Automotion Classic Car Show 2026

The rumble of chrome plated engines transforms Wisconsin Dells into America’s most spectacular open air car museum every May. The 40th Annual Automotion Classic Car Show runs May 16 and 17, 2026 and promises to be one of the most memorable editions yet.

More than 1,000 classic vehicles from 1989 and earlier fill the show grounds at Mt. Olympus Water and Theme Park at 1881 Wisconsin Dells Parkway. Spectator admission is free, making the only real cost the drive to get there.

The real magic begins Friday evening, when informal cruises take over Wisconsin Dells Parkway and Broadway. Roughly 10 miles of bumper to bumper classic metal roll through town as muscle cars, street rods, and custom cruisers parade past hotels, restaurants, and gas stations that become mini car shows of their own. Parking lots turn into impromptu gatherings that stretch late into the night.

Saturday gates open at 7:00 AM, offering the best viewing window before crowds peak by mid morning. Car owners chasing awards should note that Sunday registration closes sharply at 10:00 AM, with the trophy ceremony following at 2:00 PM.

Award categories include Classic of the Year, Muscle Car of the Year, Street Rod of the Year, Street Machine of the Year, Custom Cruiser of the Year, and Truck of the Year, with more than 100 trophies presented overall.

Hollywood at Elm Street Plaza at 350 Broadway hosts replica vehicles from 2:00 to 9:00 PM on Saturday. Visitors can photograph the Ghostbusters Ecto 1, Knight Rider’s KITT, the Blues Brothers Bluesmobile, and the Scooby Doo Mystery Machine.

Pre registration costs $15 online, while day of registration runs $20. Registered participants receive free wristbands to Mt. Olympus parks and are entered into $150 cash drawings held every two hours.

Weather, backup plans, and nearby attractions

Mid May weather in Wisconsin Dells is typically ideal for outdoor exploring, with average highs between 68 and 71 degrees and overnight lows dipping into the mid to upper 40s. Morning and evening temperatures at the show grounds feel noticeably cooler than the afternoon sun on the Parkway, so layers are recommended.

There is roughly a one in three chance of rain showers, so packing a compact umbrella is wise. If weather turns uncooperative or crowds feel overwhelming, several excellent indoor options sit just minutes away.

Kalahari Resort features America’s largest indoor waterpark at 202,000 square feet. Wizard Quest downtown offers a 30,000 square foot fantasy adventure that appeals to families with older children. The Rick Wilcox Magic Theater has ranked as the area’s number one attraction since 2010, delivering a full hour of illusions in climate controlled comfort.

Nature lovers looking to escape the crowds can head 30 minutes south to Devil’s Lake State Park near Baraboo. The park features 500 foot quartzite bluffs and 30 miles of hiking trails. Mirror Lake State Park offers quieter paddling on a slow no wake lake that is ideal for kayakers of any skill level.

Where to eat in Wisconsin Dells

Dining options in Wisconsin Dells span eight decades of classic hospitality. The Del Bar Supper Club, opened in 1943 at 800 Wisconsin Dells Parkway, serves prime aged steaks in a Prairie style building designed by a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright.

Monk’s Bar and Grill, established in 1947 at 220 Broadway downtown, invented the Monkburger and lets guests watch cooks work through the front window. Ishnala Supper Club, dating to 1953 and located inside Mirror Lake State Park, is famous for giant Norway pines growing through the roof and is often called Wisconsin’s number one supper club.

Paul Bunyan’s Cook Shanty, opened in 1958 at 411 State Highway 13 South, serves all you can eat lumberjack style meals beside a towering Paul Bunyan statue. House of Embers, established in 1959 at 935 Wisconsin Dells Parkway, smokes baby back ribs over hickory logs and serves homemade cinnamon rolls that once earned a feature in Bon Appétit magazine.

For Italian fare, Sarento’s at 441 Wisconsin Dells Parkway South offers one of the area’s largest wine selections along with a popular Friday fish fry.

Lake Delton and staying on the water

Lake Delton provides a perfect counterpoint to the car show’s energy. This 249 acre lake offers swimming, fishing for largemouth bass and walleye, and rental watercraft suitable for all skill levels.

Spring Brook Dells Watersports at 255 South Wisconsin Dells Parkway is a family owned marina operating since 1979. It rents single kayaks starting at $17 per hour and stand up paddleboards from $15 to $25 per hour. Guided paddle trips cost $30 per person and follow Dell Creek upstream to Mirror Lake Dam.

The Original Wisconsin Ducks tour company has operated since 1946, piloting World War II amphibious vehicles across Lake Delton and the Wisconsin River.

For accommodations with lake access, Delton Oaks Resort at 730 East Hiawatha Drive includes complimentary kayak and paddleboard use for guests. Island Pointe Resort at 1251 Canyon Road spans a 15 acre peninsula with two private sandy beaches. Lake Delton Waterfront Villas connected to Kalahari offer the largest private beach on the lake.

You can also browse lakefront cabins and cottages through Lake.com, a vacation rental platform specializing in waterfront properties with transparent pricing and no hidden service fees.

The combination of classic cars, lakeside relaxation, and legendary Wisconsin supper clubs makes this mid May weekend ideal for families, car collectors, and anyone who appreciates chrome, horsepower, and time spent on the water.