PA Fairs and Festivals

Attending a Carlisle Events Car Show in Cumberland County

If you’re looking for information about attending a Carlisle Events car show in Cumberland County, you’re in the right place!

Expansive showfield at the Carlisle Events Ford Nationals car show, filled with rows of colorful Mustangs and other Ford vehicles, many with their hoods open for display. The area is lined with tents providing shade, and attendees are seen walking around and examining the cars. The showfield extends up a grassy hill with more cars and spectators visible in the distance. The bright blue sky and scattered clouds create a vibrant and festive atmosphere.

For 50 years, Carlisle Events has been hosting some of the largest car shows in the United States at the Carlisle Fairgrounds in Cumberland County, PA.

Elevated view of the Carlisle Events Ford Nationals car show, showcasing rows of classic cars with their hoods open, colorful tents, and numerous attendees walking through the showfield. The expansive area is filled with a variety of vehicles, from classic muscle cars to modern models, under a sunny sky with a few scattered clouds. The bustling atmosphere highlights the popularity and scale of the event.

With nearly a dozen car shows, automotive flea markets, and collector car auctions held each year, the 82-acre fairgrounds draws a diverse range of car collectors and automotive enthusiasts from around the globe.

50th Anniversary Carlisle Events schedule showcasing dates for various car shows and auctions in 2024 and 2025, including Ford Nationals, GM Nationals, Chrysler Nationals, Truck Nationals, Corvettes at Carlisle, Fall Carlisle, and Import & Performance Nationals, held at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds and other locations.

Please note: the photos for this article were taken at the 2024 Carlisle Ford Nationals, but all of the car shows held here follow the same general format.

Indoor display at the Carlisle Events Ford Nationals car show featuring a red Ford Mustang SVO in the foreground and a black Mustang SVO with its hood open in the background. A man is seen examining the cars, which are presented in a well-lit space with blue and white draped walls. The area is decorated with banners showcasing the 50th anniversary of Carlisle Events. Additional classic cars and outdoor scenes are visible through the open doors of the display area, contributing to a vibrant and engaging atmosphere.

DIrections | Hours | Admission Fees

The Carlisle Fairgrounds are located at 1000 Bryn Mawr Road, Carlisle, PA 17013.

Generally, each car show runs Friday-Sunday, but the hours vary for each specific show, so it’s best to check the Carlisle Events OFFICIAL WEBSITE for the most accurate times.

Bright orange Shelby Mustang with black racing stripes in the foreground, surrounded by other colorful cars with open hoods at the Carlisle Events Ford Nationals car show. A large Ford sign and a 50th-anniversary banner for Carlisle Events are visible on a hill in the background, under a clear blue sky.

Daily admission prices and parking fees also vary on a show-by-show basis; for the 2024 Ford Nationals I paid $10 to park and $15 for one-day admission.

Entrance sign at the Carlisle Fairgrounds announcing the Ford Nationals event from May 31 to June 2, featuring Vaughn Gittin Jr. drifting on Saturday and the opportunity to see the 2025 Ford Mustang. Below the main sign, a banner celebrates the 50th anniversary of Carlisle Events. The area around the sign is landscaped with bushes and trees, with people and parked cars visible in the background under a clear blue sky.

What You’ll See at a Carlisle Events Car Show

Upon entering the fairgrounds, you’re immediately struck by the sheer scale of the event.

Aerial view of the Carlisle Events Ford Nationals car show, showcasing a crowded showfield with rows of cars, vendor tents, and exhibit booths. Various classic and modern Ford vehicles, including Mustangs and trucks, are on display. Attendees are seen walking around, examining cars, and interacting with vendors. The scene is filled with colorful tents and banners under a bright blue sky, capturing the vibrant and bustling atmosphere of the event. The grassy areas and paved walkways are packed with car enthusiasts enjoying the sunny day.

Paved roads wind through acres of show fields, and more than 10 permanent buildings house various exhibits and vendors.

A wide view of the Carlisle Events Ford Nationals car show featuring rows of classic and modern cars with their hoods open on both sides of a paved walkway. Tents and canopies provide shade for attendees examining the vehicles. The scene includes a variety of colorful cars, with people strolling and enjoying the sunny day under a clear blue sky. The expansive area and diverse lineup of cars create a lively and engaging atmosphere.

Whether you’re a serious collector or just a casual car buff, there’s something here for everyone.

Indoor display of the "Spirit of '76" drag car at the Carlisle Events Ford Nationals car show. The car features a patriotic red, white, and blue paint job with stars and stripes, and the body is raised to showcase the chassis and engine. The surrounding area includes informational plaques and a red rope barrier. Attendees are seen in the background, examining other vehicles and engaging in conversations under a well-lit, rustic ceiling adorned with banners celebrating 60 years of Ford performance.

