by Luke Schmaltz
While the era of the combustion engine is decelerating and low-mileage, high-maintenance vehicles are simply impractical for daily use, there’s no denying the appeal of perhaps the greatest aesthetic achievement of the 20th Century, hot rods.
Of the myriad gatherings and outdoor events that were sorely missed by some folks last year, among them was the all-American, time-honored car show.
Saturday, June 12
Parker Car Fest 2021
Parker Car Fest benefits the Parker Task Force Food Bank.
Not to be confused with “Parker Days,” this annual event is hosted by the Parker Cruisers, an association of car lovers totaling over 900 show-worthy autos. Festivities will last from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. with registration closing by June 10. The grounds for this show are set for 30 vendors and 200+ cars, trucks and motorcycles. Tickets can be pre-purchased at parkercruisers.com and all proceeds will go to the Parker Task Force Food Bank. Downtown Parker, CO, East Main Street.
Sunday, June 13, 2021
Fourth Annual Down To Earth Days
This comprehensive lifestyle spectacle is held with the goal of “improving the car scene and bringing our large gear-head family together.” The event boasts exhibitions by world-class Formula D drifters on a professional drift course, complete with ride-alongs for adventuresome guests. Similar attractions include a live burnout exhibition, two-step competition, live DJ, interactive vendor booths, food trucks, giveaways and trophies in 15 different automotive classes. This family-friendly event runs from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. and kids under 12 get in free. Organizers present the occasion with a family feel, announcing that it is “about making the car culture a family again. Respect each other and respect the culture! We love this culture, and we do this for the culture.” 9755 Henderson Rd. Brighton, CO 80601.
Saturday, June 19
Colorado Camaro Club
37th Annual Chevy Show ‘N Shine Classic Car Show
A time-tested “classic” of a car show, this regional favorite co-sponsored by Century Chevrolet kicks off at 9 a.m. and goes until 2 p.m. Entries are just $25 and are limited to “F” body style or “Chevy powered.” Trophies will be awarded to some participants and all entrants are served lunch on the house. This slice of early summer fun will be set to the live sounds DJ Maverick Mike and held at 6105 W. 120th, Broomfield, CO 80020.
Sunday, June 27
Shotgun Willie’s Annual Car Show — Shotgun Willie’s Gentleman’s Club
Shotgun Willie’s is known for visual spectacles, and sometimes for car shows.
Nothing says “It’s summertime in Glendale” like muscle cars and scantily-clad women. The world-famous show club ushers in the warm months with a midday event which runs from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The premises will feature $2 Montucky Cold Snacks, $5 Hornitos, $5 Jim Beam and great BBQ all day long — plus — a tiki party in the T-Bar all day as well as the mesmerizing charms of the entertainment staff. The car show is free to enter, there are prizes for top contestants and one lucky whip will receive the coveted People’s Choice Trophy. 490 S. Colorado Blvd. Glendale, CO 80246.
Sunday, July 4
’Bout Time Pub & Grub Car & Bike Show
Car Shows Inc. produces and promotes several car shows across the Front Range every year.
Produced and promoted by Car Shows, Inc. (CSI), this event welcomes two- and four-wheeled participants with a “classic” look. Pre-registration is encouraged, and the event goes from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. and will feature music by Van Jeffries Mobile Rock & Roll, awards, and dash plaques. 3580 South Platte River Dr., Drive A, Sheridan, CO 80110
Sunday, July 11
Back Street Tavern & Grill —
“Annual Mid-Summer Hot Rod Stomp” Cruise-in And Car Show
This will be the “Lucky 7th” installment of an area favorite featuring covered outdoor seating, a live DJ spinning old-school tunes, food, drinks, and super-prize giveaways. Event begins at 10 a.m. and runs until 1 p.m. at 1150 S. Galena St., Aurora, CO 80247.
Sunday, July 18
Hero’s Car Show — Hero’s Pizzeria and Tavern
Hero’s loves car shows so much, they plan to host a total of five throughout the warm months.
This will be the third of a total of five such events taking place at this regional favorite for pizza and Italian food. Early arrivals can start their automotive adventure off with a breakfast burrito “grilled up al fresco” while rockin’ to the tunes of Cruisin’ Dave. Visitors and hot rod aficionados can expect “vintage iron on four wheels and two along with many fun people.” 16070 E. Dartmouth Avenue (between Chambers and Buckley). Subsequent events in this series will be hosted on August 22 and September 12.
Saturday, July 24
Take Jake Car Show
Held at legendary Denver music venue The Grizzly Rose, this yearly event raises awareness and funds for organ tissue donation. This year’s contributions will be dedicated to veterans in need as well as the organization’s scholarship at Metro State. The show welcomes classic muscle cars, all-out custom cars, and rat rods, 4×4 trucks, pickups, street rods, imports, and motorcycles. Food and drinks will be available for guests along with silent auctions and sanctioned races. 5450 North, S. Valley Hwy., Denver, CO 80216.
Saturday, August 7
Rocky Mountain Car Show, Swap Meet
The Rocky Mountain Car Show, Swap Meet plans to have 400+ hot rods on display.
Another outdoor event produced and promoted by Car Shows Inc., this shindig will feature up to 400 classic car and hot rod participants — the combined treasures of Colorado Mopar Club, Buick Club, and CSI. The event is co-sponsored by the Collector Car Council of Colorado and will also feature War Bird flybys and a swap meet where gearheads and collectors can buy and sell automotive parts, accessories and collectibles en masse. Festivities go from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. and are held at the Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport, 11755 Airport Way, Broomfield, CO 80021.
Saturday, August 21
Holy Rollers Charity Car Show
This is the fourth installment of an annual charity event which benefits the Society of St. Vincent de Paul — an organization dedicated to helping families in crisis in North Metro Denver. The event runs from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. and is held on the grass in S. Midway Park in Broomfield. Over 175 automobiles are expected to participate, and festivities will include door prizes every 30 minutes and awards for the top 30 entrants. West Midway Blvd. & Kohl Street, Broomfield, CO 80020.