Wildwood’s fall car shows, September 24 to 27, 2026
Two car shows take over Wildwood on the same late-September weekend. The Fall Boardwalk Classic Car Show runs Thursday the 24th through Sunday the 27th for cars 1989 and older, opening with a meet and greet at Fox Park on Thursday. The Wildwood Kustom Hot Rod and Muscle Car Show runs the 25th through the 27th at the Convention Center and along the Boardwalk, free to walk, with judging in more than 25 categories from Best Paint to People’s Choice. Both are a short walk from every Coastal Collection hotel.
The weekend at a glance
- Thursday, Sept 24: Boardwalk Classic meet and greet at Fox Park; cars start arriving.
- Friday to Sunday, Sept 25 to 27: both shows on the Boardwalk and at the Convention Center; Kustom show judging and awards over the weekend.
- Same weekend: North Wildwood’s Irish Fall Festival, with the parade Sunday at 12:30 on Surf Avenue. Expect full hotels and slow traffic on the island.
Parking and getting around
Park at your hotel and walk. The Boardwalk displays run for blocks, the Convention Center is at 4501 Boardwalk, and rideshares are quicker than moving a car on show weekend. Cruising the streets in the evening is half the event.
Where to stay for the car show
| Hotel | Walk to the Convention Center | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Paradise Inn, 235 E Wildwood Ave | Closest | Boardwalk access, couples |
| Beachside Resort, 3700 Atlantic Ave | Short walk | Families, pool |
| Coastal Sands Inn, 4110 Atlantic Ave | Short walk | Car clubs and groups |
| Sunset Beach Hotel, 4300 Ocean Ave | Short walk | Ocean Avenue, near the beach |
| Sunrise Inn, 107 E Lincoln Ave | Walkable | Quiet nights |
Check car show weekend availability. Rates are off-season; rooms are not.
Car show questions
When is the Wildwood fall car show 2026?
Two shows share the weekend: the Fall Boardwalk Classic Car Show runs Thursday September 24 to Sunday September 27 (cars 1989 and older, Thursday meet and greet at Fox Park), and the Wildwood Kustom Hot Rod and Muscle Car Show runs September 25 to 27 at the Convention Center and on the Boardwalk.
Is the car show free?
Spectators walk the Boardwalk displays for free. Showing a car requires registration with the organizer.
Where should I stay for the car show?
All five Coastal Collection hotels are in Wildwood within blocks of the Boardwalk and Convention Center; Paradise Inn is the closest walk. Late September rates are well below summer.
Is Irish Weekend the same weekend?
Yes. North Wildwood’s Irish Fall Festival runs the same days, so rooms and parking go early. Book ahead.
More this fall: Irish Weekend and the 2026 events calendar. Show details come from the organizers and the Wildwoods tourism office; check their pages the week of the event for changes.
More to do that month: October events in Wildwood.
