Cruising Downtown:
The 2026 Car Show, Explained
Downtown Bertram turns into a rolling museum every Festival morning. Whether you’re a die-hard gearhead or just love wandering rows of chrome and classic paint, the Car Show is one of the easiest ways to spend your Festival morning.
Best part? It’s completely free to come look — no ticket, no registration, just stroll the show. If you’re the one bringing the vehicle, here’s everything you need to know.
What to Know Before You Go (or Show)
Car Show Details
Cars, trucks, and motorcycles are all welcome — every vehicle is eligible for Mayor’s Choice or an Honorable Mention, with no separate categories or classes to worry about. Want your vehicle in the Grande Parade too? That takes a separate registration — see below.
Entry Guidelines
- Pre-registration is required to show a vehicle — head to oatmeal2026cars.my.canva.site to get your spot.
- Check in between 8:30 and 10:00 AM at 317 E. Vaughan Street.
- No burnouts and no revving — let’s keep it family-friendly for everyone walking the rows.
- Awards are Mayor’s Choice and 8 Honorable Mentions — there are no categories or classes, so every vehicle is judged together.
- Want to be in the Grande Parade too? That’s a separate registration from the Car Show — sign up at form.jotform.com/261794852395068 by Monday, September 21, to be included.
- Public: please stay clear of vehicles during check-in and check-out for everyone’s safety.
Best time to catch the most cars before folks start heading out? Right before or immediately following the Grande Parade at 10:30 AM.
We Need Car Show Volunteers
We’re looking for 6–8 volunteers to help park vehicles and direct traffic during check-in, from 8:30 AM through the end of the Grande Parade, plus a shift from 1–2 PM. If you love cars and don’t mind being outside for a good cause, we’d love your help.
Sign up on our Volunteer page.
Questions about the Car Show? Reach us anytime at info@oatmealfestival.org.
Coming Next Week: Live Music & the Street Dance
→Live music all day on the Festival Stage, plus the free Street Dance downtown after dark.
