Hot Rods On The Tarmac Car Show | 2026 | Santa Ana, CA
Hot Rods on the Tarmac is cruising back to Santa Ana for 2026 with a vintage-heavy mix of hot rods, historic aircraft, and old-school Southern California speed culture.
This one has a very specific lane, and that is what makes it stand out. The focus is on period-correct hot rods and traditional builds, with coupes, classic roadsters, pickups, customs, and nostalgic icons expected to shape the lineup. The whole thing leans into the feel of dry lake runs, early drag strips, and drive-in-era style, giving the car show a more curated personality than a typical weekend gathering.
Organized by Lyon Air Museum, the event pairs automotive history with aviation history in a way that feels natural rather than forced. Selected hot rods get displayed against the museum’s flightline atmosphere, while spectators can take in the cars, historic aircraft, reenactors, exhibits, and vintage details throughout the morning. Food and coffee options are also part of the day, with The Habit Burger Grill and Marigold Coffee Collective available on site. For participants, period-correct hot rods go through a review process, so registration details and availability are worth checking through the museum before making plans.
Happening at Lyon Air Museum in Santa Ana, this Orange County setting gives the show a backdrop most car events simply do not have. The tarmac, aircraft, and museum grounds help frame the hot rods in a way that fits the era they represent, especially for builds inspired by early racing, postwar customs, and traditional American performance. It is the kind of place where chrome, louvers, steel wheels, chopped tops, and vintage aircraft can all live in the same visual story.
Take your time with this one. Hot Rods on the Tarmac looks less like a casual stop-by meet and more like a morning built for people who appreciate details, history, and the atmosphere around the machines. For anyone into hot rods, vintage aircraft, and the roots of Southern California car culture, this show has a pretty strong sense of place.
Hot Rods On The Tarmac Car Show - Orange County, California
Date: Saturday, July 18th, 2026
Location: Lyon Air Museum, 19300 Ike Jones Rd, Santa Ana, CA 92707
Starts: 10:00 AM
Ends: 1:00 PM
Admission: HERE
Vehicle Registration: HERE
*Please note: iDriveSoCal is not hosting this car show. To learn more contact Hot Rods On The Tarmac Car Show event organizers HERE. Including details about attending and displaying your car. Also about becoming a car meet vendor or sponsor.
Additionally, for more of the best Southern California automotive events click HERE.
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