards for the club’s entertainers, as voted on by the registered participants. Those categories included Best Breast, Best Butt, Best Legs, and Hottie. 

The following photos feature this year’s winners in each category.

  • BEST LEGS - Paige
  • BEST BREASTS - Molly
  • BEST BUTT - Red
  • HOTTIE - Chevelle

The automotive awards included Best Foreign Ride, Sexiest Ride, Best Headlights, Ladies’ Choice, Hottest Ride, Best Rear End, Best Topless Ride, Vanity’s Choice, Best Babe Magnet, Best Curves, Country’s Pick, Best American Ride, Crowd Favorite, Sexiest Bike, and Best of Show.

Now on to this year’s award-winning vehicles.

  • CROWD FAVORITE: 2018 Dodge Charger Scatpack
  • BEST REAR END - 2018 Chrysler 300
  • BEST HEADLIGHTS - 1983 Zimmer Golden Spirit
  • BEST BACK SEAT - 1940 Ford Panel Delivery
  • SEXIEST RIDE - 1972 Pantera
  • BEST TOPLESS RIDE - 1979 Jeep C35
  • HOTTEST RIDE - 1968 Chevelle
  • BEST CURVES - 1965 Cobra
  • VANITY'S CHOICE - 2023 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing
  • LADIES CHOICE - 2020 Chevy Corvette Stingray
  • BEST BABE MAGNET - 2020 Dodge Challenger
  • BEST AMERICAN RIDE - 1971 Pontiac GTO
  • BEST FOREIGN RIDE - 1997 Nissan 240SX
  • COUNTRY'S PICK - 2021 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD
  • SEXIEST BIKE

This 2012 Chevy Camaro ZL1 received the Best of Show Award.

For those looking to break away from the typical weekend car show, the Heels & Wheels Car Show offers an experience unlike any other in Central Ohio.

Battle of the Brands:

Fifteen miles east of the Blackwing Summer Blast, the GTO Association of Central Ohio (GTOACO) hosted its 11th annual Battle of the Brands Car Show at the Big Walnut Grill in Sunbury. This year’s show attracted another strong turnout, with 166 registered vehicles.

Award winners were selected by popular vote and included the Top 25, Best Chevrolet, Best Ford, Best Mopar, Best Pontiac, Best Import, and Best BOC (Buick-Oldsmobile-Cadillac). Best of Show, awarded to the vehicle receiving the most votes, went to Danny and Cheryl Akins and their beautifully restored 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air two-door hardtop.

Bryan Mauger attended the show and was kind enough to share his photos from the event.

Classic Axles Car Show:

Arch Mayer attended Saturday’s Classic Axels Car Show at Buckeye Ford in London, where 124 vehicles were registered. All proceeds from the show benefited local veterans’ support organizations. Awards were presented for the Top 30, Best Truck, Best Bike, Best Veteran-Owned Vehicle, DJ’s Choice, and Best of Show.

Among the local winners, Jay and Brenda from EPC, Tony with his 1999 Mustang GT, and Doug Glassburn with his pickup all earned Top 30 awards.

Arch believes the Top Pick award went to a locally owned Plymouth ‘Cuda powered by a Hellcat engine, although he wasn’t able to confirm that at the show.

Arch also shared one observation that he heard repeatedly throughout the day. Several participants felt there were too many tents set up on the pavement, reducing the number of parking spaces available for show vehicles.

Special thanks to Arch Mayer for sharing his event report and photos, and to Doug Glassburn for contributing additional photos from the show.

Derby Garden Club Car, Truck, and Farm Equipment Show:

One of the late additions to this week’s list of Central Ohio car and bike events was the Derby Garden Club Car, Truck, and Farm Equipment Show in Orient on Saturday. The show featured a guest appearance by Auto Smarts Radio personality Dan “Boots” Longenette. Dave Bratton attended the event and sent along this report and photos.

A total of 76 cars, trucks, motorcycles, and tractors were registered. In fact, there were nearly as many tractors as cars, including several dating back to the 1940s. Dave described it as a well-run show with a scenic drive to and from the venue. Auto Smarts personalities Fast Eddie and Ralph were also in attendance, along with Boots.

While the show did not present a Best of Show award, Boots selected his own favorite. His pick was John Thompson’s lifted Ford F-350 (year unknown). John told Dave that he normally doesn’t attend car shows but decided to participate because this one was close to home. After receiving Boots’ Pick award, he said he might have to start attending more shows.

Many thanks to Dave Bratton for sharing his report and photos from the event.

Buckeye Lake Eagles Car, Truck, & Motorcycle Show:

The Buckeye Lake Fraternal Order of Eagles #2801 hosted its 30th Annual Car, Truck, and Bike Show on Saturday. The event attracted a record 154 registered vehicles. More than 50 awards were presented at the conclusion of the show, although the awards ceremony seemed a bit disorganized. Most winners were announced by vehicle number rather than by owner name, sending many participants running back to their vehicles to check their registration numbers. It was a little surprising to see that happen at a show celebrating its 30th anniversary, where you might expect the awards presentation to be a well-oiled machine.

Among the winners were Kevin Foust who earned first place in the 1929–1940 class with his 1941 Dodge WC40 Weapons Carrier. Dave O’Brien took third place in the 1971–2000 class with his 1982 Chevrolet C-10 (Orange Crush) pickup and also received the $25 Best Truck gift certificate. Fellow Hi-Way Starz member Ray Frazier also took home an award.

