May 1, 2023
A Classic Car Show That Never Gets Old
Coming fast on the heels of spring is Automotion, Wisconsin Dells’ annual classic car show, set for the weekend of May 20-21. Zoom ahead for all the details.
The first Automotion Classic Car Show in Wisconsin Dells was held in 1986. It started modestly, with cars lined up around just a few blocks in downtown Wisconsin Dells. Boy, has it grown since then! The 37th rendition will feature some 1,000 classic cars and trucks lined up row upon row in the Mt. Olympus Water and Theme Park parking lot.
You’ll want to bring your sunglasses, what with all that shiny chrome and those lustrous paint jobs reflecting the spring sun. Talk up your favorites with the owners, enjoy the music and food, take the kids over to the family activities area, and check out the car corral and swap meet. Admission is free, so why not make this a multi-generational getaway. There is also limited free onsite parking at Mt. Olympus.
Here's a rundown of how the Automotion Classic Car Show will roll over two days in May:
Saturday
- Gates at Mt. Olympus open at 7 AM.
- Pedal Pulls, a free, fun competition for kids ages 4-12, 11 AM and 2 PM.
- Fire Truck display from 10 AM to 2 PM.
- Hollywood on Elm Street Plaza from 2 PM to 9 PM.
- Spectator viewing closes at 5 PM.
Sunday
- Gates open at 7 AM.
- Fire Truck display from 10 AM to 2 PM.
- Awards presentation in a variety of categories at 2 PM.
- Spectator viewing closes at 3 PM.
Two more notes about Automotion: Leashed dogs are allowed. Carry-ins are not.
Something else you won’t want to miss during the run of Automotion and that’s the “Hollywood at Elm Street Plaza” display of iconic cars from blockbuster movies and TV shows. We’re talking replicas of the Back to the Future DeLorean, the Blues Brothers’ Bluesmobile, the Scooby-Doo Mystery Machine, the Ghostbusters’ Ecto-1, and more. Make a note: This is on Saturday only, 2 PM-9 PM, at the new Elm Street Plaza in downtown Wisconsin Dells.
Now for a bit of trivia: Did you know the five most popular car colors in the U.S. are white, black, gray, silver, and blue? While all those are generally considered “practical colors,” get ready for a rainbow of hues at the show, from cherry red to British racing green to Corvette bright yellow.
Finally, a few tips to make this an especially enjoyable weekend: Book a stay at a classic property in the area in keeping with the “classic” theme. In the downtown district, there’s Finch Motel, Fitzgerald’s Motel, Trails End Motel, Colonial Motel, and Black Hawk Motel & Suites. For meals, choose a classic diner such as the original downtown location of Monk’s Bar & Grill, The Keg Bar & Grill, Stuff’s Restaurant, Denny’s Diner, BJ’s Restaurant, Howie’s Restaurant, Pizza Pub, and Showboat Saloon.
All in all, Automotion is one fantastic way for families to bond in Wisconsin Dells.
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