Austin Speed Scene: 5 Car Meets and Events to Check Out
Austin's car scene offers five must-see events for automotive enthusiasts. You'll find vintage hot rods at the Lonestar Rod & Kustom Round Up, historic racing at SpeedTour COTA, cutting-edge vehicles at the Austin Auto Show, custom builds at Texas Heat Wave, and your chance to become part of Hot Wheels history at their Legends Tour. Each event brings its own unique flavor to Austin's vibrant automotive culture, with opportunities you won't want to miss.
Lonestar Rod & Kustom Round Up: Vintage Hot Rod Paradise
What began as a modest gathering in 2002 has transformed into one of America's premier automotive celebrations. The Lonestar Rod & Kustom Round Up offers complete car culture immersion at the Travis County Expo Center, where hundreds of vintage hot rods and customs from across the nation converge annually. For just $20, you'll get a two-day wristband (kids under 12 enter free) to experience not just exceptional vehicles but also live music performances, daily mini-bike races, and automotive art exhibits featuring top pinstripers and custom painters. Don't miss the expansive swap meet in the rodeo barn where you'll find rare parts and project cars. RV enthusiasts can enjoy camping at the venue for $40 per night or $100 for the entire weekend, though no hookups are provided. Beyond the main event, you'll enjoy Austin's complementary cruise nights, BBQs, and open houses that showcase Texas Hill Country's vibrant hot rod community.SpeedTour at Circuit of The Americas: Where Racing History Comes Alive
How often can you witness the spectacle of historic racing machines roaring around a world-class Formula One circuit? At COTA SpeedTour, you'll experience this rare thrill during the season finale scheduled for October 30–November 2, 2025. Car-collecting enthusiasts flock to this prestigious event featuring vintage racing competitions for the coveted Bell Gold Helmets. You'll enjoy affordable ticket prices while exploring the 3.426-mile Hermann Tilke–designed track with its dramatic 133-foot elevation climb and 20 challenging turns. Competitors from around the world come to close their racing season at this popular event on SVRA’s schedule. Track-enthusiast experiences include paddock access, grid walks, and the unique 200-foot observation tower with see-through floors. Don't miss the Saturday car show where exotic, vintage, and classic vehicles are displayed alongside the racing action in SpeedTour Town Center.
Austin Auto Show: Tomorrow's Vehicles Today
Dozens of cutting-edge concept cars and production models await your exploration at the Austin Auto Show, the premier showcase of automotive innovation hosted by the Austin Automobile Dealers Association at Q2 Stadium. You'll witness emerging automotive technologies firsthand as manufacturers present their latest EVs, hybrids, and driver-assist systems. Unlike traditional car shows, this forward-looking event emphasizes what's coming next in the automotive world. You can interact with displays featuring next-generation driving experiences, from advanced infotainment to AI-powered features. Similar to the excitement generated at AutoMobility LA, the Austin show provides a platform for showcasing future mobility solutions. Panel discussions with industry experts provide insights into sustainable mobility trends. The show attracts everyone from dedicated enthusiasts to families curious about future transportation. Watch for the announced dates, which are typically released ahead of the event.
Texas Heat Wave Custom Truck & Car Show: Summer's Hottest Automotive Gathering
While summer temperatures soar across Austin, the Texas Heat Wave Custom Truck & Car Show brings even more sizzle to the city's automotive scene. You'll discover a vibrant custom community culture featuring modified vehicles, sound-off competitions, and even tattoo expos. No stock vehicles allowed—this show is exclusively for customized rides. The weekend showcases diverse enthusiast interests through competitions, BBQ areas, and vendor displays. Don't miss the exciting limbo competition in front of the Madgear booth to see which vehicles can go lowest. Registration includes two weekend wristbands, with discounted rates available until July 23. Remember, this rain-or-shine event attracts builders from across Texas and beyond, making it an essential experience for anyone passionate about automotive craftsmanship.
Hot Wheels Legends Tour: Your Custom Build Could Become a Toy Icon
The Hot Wheels Legends Tour rolls into the Austin area in 2025, offering local automotive creators a chance to transform their custom builds into iconic die-cast toys. This global competition celebrates the “built, not bought” philosophy that drives automotive enthusiasts. Entry requirements are straightforward—submit photos of your custom vehicle with a description explaining why it deserves immortalization. Remember, originality is key—only custom-built vehicles qualify for consideration. Judges evaluate entries primarily on creativity, authenticity, and garage spirit. They're looking for personal expression and craftsmanship that embodies Hot Wheels culture. Finalists advance to live events where industry experts make final assessments, including the Austin-area stop held in Cedar Park. The winner joins the prestigious Garage of Legends and sees their creation mass-produced as a 1:64 scale Hot Wheels collectible.