One of the highlights is the automotive flea market, where you can find a vast array of parts, memorabilia, and unique car-related items.

Automotive flea market at the Carlisle Events Ford Nationals car show, featuring various car parts and accessories displayed under a blue tent. Items include car hoods, tires, tools, and miscellaneous components. People browse the items, with RVs and trucks visible in the background. The sunny day and clear blue sky add to the vibrant atmosphere of the event.

The fairgrounds also offer practical amenities, such as onsite notary and title services, making it convenient for those looking to buy or sell vehicles during the show.

Pavilion A at the Carlisle Events Ford Nationals car show, adorned with a banner celebrating 50 years of Carlisle Events. The open pavilion houses numerous classic cars with their hoods open for display, while attendees engage in discussions and examine the vehicles. A person is seen sitting in a folding chair outside the pavilion, interacting with another standing person. The sunny day and clear blue sky contribute to the festive and nostalgic atmosphere of the event.

When it comes to dining, the variety of options available ensures that you won’t go hungry while exploring the event.

Food vendor area at the Carlisle Events Ford Nationals car show, featuring a stand selling venison burgers, elk hotdogs, cheesesteaks, and a variety of smoothies. Attendees are seen walking and standing around, with banners and a grandstand in the background. The sunny day and clear blue sky enhance the lively atmosphere of the event.

For those who love classic cars, the sight of meticulously restored vehicles is awe-inspiring.

A row of classic Ford Mustangs with their hoods open, including a black GT with gold accents and a yellow Mustang, displayed on the grass at the Carlisle Events Ford Nationals car show. Tents and people lounging in chairs are visible in the background under a sunny sky with scattered clouds. The area is bustling with attendees and various car models, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere.

Each car tells a story, and it’s fascinating to learn about the history and effort that went into preserving these automotive treasures.

White Ford Mustang II with its hood open, showcasing the engine, displayed under a large tent at the Carlisle Events Ford Nationals car show. Nearby, a black Mustang and other classic cars are also on display. The tent provides shade for the vehicles and attendees, with additional people and cars visible in the background on a sunny day. The setup highlights the range of classic Mustangs featured at the event.

The sense of community among car lovers is strong, with many attendees forming lasting friendships over shared interests.

Indoor display at the Carlisle Events Ford Nationals car show featuring a red race car with yellow wheels and the number 86, alongside other classic and performance cars. The venue is decorated with banners celebrating the 50th anniversary of Carlisle Events. Attendees are seen examining the cars and engaging in conversations, creating a lively and enthusiastic atmosphere. The well-lit space highlights the vibrant colors and details of the vehicles on display.

Walking through the fairgrounds, you’ll encounter a wide range of vehicles, from vintage classics to modern marvels.

The diversity of cars on display reflects the broad appeal of Carlisle Events, catering to all tastes and preferences.

In addition to the cars, the fairgrounds host various seminars and demonstrations, providing educational opportunities for those looking to deepen their automotive knowledge.

Ford display area at the Carlisle Events Ford Nationals car show, featuring banners celebrating 60 years of the Mustang. The area is bustling with attendees examining various Ford vehicles and engaging with exhibits. The setup includes a large tent structure with Ford branding and informational signs. Additional tents and displays are visible in the background under a sunny sky with scattered clouds, contributing to a vibrant and energetic atmosphere.

These sessions cover a range of topics, from restoration techniques to performance enhancements.

Custom Ford Mustang with a patriotic American flag paint job, displayed under a tent at the Carlisle Events Ford Nationals car show. The car features bold stars and stripes and is parked next to a bright red Mustang. The setup includes large black trailers and various equipment in the background, with people visible engaging with the displays. The grass and shade provide a comfortable environment for attendees to admire the cars on a sunny day.

Final Thoughts

Attending a Carlisle Events car show is an unforgettable experience.

1979 Indianapolis 500 Official Pace Car, a Mustang with a distinctive silver and black paint job featuring red accents and the "Official Pace Car" designation on the side, displayed indoors at the Carlisle Events Ford Nationals car show. The car's hood is open, revealing part of the engine, with informational plaques placed nearby. Other classic Mustangs are visible in the background, along with a "Speed Limit 30" sign.

And I’m speaking from personal experience here – I took second place at the Carlisle Ford Nationals with my modified 1996 Mustang GT in 2009, back when I was still very active in the car show scene.

Author Rusty Glessner standing next to his white 1996 Ford Mustang GT with orange racing stripes at the Carlisle Events Ford Nationals car show in Cumberland County, PA, in 2009. He is holding an award plaque and wearing a black t-shirt, shorts, sunglasses, and a hat. Other cars and event tents are visible in the background on a sunny day, highlighting the lively atmosphere of the car show.

