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Published on Leave a comment on Central Ohio Car and Bike Events for July 20 – 26, 2026
1985 ASC McLaren Meet Capri - Owner: Rusty Gregg

Along with the usual weekday cruise-ins and bike nights, this weekend is absolutely packed with car shows, cruise-ins, and motorcycle events across Central Ohio. Highlights include the 46th Annual Poor Man’s Nationals on Sunday, along with Heels and Wheels, Battle of the Brands, and the Blackwing Summer Blast on Saturday, to name just a few. Whether you’re into classics, muscle cars, exotics, motorcycles, or modern performance vehicles, there are plenty of opportunities to get out and enjoy the hobby all week long.

Monday (July 20th):

Tuesday (July 21st):

Wednesday (July 22nd):

Thursday (July 23rd):

Friday (July 24th):

Saturday (July 25th):

Sunday (July 26th):

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

The big news this week was the cancellation of ALL Friday activities at the Arthritis Foundation Charity Auto Show in Dublin due to an air quality alert from the Canadian wildfires, combined with a dangerously high heat index. I never imagined smoke from wildfires in Canada would be the reason a car show in Central Ohio had to be canceled. Unfortunately, the Arthritis Foundation Charity Auto Show wasn’t alone, as several other events across Central Ohio were also called off.

Der Dutchman Cruise-In:

It was hot Thursday evening. How hot was it, you ask? It was so hot that in the 14 years I’ve been attending the Der Dutchman Cruise-In, Thursday was the first time I’d ever seen Wayne trade his trademark jeans and boots for shorts and tennis shoes.

Still, 182 vehicles ignored the sweltering conditions to attend the cruise-in—a testament to just how popular the Thursday night event has become. Not surprisingly, the parking spots beneath the trees along SR-42 were some of the most coveted real estate of the evening.

Here are some of the HOT cars—literally—from Thursday’s cruise-in.

Columbus Cars & Coffee at 3 Easton Oval:

The corporate version of Columbus Cars & Coffee continued its Season 18 schedule on Saturday at 3 Easton Oval in Columbus.

The event drew more than 130 vehicles during the two-hour gathering, with attendance down slightly, likely due to the number of other automotive events taking place around Central Ohio that day. Despite the lower turnout, spectator attendance was as strong as ever.

A DJ kept the music playing while Good Cafe Easton was on hand serving coffee and breakfast pastries. As always, the event had a distinctly European flavor, with Porsches, Ferraris, Audis, and a host of Japanese manufacturers making up the bulk of the vehicles in attendance. Fewer than a handful of classic American cars were on display.

My favorite car was the blacked out McLaren equipped with a child safety seat—proof that even exotic car owners have family duties.

Here’s a video slideshow highlighting many of the cars from the morning.

Plumwood C.C.CU. Car Show:

The Plumwood C.C.C.U. (Church of Christ in Christian Union) hosted its 17th Annual Car Show in memory of Charles Brewer in London, Ohio, on Saturday. This year’s show drew 37 vehicles. Like pretty much every Central Ohio car show on Saturday, participants experienced at least a little rain.

Tom and Betty Lawrence were there with their 2008 Volkswagen Beetle and took home the People’s Choice Award.

Here are the photos Tom took at the show.

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Published on 2 Comments on Warming Hearts in the Off-Season

It might be cold outside and the car show season may feel far away, but the Empty Pocket Cruisers Car Club have already managed to bring some warmth to December. Thanks to everyone who attended their shows this past year, their presenting sponsor Renee Robinson of Howard Hanna Realtors, and the dedicated club members were able to make a meaningful impact when it mattered most.

On December 11th, The Empty Pocket Cruisers Car Club had the honor of presenting a $10,000 donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital during the annual St. Jude Radiothon. This wasn’t just the largest donation the station had ever received from a single listener—it was a powerful reflection of what happens when a community rallies behind a cause.

Just remember: every show, every meet-up, and every cruise-in is about more than cars. It’s about people coming together, having fun, and giving back. We’re always reminded that registration fees, door prize tickets, and 50/50 raffles support a good cause—well, here’s a perfect example of that generosity in action.

Congratulations to the Empty Pocket Cruisers Car Club for their tremendous contribution and for proving once again how strong the Central Ohio car community can be when it comes together for something bigger than itself.

Published on
2025 Frank n Vette - Owner: Boots Longenette - Auto Smart Radio

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NEWS AND NOTES

Der Dutchman Cruise-In:

Despite zero rain, attendance dipped slightly at Thursday evening’s cruise-in, with 170 cars in attendance. Mid-summer vacations and a touch of car show fatigue are starting to show—something that typically happens around this time of year.

Arthritis Foundation Charity Auto Show:

The Arthritis Foundation hosted its 42nd Annual Charity Auto Show this past weekend at the Metro Center in Dublin, Ohio.

Festivities began Thursday with a scenic tour, as 45 participants took the back roads through the Ohio countryside to Indian Lake. There, the group visited what is believed to be the largest private collection of classic wooden boats in the country.

The drive continued around the lake to the Tilton Hilton, a rustic spot famous for its quirky interior and hearty half-pound burgers. The day wrapped up with high-speed fun at K1 Speed in Hilliard, where 40 attendees hit the kart track, followed by evening drinks at the Roosevelt Room in Dublin.

Big thanks to Dave Bratton for providing the great photos and detailed description of the tour. His contribution helped capture the spirit of the drive and the unique stops along the way.

Arthritis Foundation Charity Auto Show Friday Cruise-In:

Intermittent light showers throughout the day dampened Friday’s Cruise-in at the Arthritis Foundation Charity Auto Show. Fortunately, the rain cleared by 5 PM—just in time for the opening set from The British Invasion band.

Friday’s Cruise-in drew approximately 250 cars. This video slideshow, featuring photos taken by Jeff Shankle and me, highlights some of the beautiful rides that were on display.

They started handing out the 100 six-foot trophies around 7:30 PM. Here are some local winners I was able to catch on camera.

Dale Pearce found out just how handy a convertible can be when it came time to haul home his six-foot trophy.

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