About This Festival
20th Century Chevy Car Fest ## About the Event The 20th Century Chevy Car Fest is a beloved two-day celebration of classic American automobiles held each September at Eastside Park in Washington, Indiana. This is far more than just a car show—it's a vibrant community gathering where automotive enthusiasts from across the Midwest converge to celebrate the golden age of classic cars. Whether you're a devoted collector, a casual car lover, or simply someone who appreciates good food, live music, and festive community spirit, this event delivers an unforgettable experience. The festival has grown into a regional destination, attracting participants from as far away as Arizona and Nebraska. With over 600 antique vehicles on display and approximately 480 vehicles participating in the signature Saturday night cruise, the scale and energy of this event is truly impressive. The atmosphere blends nostalgia, camaraderie, and small-town charm—families line the cruise route for cookouts, thousands visit the park on Sunday for an up-close look at the vehicles, and the entire community embraces the weekend as a highlight of their calendar. ## Activities & Attractions The festival unfolds across two action-packed days. Saturday kicks off with a cruise-in experience that captures the magic of classic car culture. Registration opens at 2 p.m., and the cruise departs at 5:30 p.m., following a traditional route through town. This evening event concludes with free live music on the Eastside Park bandstand, featuring tribute bands that celebrate classic rock and country legends—creating the perfect soundtrack for the evening. Sunday transforms Eastside Park into an automotive showcase featuring vehicles manufactured in 2000 or earlier. The day-long car show includes a silent auction held in the community building, food vendors offering refreshments throughout the park, and an impressive awards ceremony recognizing over 100 vehicles with special honors. A particularly exciting tradition is the regular giveaway of a golf cart and trailer, adding an element of fun and anticipation to the festivities. ## Schedule & Logistics Saturday:
- 2:00 PM: Registration opens for cruise-in participants
- 5:30 PM: Cruise departs Eastside Park
- 7:00 PM onward: Free live music on the bandstand Sunday:
- All day: Antique car show with 600+ vehicles
- Silent auction in the community building
- Giveaways and awards ceremony
- Food vendors throughout the park Sunday car show admission requires a $20 registration fee for vehicle owners, while spectator admission and Saturday evening activities are accessible to all. The event is fully handicapped accessible and family-friendly, welcoming visitors of all ages. ## History & Heritage The 20th Century Chevy Car Fest is rooted in the passion and dedication of the 20th Century Chevy Car Club, a classic car enthusiast organization founded in September 1970 in Southwestern Indiana. Now celebrating over 55 years of existence, the club has grown from a small gathering of car lovers into a respected regional institution. The annual carfest has become the club's flagship event, showcasing their commitment to preserving automotive history and fostering community connections. The event's longevity speaks to its significance—it has become a cherished tradition for Washington and the surrounding region, with families planning their schedules around this September weekend. The festival represents more than automotive appreciation; it embodies the values of community, heritage, and the timeless appeal of classic American cars.