Best Places to See Car Shows in Tampa and Surrounding Areas

This article provides a comprehensive guide to the best car shows in Tampa and surrounding areas, covering everything from local events to national gatherings like the Daytona Turkey Run. It highlights the various types of car shows, including muscle car and Corvette shows, as well as charity events.

Turo Photographer Staff

1/1/20243 min read

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Best Places to See Car Shows in Tampa and Surrounding Areas

Tampa and the surrounding areas are a hub for car enthusiasts, with plenty of opportunities to catch stunning car shows throughout the year. Whether you're into classic muscle cars, Corvettes, or vintage rides, there’s a show for you. This article will guide you through the best places to see car shows in Tampa, where to find car clubs, and how to make the most of your experience at these events.

1. Top Car Shows in Tampa and Surrounding Areas

Tampa has a vibrant car culture, and there are numerous shows to attend, from local charity events to large-scale national gatherings. Here are some of the most popular types of car shows in the area:

  • Muscle Car Shows: These events feature classic American muscle cars like Mustangs, Camaros, and Challengers.

  • Corvette Shows: Corvette enthusiasts gather to show off different generations of this iconic car.

  • Vintage and Classic Car Shows: Featuring cars from the early 1900s to the 1970s, these shows are perfect for history buffs.

  • Charity Car Shows: Many car shows in Tampa are organized to support local charities, blending automotive passion with giving back to the community.

Upcoming Car Shows

To stay updated on upcoming car shows, check out the Florida Car Shows Calendar, which lists events happening across Tampa and the state.

2. Popular Car Clubs in Tampa

If you're a car enthusiast, joining a local car club is a great way to meet like-minded people and get involved in the community. Here are some popular car clubs in the Tampa area:

  • Tampa Bay Cars & Coffee: This group hosts monthly meetups where car lovers can show off their rides and talk shop. It’s active on Meetup and Facebook.

  • Bay Area Corvette Club: A must-join for Corvette owners in the area, this club is active on Facebook and hosts several events throughout the year.

  • Tampa Muscle Car Club: Dedicated to fans of American muscle cars, this club organizes cruises, shows, and charity events.

How to Find These Clubs

  • Meetup: Search for car clubs in Tampa to find groups that match your interests.

  • Facebook: Many local car clubs have active Facebook groups where they post events and updates.

3. Car Museums in Tampa

For those who prefer to admire cars in a more controlled environment, Tampa is home to a couple of notable car museums:

  • Tampa Bay Automobile Museum: Located in Pinellas Park, this museum features a unique collection of vintage cars, including rare models from the 1920s and 1930s. Visit the museum’s website for more information.

  • Dezerland Park Orlando (Auto Museum): While not in Tampa, this museum is worth the trip. It boasts one of the largest collections of cars in Florida, including James Bond cars, military vehicles, and more. Learn more here.

4. National Car Shows

For those looking to experience something on a larger scale, consider attending a national car show event. The Daytona Turkey Run is one of the largest and most well-known car shows in the country, held annually in Daytona Beach. It’s worth the drive from Tampa for the sheer variety and scale of the event.

5. NASCAR Events

If you’re a racing fan, Tampa is within driving distance of several NASCAR events. While not exactly a car show, these events are great for experiencing high-octane action and checking out race cars up close. Keep an eye on the NASCAR schedule for upcoming races in nearby cities like Daytona and Miami.

***Tips for Attending Car Shows***

To make the most of your car show experience, consider these expert tips:

  • Best Time to Go: Early mornings are usually the best time to arrive, as you’ll get a good parking spot and avoid the midday heat.

  • What to Bring: Sunscreen, comfortable shoes, a hat, and a camera are essentials. Don’t forget to bring cash for food, drinks, and merchandise.

  • Things to Look Forward To: Besides the cars, many shows feature live music, food trucks, and vendor booths selling automotive accessories and memorabilia.

Promote Your Car Show with a Turo Photographer

Whether you’re organizing a car show, part of a car club, or helping to plan the next NASCAR race, having professional photos is essential for promoting your event. At Turo Photographer, we specialize in capturing the excitement of car shows and automotive events. Our affordable services are perfect for clubs, associations, and anyone looking to make their event stand out.

Contact Us

For more information on how we can help you publicize your car shows, visit Turo Photographer.