About This Festival
The Main Street Rockville Cruise-In is an annual car show event held on the Historic Rockville Courthouse Square in Rockville, Parke County, Indiana. The 2024 event takes place on Saturday, June 8, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, with a rain date. It features a showcase of antique, classic, and modern cars, trucks, bikes, and motorcycles, with trophies awarded in various categories.
The event combines more than just a car show; it creates a vibrant atmosphere with street music provided by a DJ, food trucks offering a variety of delicious eats, local shopping, and exploring nearby attractions such as an art gallery, theater, hand-poured candle shop, an old-fashioned 5 & 10 store, eight antique shops, a winery, and many dining options—all situated around the historic courthouse lawn and streets.
Activities and offerings include:
- Car and motorcycle show with trophies for participants
- Street music enhancing the festive vibe
- Food trucks and local vendor food options
- Shopping at specialty boutiques, antique shops, and variety stores
- Opportunities to visit local cultural sites like the art gallery and theater
Event vibe and surroundings:
The event takes place in the picturesque and historic downtown Rockville square, known for its charming Second Empire-style courthouse built in 1882. The atmosphere is described as nostalgic and family-friendly, blending the excitement of classic cars with the small-town charm of Rockville. The venue encourages strolling and socializing, making it popular for locals and visitors alike.
Schedule overview:
- 10:00 AM – Event starts with car registrations and display begins
- 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM – Car show, music, food, shopping, and other activities ongoing
- Awarding of trophies typically occurs toward the latter part of the event timeframe
- The event emphasizes a free and open community gathering, though there is a registration fee for vehicles entering the show
History and founding:
MainStreet Rockville, the organizing group, is a community-driven team of residents and merchants dedicated to promoting Rockville as a welcoming place to visit and shop. They host several annual events to highlight the town’s heritage, including this Cruise-In. Rockville hosts a notable historic courthouse and is a hub for events celebrating local culture and history, like the famous Parke County Covered Bridge Festival. The Cruise-In serves as an accessible way to showcase automotive history alongside supporting local businesses and community pride.
This event provides a rich mixture of automotive enthusiasm, local culture, food, shopping, and entertainment in a historic small-town setting, creating a memorable and festive atmosphere for families and car enthusiasts alike. The event is also handicapped accessible, ensuring good accessibility for all visitors.