The combination of incredible vehicles, enthusiastic crowds, and comprehensive amenities make the trip to Carlisle a pilgrimage every auto enthusiast should make at least once.

A vintage red and white Ford station wagon with its hood open, hitched to a polished Airstream camper, displayed on the grass at the Carlisle Events Ford Nationals car show. The car has a canoe mounted on its roof, adding to its classic appeal. Nearby tents and buildings are visible under a bright, sunny sky, enhancing the nostalgic atmosphere of the event.

Whether you’re there to buy, sell, show, or simply admire the cars, you’re sure to leave with a newfound appreciation for the world of car culture.

Row of classic cars at the Carlisle Events Ford Nationals car show, featuring a black vintage Ford Mustang with a custom flame paint job and its hood open, revealing a powerful engine. The car is surrounded by other colorful vehicles, including a yellow Mustang, under large white tents. Attendees are seen walking around and examining the cars on a sunny day with a bright blue sky. The lively atmosphere highlights the variety and customization of the vehicles on display.

Barry’s Car Barn in Lancaster County is a classic car museum focusing primarily on American muscle cars from the 50s, 60s, and 70s.

A collage of four photos showcasing Barry's Car Barn in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The top left photo features a blue Shelby AC Cobra and a row of classic muscle cars in various colors. The top right photo shows an indoor exhibit with a collection of vintage Corvettes and retro automotive signs from brands like Texaco and Gulf. The bottom left photo displays a row of colorful classic cars, including a red 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air, set against a backdrop of nostalgic memorabilia. The bottom right photo captures the exterior of Barry's Car Barn, a white barn-style building with vintage Gulf and Texaco signs, surrounded by a grassy area and a clear blue sky. The museum highlights American muscle cars from the 50s, 60s, and 70s. — Scenes from Barry’s Car Barn in Lancaster County.

The AACA Museum in Hershey, PA is consistently ranked as one of the top automotive and transportation museums in the United States!

Exploring the AACA Automotive Museum in Hershey Pennsylvania. — Scenes from the AACA Museum in Hershey.

The Simeone Automotive Museum in Philadelphia is home to one of the world’s greatest collections of racing sports cars!

Scenes from the Simeone Museum in Philadelphia.

The Swigart Auto Museum in Huntingdon County is the oldest automobile museum in the United States!

The Swigart Museum features between 30 and 35 cars on display each year from their larger collection.

The Grice Museum in Clearfield County features nearly 70 classic cars on display, along with hundreds of taxidermy mounts of wild game animals from around the globe.

A grizzly bear guarding the showroom at the Grice Museum in Clearfield PA — A grizzly bear guarding the showroom at the Grice Museum in Clearfield.

Jerry’s Classic Cars and Collectibles Museum in Pottsville is MUCH more than just another car museum, featuring two floors of pop culture memorabilia and dozens of beautiful automobiles.

1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 on display at Jerry's Classic Cars and Collectibles Museum on South Centre Street in Pottsville. — 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 on display at Jerry’s Classic Cars and Collectibles Museum on South Centre Street in Pottsville.

The Greenberg Cadillac Museum in Jefferson County displays more than 80 Cadillacs, spanning every model group and decade, making it the largest collection of Cadillacs in the world!

A collage of four photos taken at the Greenberg Cadillac Museum in Jefferson County, PA. The top left photo features a vibrant red 1959 Cadillac with other vintage cars in the background. The top right photo shows a lineup of 1970s Cadillacs, including models in brown, beige, and white. The bottom left photo displays a row of vintage Cadillacs, including a maroon model with its hood open, alongside other cars in gray and blue. The bottom right photo showcases various classic Cadillacs with distinctive chrome detailing, including a silver model from the late 1950s, all arranged on a checkered floor in a well-lit museum setting. — Scenes from the Greenberg Cadillac Museum in Jefferson County.

Nearby Attractions

The Molly Pitcher monument and gravesite in Carlisle offers a poignant glimpse into the life of one of America’s most-celebrated Revolutionary War heroines.

A collage of four photos featuring the Molly Pitcher monument and gravesite in Old Cemetery, Carlisle, PA. The top left image shows the statue of Molly Pitcher standing on a pedestal with an American flag beside it, surrounded by gravestones. The top right image is an illustration of Molly Pitcher operating a cannon during the Battle of Monmouth. The bottom left image shows a raised relief plaque on the monument depicting Molly Pitcher in battle, aiding with the cannon amid fallen soldiers. The bottom right image captures the monument from a different angle, highlighting the statue, the pedestal, and the surrounding cemetery with gravestones and American flags.

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