Thousand Oaks Chili Cook-Off Car Show | 2026 | Ventura County, CA
Thousand Oaks Chili Cook-Off Car Show is rolling back this May with a car show that feels like part of a much bigger day out.
This is not just a row-of-cars setup. The show folds into a larger festival with chili, craft beer, live music, and a kid zone, so the crowd should feel a lot more mixed than a typical weekend meet. That usually gives an event like this more life, especially for people who enjoy classic cars but also want food, music, and a reason to stay longer than one quick lap around the lineup.
Part of what gives it weight is the event behind it. Now in its 49th year, the Thousand Oaks Chili Cook Off is a volunteer-run community fundraiser that supports local charities in the Conejo Valley, which gives the whole day a stronger purpose without taking away from the fun. The car show side also has plenty going on, with classes for antiques, classics, muscle cars, customs, Corvettes, trucks, foreign classics, modern entries, and more, along with Best in Show and People’s Choice awards. Since it is a recurring event with a lot packed into the schedule, it is worth checking the official event pages closer to the weekend for any updates.
At Conejo Creek North Park, the car show should have enough room to let the variety really show. Expect a mix of older classics, original survivors, custom builds, show trucks, muscle cars, and newer cars that still know how to draw a crowd. With Ventura County and nearby parts of Los Angeles County feeding into events like this, it has the feel of a show that can bring in a broad lineup while still keeping a strong local touch.
This feels like the kind of Sunday where one clean car leads to a bowl of chili, then a few more passes through the rows before the afternoon gets away from you. Bring the family and settle in for a car show that has a little more going on than the usual park-and-peek stop.
Thousand Oaks Chili Cook-Off Car Show - Ventura County, California
Date: Sunday, May 3rd, 2026
Location: Conejo Creek North Park, 1379 East Janss Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
Starts: 12:00 PM
Ends: 5:00 PM
Admission: HERE
Vehicle Registration: HERE
*Please note: iDriveSoCal is not hosting this car show. To learn more contact Thousand Oaks Chili Cook-Off 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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