Kudos to Bubba Hettinger, who photographed every car, truck, and motorcycle at the show. From personal experience, that’s a lot of walking! Enjoy this video montage created from Bubba’s photos.

Butcher Block Car Show:

Saturday provided numerous opportunities for enthusiasts to enjoy two car shows in one day, especially if you were in the London area. After attending the Classic Axels Car Show, a number of participants made their way to the Butcher Block Restaurant for its late afternoon car show.

More than 60 vehicles were on hand, and 30 awards were presented at the end of the show.

Screenshot

Chuck’s Car Tunes kept the music playing throughout the event.

Tom Lawrence was one of those who pulled off the “two-for” day and shared his photos from the show. Tom and Betty’s Volkswagen Beetle also brought home a third-place award in the 2000–2009 class. Congratulations, Tom and Betty!

VFW Post #8794 Car, Truck, & Bike Show:

Shaun “Big Dawg” Sanders and the C-Town Cruisers were at VFW Post #8794 in Columbus on Saturday, hosting a car, truck, and bike show. Between 40 and 50 vehicles were in attendance. The VFW grilled hamburgers and hot dogs to satisfy everyone’s appetite throughout the event. Awards were presented to the Top 30, along with Best of Show.

Dave and Jackie Hiles were on hand and shared a few photos from the event.

Poor Man's Nationals:

The Buckeye Rod Builders hosted the 46th Annual Poor Man’s Nationals at Pastime Park in Plain City on Sunday. This year’s event attracted 195 vehicles. What was once a judged show with awards has, since COVID, evolved into a large cruise-in and swap meet featuring raffles and door prizes instead. The event is open to all years, makes, models, and motorcycles, making it one of the more diverse gatherings of the season in Central Ohio.

Our esteemed remote reporters Bryan Mauger, Tom Lawrence, and Jeff Shankle all made appearances at various times throughout the day. Here are their combined photos from the event.

Dick Marsh Memorial Car Show:

The Heisey Glass Museum in Newark was the site of the Dick Marsh Memorial Car Show on Sunday.

Hosted by the Buckeye Heisey Collectors Club, the show honors the memories of Dick Marsh and Jim Matheny, both of whom were influential figures in the Licking County car community for many years.

This year’s show attracted 118 registered vehicles. Retired sportscaster Dom Tiberi was also in attendance, thanks to his son entering a vehicle in the show. Jackie Hiles had the opportunity to meet Dom and pose for a photo with him.

Awards were presented to the Top 40 vehicles, along with Best of Show. Hi-Way Starz members John Huber, Conley Pettimore, Justin Seymour, Bubba Hettinger, Dave O’Brien, and Jeff Grindrod all took home Top 40 awards.

Bubba Hettinger
Conley Pettimore
Justin Seymour
Dave O'Brien
John Huber
Jeff Grindrod

Best of Show honors went to Steve and Nancy Kidwell and their 1938 Chevrolet Coupe.

After resting his camera finger overnight, Bubba Hettinger was back on the job, phone in hand, ready to document another great day of cars. Enjoy his photos!

Groovy Plants Ranch Cruise-In:

The Groovy Plants Ranch in Marengo hosted its second cruise-in of the season on Sunday, attracting 86 registered vehicles.

According to Dave Bratton, there were more rat rods than he’s ever seen at a single event—at least six or seven—as well as a nice turnout of Porsches.

Jerrod Hughes organized the event and, by all accounts, did an excellent job. Dave also included a photo of Jerrod and his daughter. Jerrod mentioned that additional award categories are planned for future cruise-ins.

Awards presented Sunday included:

  • First Honorable Mention – Greg Nobis, Hudson Hornet
  • Second Honorable Mention – The Crow family, 1926 Ford
  • Third Honorable Mention – Diane Roberts, Pontiac Trans Am
  • Best Paint – Dave Bratton
  • Ed’s Pick – Andrea, 1931 Ford Truck
  • Grooviest Ride – Mark, Chevrolet Corvair

Enjoy Dave’s photos from the event!

This week’s News & Notes set a new record with 13 event reports, breaking the previous record of 11. And that still wasn’t close to covering even half of the 47 events scheduled across Central Ohio this past week. None of the 13 were small gatherings either—most attracted 100 or more vehicles. I’m always amazed by how many great rides come out when Mother Nature cooperates. Combined attendance at the 13 featured events reached more than 1,800 vehicles. I can only imagine what the total would have been if every event had been covered.

As always, a BIG SHOUT OUT to this week’s remote reporters: Bubba Hettinger, Jeff Shankle, Dave Bratton, Arch Mayer, Bryan Mauger, Dave and Jackie Hiles, Doug Glassburn, Tom Lawrence, Dave O’Brien, and Kevin Foust. Your reports and photos help tell the story of Central Ohio’s automotive community and make News & Notes possible. Thank you all for your time, dedication, and willingness to share your weekends with our readers.

Have a great week, stay safe and keep those wheels rolling.

Home » Central Ohio Car and Bike Events for July 27 to August 2, 2026

2 thoughts on “Central Ohio Car and Bike Events for July 27 to August 2, 2026”

  1. Jim G.

    I believe the official Der Dutchman Cruise-In attendance was 561 which is a new record not counting the Luella Memorial Cruise-In which was higher.

    Reply ↓
    1. Kim Hawksworth Post author

      Hi Jim, Thanks for the clarification. I was there until 7 PM so I didn't hear the "official" count from Wayne. I just reported what someone else had posted. No matter what, it was a boat load of cars.

      Reply ↓

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