Vintage Car Show
The Vintage Car Show was featured on WGN’s Spotlight Chicago segment in 2024.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 | 12 PM - 4 PM
ST. JOHN’S PARKING LOT | 525 CENTRAL AVE.
Step back in time and experience the elegance, craftsmanship, and the nostalgia of a bygone era. Relive the golden age of automobiles at the Vintage Car Show on Saturday, September 6. Head to the St. John’s lot (525 Central Ave.) and peruse a fabulous array of vintage vehicles, while enjoying a live radio broadcast, kid-friendly activities, delicious food, and ice cold beverages.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or simply curious, you will definitely enjoy this journey through automotive excellence. Expect to see a diverse line up of cars featuring vintage and antique models, unique classics, muscle cars, hot rods, and pop culture icons. Check back for additional details regarding the 2025 event, including vendors and entertainment lineup.
In the meantime, check out the fun from previous years below!
2024’s Vintage Car Show featured over 200 cars from antiques to hot rods to the iconic Batmobile (courtesy of Klairmont Kollections Automotive Museum). Seven food & beverage vendors provided delicious refreshment: BWB Shakes, Curt’s Café, Ordo, Pixca, Steep Ravine Brewing, Tamales, and Kona Ice. DJ Drew Walker of Free Country 102.3 and DJ Eddie V. of Star 105.5 kept the crowds entertained with giveaways and a live radio broadcast. Kids had a great time exploring the plethora of vehicles before painting their very own custom toy car to take home with The Art Center.
Get ready for more cars, more food, and more fun in 2025!
Getting to the Vintage Car Show & Parking
The Vintage Car Show will take place at the St. Johns Parking Lot (525 Central Ave.), formerly known as “The Lot.” Overflow will be along the western side of St. Johns Ave. between Central Ave. and Park Ave.
Ample parking can be found throughout downtown Highland Park, including a parking garage underneath Port Clinton Square, nearby surface lots, and a two-level parking deck south of Central on First St. and St. Johns. The City encourages guests to use non-motorized transportation where available. Bike racks are available at The Lot and in the immediate vicinity, and the Metra is a viable option, too. Information about parking in the City of Highland Park is available here.
Downtown Highland Park is also easily accessible via public and non-motorized transport.
Metra - take UP-N to the Highland Park station, located a 4 minute walk from The Lot.
Pace Bus - take Highland Park/Highwood Route 472 to the St. Johns/Central stop, across the street from The Lot.
Bike/Walk - from the north, take the Robert McClory Bike Trail south to Vine Ave. Head east on Vine, turning south onto St. Johns Ave. From the south, take the Robert McClory Bike Trail north along St. Johns Ave. Bike racks are available at The Lot and in the immediate vicinity.