May 1, 2023
Automotion: One of Wisconsin's Best Car Shows
From baseball’s opening day to the first day of fishing season, Wisconsinites love their rites of spring. And, for car enthusiasts, nothing says “spring” more than the Automotion Classic Car Show in Wisconsin Dells!
An Awesome Array of Incredible Autos
One of the oldest and largest car shows in Wisconsin, the 39th annual Automotion Classic Car Show in Wisconsin Dells will bring more than 1,000 antique, classic, and vintage cars to Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park the weekend of May 17 – 18, 2025.
From hopped-up hemis to T-buckets, T-Birds, and Mopar muscle, few Wisconsin car shows can match the variety of head-turning hot rods and faithfully restored classics you’ll find at Automotion Classic Car Show.
Tips Before You Go
- Bring your sunglasses: With all the polished chrome and candy apple paint shining in the sun, you’ll definitely need them!
- Chat with the car owners: Take the time to talk to the owners of your favorite vehicles and enjoy hearing their stories.
- Enjoy the music and food: Make sure to check out the live music and grab a bite to eat while you’re there.
- Visit the car corral and vendor meet: There’s plenty to explore, including the car corral and vendor meet with unique finds.
- Take the kids to the family activities area: Don’t miss the fun family-friendly activities – they’ll love it!
- Bring the whole family: Admission to Automotion Classic Car Show is free, so why not invite grandma and grandpa? They might even recognize one of their old rides!
- Parking: Limited free parking is available on-site at Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park, so arrive early to snag a spot.
- Leashed dogs are welcome: Feel free to bring your furry friend, just remember to keep them on a leash.
- No carry-ins: Please note that carry-ins are not allowed, plan to enjoy the food and drinks available at the event.
Here's a Rundown of the Automotion Classic Car Show Schedule:
Saturday, May 17
- 7am: Gates open at Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park
- 10am – 2pm: Fire truck tours
- 10am – 4pm: Kids activities
o 10am – 3pm: Balloon twisters
o 10am – 4pm: Juggler, unicyclist, and face painting
o Kids Pedal Pulls starting at 11am (must register to participate – registration will open an hour prior to the pedal pull starting)
- 5pm: Spectator viewing closes
Sunday, May 18
- 7am: Gates open at Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park
- 10am – 2pm: Kids activities
o 10am – 2pm: Juggler, unicyclist, and face painting
o 10am – 2pm: Balloon twisters
o 10am – 2pm: Fire truck tours
- 2pm: Awards presentation in a variety of categories
- 3pm: Spectator viewing closes
Hollywood at Elm Street
Another must-see event during Automotion Classic Car Show weekend is Hollywood at Elm Street Plaza. Held Saturday, May 17 from 2pm – 9pm at Elm Street Plaza in downtown Wisconsin Dells, this event celebrates iconic autos from movies and TV shows. Families can enjoy food, beverages, and a rockin' atmosphere, as well as live music from Rayna Hess (2 – 4pm) and Jim Gaff Trio (5 – 9pm). Grab your camera and capture some photos with replicas of several famous film and small screen vehicles, including:
- Blues Brothers’ Bluesmobile: Famously driven by John Belushi and Dan Ackroyd, this 1974 Dodge Monaco sedan was a decommissioned police car with a 440 Magnum engine and high-powered squad car package.
- Scooby-Doo Mystery Machine: Although the cartoon series van is thought to be a 1960s Chevy Astro or Ford Econoline, Freddie Prinze, Jr. chilled out in a 1972 Vauxhall Bedford CF in the 2002 live-action version (which was filmed in Australia).
- Dukes of Hazzard’s General Lee: The famous car of Bo and Luke Duke, this 1969 orange Dodge Charger is best known for its chases, stunts, and doors being welded shut.
- Cars’ Doc Hudson: The “Fabulous Hudson Hornet” is known for its dominance in early NASCAR stock racing in the 1950’s and in the Disney film Cars, is known as a racing great who mentors Lightning McQueen.
Updated: 04/14/2025