48th Annual St. Ignace Car Show Weekend!
Does the roar of revving engines give you goosebumps? Do you dream of turbochargers and custom paint jobs? If the smell of high-octane fuel and the screech of burning rubber make your heart race, you belong at the St. Ignace Car Show Weekend during the last weekend in June!
The car show is not just for gearheads, though. This popular Upper Peninsula summer event has a little something for everyone. Whether you appreciate the craftsmanship of classic cars, enjoy learning about automotive history, or simply love a good crowd for people-watching, you’ll find plenty to do.
Plan your trip today, then get ready for a weekend filled with automotive thrills and family-friendly fun!
St. Ignace Car Show Weekend
Buckle up and head to St. Ignace June 27-30, 2024 for one of the Upper Peninsula’s most popular summer events. During this epic weekend, St. Ignace will host one of the largest all makes, all models car shows in the nation. You can expect a weekend packed with parades, cruises, live entertainment, and more than 800 vehicles on display. It’s going to be an unforgettable experience!
A Celebration of Automotive Heritage
St. Ignace hosted its first car show back in 1976 as part of their bicentennial celebration. Over the years, the event has evolved into a yearly celebration of American car culture, featuring iconic models, legendary designers, and events that appeal to enthusiasts of all ages. Don’t miss a thing! Keep reading for more juicy deets about the Car Show.
Show us your Wheels!
Pre-register for the best car show experience. It’s only $25 if you register by June 13, but if you register at the event, the fee will go up to $35 (cash only). When you arrive, the registration and packet pick-up tent will be located just to the left of the St. Ignace Marina entrance.
Registering early comes with some great perks:
– A show space downtown for the awards ceremony
– Admission to the Thursday Night Cruise Night
– Inclusion in the Down Memory Lane Parade
– A commemorative gift
– $10 in free slot play at Kewadin Casino (18+)
What’s Happening at the Car Show?
Thursday, June 27
Cruise Night
Kick off the St. Ignace Car Show Weekend with Cruise Night, hosted by Kewadin Casino. Staging begins at 7 PM. All sorts of cars will parade through town, setting the stage for an unforgettable weekend.
Friday, June 28
Cars & Coffee Corvette Luncheon & Book Signing
A once in a lifetime celebration of America’s Sports Car- The CORVETTE!
Every living Corvette exterior designer in attendance!
Mr. Jerry Palmer (C4), John Cafaro (C5), and Kirk Bennion (C7) headline the event with special guest Tom Peters, designer of the C6 and C8 Corvettes, joining the trio.
10:30am – 12:30pm Little Bear East Arena – Tickets can be purchased onsite or purchase now by clicking here!
Down Memory Lane Parade
For the 40th year, the Down Memory Lane Parade will begin at 7 PM. If you want to be in the parade, you MUST be at the airport no later than 6:30 PM. The Down Memory Lane Parade will be streaming live on 100.7 FM radio.
Saturday, June 29
The Big Show!
The Big Show! 8 AM – 4 PM. All of downtown from Church Street to Marquette is closed for the show from 5 AM – 5 PM. Check out live music throughout town, vendors in the St. Ignace Marina parking lot and a few select locations, special guests, and more! Details will be updated as soon as they are confirmed. Fireworks at Dusk.
Keys to the Kingdom Book Signing
10am-12pm, and 1-3pm, Marina Registration Tent
‘Keys to the Kingdom’ Book Signing with author Sean Reavie and special guests Jerry Palmer, John Cafaro, Tom Peters, and Kirk Bennion.
Awards Ceremony will be Saturday at 7pm in the overflow lot at Little Bear.
Automobiles in Miniature
Start the day with a model car show at the American Legion Park Gazebo. It runs from 9 AM to noon, with an awards ceremony at 1 PM. The entry fee is just $5 per entry or $10 for unlimited entries. Kids can enter for free.
Awards Ceremony
The weekend will wrap up with an Awards Ceremony at 7PM at Little Bear Arena, where the best of the best will be celebrated. This is your chance to see which cars and drivers take home the top honors. Expect applause, excitement, and maybe even a surprise or two!
Celebrating the Corvette
This year, the St. Ignace Car Show is pulling out all the stops to honor the legendary Corvette. If you’re a fan of this iconic American sports car, you’re in for a real treat!
Meet the Makers
Have you ever wanted to meet the people who designed some of the most famous Corvettes? This year’s show offers a rare opportunity to meet not just one, but all living Corvette designers! Jerry Palmer, John Cafaro, Kirk Bennion, and Tom Peters, masterminds behind multiple generations of Corvettes, will be there to share their stories, sign autographs, and pose for photos. Don’t miss your chance to hear firsthand what inspired their unforgettable designs.
Discover a Hidden History
The Corvette almost didn’t make it past the 4th generation. But thanks to Jon Moss, the former head of General Motors’ Special Vehicle Group, the Corvette lives on. Learn the dramatic story of how he and his team worked behind the scenes to save the Corvette from extinction. Sean E. Reavie’s new book, “Keys to the Kingdom” explores this thrilling chapter in automotive history. Be among the first to get your hands on a copy during the exclusive book and signing sessions.
Brunch with Legends
Why not take your love for Corvettes to the next level with a special Guest of Honor Brunch? Join the key players from the covert operation that saved the Corvette for an intimate discussion at Little Bear East Arena. It’s a rare chance to dive deep into Corvette history and ask all of your burning questions. Tickets are limited, so grab yours before they sell out!
The Ultimate Corvette Trophy
Attention Corvette owners! For the first time ever, all the living Corvette designers will select their favorite Corvette from the participants in the St. Ignace Car Show. The winner will receive the prestigious Corvette Designers Cup, a one-of-a-kind trophy signed by every designer. This is your chance to showcase your ride to the very people who helped shape its legacy!
Satisfy your Cravings in St. Ignace
You can’t have an epic car show weekend without some killer food, and St. Ignace has the flavors to keep you going strong. Looking for lakeside dining with a view? Hit up Mackinac Grille for a picture-perfect setting. Craving a classic burger with a retro twist? Clyde’s Drive-In is where it’s at—think juicy burgers, crispy fries, and old-school vibes.
Where to Stay
After a fun day of admiring cars and taking in the sights, you’ll need a comfortable place to rest your head. St. Ignace has accommodations to suit every budget and taste. From cozy bed-and-breakfasts to full-service hotels, you are sure to find the perfect spot to relax. Book your stay early—the car show draws visitors from all over, and rooms fill up fast!
More Fun in St. Ignace
While the car show is the main event during the weekend of June 27-30th, there’s plenty more to see and do in St. Ignace. Take a ferry ride to Mackinac Island, where you can step back in time with horse-drawn carriages and historic sites. Visit Castle Rock for a panoramic view of the area, or explore the Museum of Ojibwa Culture to learn about the region’s rich history. And don’t forget to check out our local shops for that special something to bring back home.
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