Street Rod Nationals Cruise into Louisville

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (August 5, 2026) – Next week, one of the most anticipated summer traditions returns when Louisville gears up for the annual August gathering of hundreds of brightly colored street rods and vintage automobiles wheeling around town as the city welcomes back the National Street Rod Association’s (NSRA) Annual Street Rod Nationals, August 6-9, at the Kentucky Exposition Center (KEC).

This year’s gathering will mark the 57th anniversary of this popular summer ritual. Louisville has hosted the group for 32 years, with this year being the 29th consecutive year the city has put out the welcome mat.

Typically, this event is one of the world’s largest automotive participation events, generating over $7.7 million in estimated economic impact for Louisville’s local community from this four-day show. This year's Street Rod Nationals is estimated to have about 55,000 participants and spectators over the event days and close to 10,000 street rods, customs, classics and muscle cars from all fifty states. No other event in the world attracts the number and quality of specialty cars thirty years old and older.

Vehicles in attendance range in value from $25,000 to $1,000,000 with the average being approximately $80,000. The total value of the street rods attending will be more than $760 million. The show features street rods, custom and classic cars on display for public viewing.

Only vehicles of 1996 and earlier manufacture are accepted for participation and display, ensuring a showcase of authentic classic and vintage iron. Attendees can expect a dynamic mix of high-performance machines, hands-on educational seminars, live entertainment, shopping, and family-oriented activities throughout the four-day gathering.

Event Highlights
• Massive Automotive Swap Meet and Vendor Exhibits: Browse thousands of parts, accessories and memorabilia at the expansive swap meet
• Indoor exhibit hall: Featuring the latest in street rod products
• New Street Rod Products of the Year Displays
• Builders Showcase: Located in the South Wing Lobby (A, B & C), this area highlights exceptional custom builds and craftsmanship
• Women’s World Exhibits: A dedicated area for hand-made arts & crafts
• Live Entertainment: Enjoy Nick Donovan’s Rockin’ Road Show and Rodders Fest with live music under the Big Tent
• Additional attractions include the Southern Brushslingers Panel Jam & Charity Auction
• Nitro Knockout: Watch nitro fueled machines come to life
• Family Activities: The Kid Zone offers fun for younger attendees
• Special Features: Mopar Country, Alumicraft Pros’ Pick, Billet Specialties Top Truck, Outstanding use of Kolor, 29 Below and International Show Car awards

Educational Seminars: Enthusiasts can sharpen their skills with expert-led sessions:
• Steering Systems for Custom Builds (Flaming River)
• Performance A/C Systems (Vintage Air)
• Choosing and Installing Automotive Gauges (Classic Instruments)
• Carburetor Tuning (Holley Carburetors)
• Automotive Wiring Essentials (Painless Performance)
• Fuel Injection Basics (Holley Sniper)
• Inside Engine Manufacturing (Blueprint Engines)
• Plating Done Right (Advanced Plating)
• And many more on topics like wiring, steering columns, and custom-building techniques.

Daily Schedule Overview (Subject to Change – Full Details Available on NSRA Website)
Thursday, August 6
Fairgrounds gates open at 8 a.m. | Swap Meet and exhibits from 9 a.m. HRIA Seminars, Nitro Knockout, music, and activities throughout the day until evening.

Friday, August 7
Gates open at 8 a.m. | More HRIA seminars, Rodders Fest, and entertainment running into the evening.

Saturday, August 8
Full day of activities, including the Vintage Air 29 Below Contest, live music, and peak attendance for spectators and participants.

Sunday, August 9
Morning faith service with Steve Tiebout and Doug & Gina Green Ministries, followed by the Circle of Winners and Awards Ceremonies. Gates close in the afternoon.

NSRA® Autocross runs daily except Sunday for thrilling on-site competition and free ride-a-longs for spectators.
All NSRA activities are open to the public. Tickets are $20 for adults (13 and older) and $6 for children (6 – 12). Children five and under are free when accompanied by an adult. A $45 Family Pack ticket price is available for two adults and three children. A special discounted $18.00 admission is available for military personnel with proper military identification and NSRA members with a current membership card or anyone 60 years of age or older. One discounted admission per person. Discount tickets are on sale at O’Reilly Auto Parts.

For more information, contact: Craig Meads, NSRA marketing director, (417) 827-0099, cmeads@nsra-usa.com or visit www.nsra-usa.com.