There is one September weekend when downtown St. Ignace looks a little different.
On September 18 and 19, the Richard Crane Memorial Truck Show returns for its 30th year, bringing approximately 200 working trucks, show trucks, classics and custom rigs to town.
For two days, trucks line the streets through downtown, giving visitors a chance to walk among them, meet drivers and see the details that make each rig different. Some still spend their days hauling loads across the country. Others have been restored, customized or preserved as part of trucking history.
30 Years in St. Ignace
The Richard Crane Memorial Truck Show has grown into a St. Ignace tradition since the first event was held in 1996.
The show honors Richard “Dick” Crane, a longtime trucker and trucking-industry advocate who helped promote professional driver education. After his death in 1996, the show was established in his memory and has continued bringing drivers, families and truck enthusiasts together in St. Ignace for three decades.
The anniversary is expected to be one of the largest editions of the show yet, with additional areas of downtown being used for trucks, sponsors and vendors.
Friday in Downtown St. Ignace
The show officially opens to the public at noon Friday as trucks fill downtown St. Ignace.
Visitors can spend the afternoon walking the display, checking out the trucks and enjoying live music at locations around downtown.
As daylight fades, the trucks turn on their lights for one of the most popular parts of the weekend. Rows of illuminated rigs transform downtown before a drone show over St. Ignace at 8:45 p.m.
It is a good evening to take your time, walk along the waterfront and see the show from a different perspective.
A Full Saturday of Trucks
The trucks remain on display throughout Saturday, giving visitors another full day to explore downtown.
Live music is planned from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Little Bear East will once again host an all-day model truck display. The miniature rigs have become a fun part of the weekend, with detailed paint, lights and features inspired by their full-size counterparts.
An awards ceremony and Parade of Lights auction begin at Little Bear Arena at 4:30 p.m.
Organizers are expecting a particularly large field of trucks for the 30th anniversary, so judging will be limited to select categories this year.
Monster Trucks Join the Weekend
There is something new to add to Saturday’s lineup in 2026.
Monster Truck Throwdown comes to Kewadin Casino St. Ignace on September 19. Gates and pre-show activities begin at 11 a.m., with the Monster Truck Throwdown beginning at 2 p.m.
The event takes place at Kewadin Casino St. Ignace and requires separate admission.
For truck fans making a weekend of it, it adds another very different kind of big rig to an already truck-filled Saturday.
Visit UPMonsterTrucks.com for event details and ticket information.
The Parade of Lights
Saturday evening brings the tradition that has become synonymous with the St. Ignace Truck Show.
At dusk, trucks leave downtown for the Parade of Lights across the Mackinac Bridge.
One after another, illuminated semis make their way toward the bridge while spectators gather along the route to watch them pass. It is a fitting finish to a weekend that celebrates the trucks, the people who drive them and a tradition that has now been part of St. Ignace for 30 years.
Make a Weekend of It
The Richard Crane Memorial Truck Show takes place September 18–19, 2026, throughout downtown St. Ignace.
With the truck displays, live music, Friday evening light show and drone show, Saturday’s Monster Truck Throwdown and the Parade of Lights, there is plenty happening over the course of the weekend.
Stay close to downtown and you can explore much of the Truck Show on foot, with St. Ignace restaurants, shops and the waterfront nearby.
Check the Richard Crane Memorial Truck Show event page before your visit for the latest schedule, road closure information and event updates.
Richard Crane Memorial Truck Show
September 18–19, 2026
Downtown St. Ignace, Michigan