Newport Antique Auto Hill Climb

About the Event

Imagine the roar of vintage engines echoing off a steep hillside, the scent of polished chrome and fresh popcorn in the air, and a sea of smiling faces gathered in a charming small town transformed into motorsport heaven. The Newport Antique Auto Hill Climb is the world's premier antique auto competition, drawing over 250,000 enthusiasts from around the globe to Newport, Indiana, for three days of high-octane thrills. What makes it special is the sheer spectacle of antique cars, trucks, and motorcycles—strictly pre-1942 American-made gems and select classics—racing against the clock up the historic 1,800-foot Main Street hill, tackling a 140-foot rise that tests man and machine. Sponsored by the Newport Lions Club, it's more than a race; it's a lively festival blending heart-pounding competition with family-friendly fun, live music, parades, and fireworks under the autumn stars. People flock here for the nostalgia, the community spirit, and that unbeatable vibe of history coming alive—perfect for gearheads, families, and anyone craving an authentic Hoosier celebration. ## The Surrounding Area
Nestled in Vermillion County along the Wabash River, Newport is a quaint town of just over 500 residents that swells with energy during the Hill Climb, offering visitors a taste of rural Indiana charm. The event pulses right from the Downtown Square, surrounded by historic brick buildings and the legendary hill that defines the town's character. Vermillion County shines with natural beauty—think scenic river trails for hiking or kayaking, and nearby parks like Vermillion County Park for picnics amid fall foliage. History buffs will love the close-by Ernie Pyle World War II Museum in Dana, honoring the famous Hoosier journalist, or a short drive to Terre Haute for its vibrant arts scene and Indiana State University. Dining keeps it simple and satisfying: local spots serve up hearty Midwestern fare like tenderloins, chili, and fresh pies, with festival food vendors adding barbecue, corn dogs, and homemade treats. This corner of Indiana captivates with its unpretentious warmth, making it an ideal base for exploring the Wabash Valley's riverside serenity and hidden gems. ## Activities & Attractions
This festival packs non-stop excitement for every age:

• Thrilling Hill Climbs: Watch antique autos, trucks, and motorcycles from Steam, Brass, Vintage, Antique, and Classic eras blast up the steep hill in timed runs, divided into fair classes for epic battles.
• Car Show and Auction: Admire hundreds of pristine pre-1970 vehicles on display, then bid on rare autos and memorabilia at the lively auction.
• Parade and Fireworks: Join the Saturday evening parade at 6 pm through town, capped by dazzling fireworks that light up the night.
• Family Fun: Cheer on the Kid's Big Wheels Race, crown cuties in the Baby Contest, and hunt bargains at the bustling Flea Market.
• Entertainment Galore: Groove to live music across two beer gardens, perfect for unwinding with craft brews and good company.
• Raffles and More: Try your luck with the exciting antique car raffle, plus plenty of food vendors slinging festival favorites like burgers, fries, funnel cakes, and local specialties. ## Schedule & Logistics
  The 2026 Newport Antique Auto Hill Climb runs Friday, October 2, through Sunday, October 4, centered on the first Sunday of October tradition, with festivities kicking off Friday and building to the main race day. Expect gates opening early each morning around 8 am; hill climbs ramp up Saturday and peak Sunday with non-stop timed runs from morning till afternoon. Key highlights include the car show and flea market all weekend, kid's events midday Saturday, the 6 pm parade, and fireworks after dark. Admission is affordable and family-friendly—typically free or low-cost entry to the grounds, with small fees for premium viewing or raffles. Parking fills up fast in town lots and nearby fields (free shuttle options often available); arrive early, wear comfy shoes for the hilly terrain, and bring cash for vendors. Pets are welcome on leashes, and camping spots nearby accommodate out-of-towners. ## History & Heritage
  Rooted in automotive daring, the Newport Antique Auto Hill Climb traces back to 1909, when local businessmen organized the first contest to showcase early cars struggling up the town's formidable hill—a challenge born from friendly rivalries among drivers. It fizzled by 1915 as racing trends shifted, only to flicker back in 1963-64 via the Newport Volunteer Fire Department as an antique event. The modern revival came in 1967, sparked by passionate car clubs urging the formation of the Newport Lions Club, which launched the first official festival in 1968 as its flagship fundraiser to honor antique auto heritage and Newport's early motorsport legacy. Evolving from week-long preludes to the current three-day format, it's grown into Indiana's second- or third-largest auto event (behind only the Indy 500 and Brickyard 400), one of the state's top 20 festivals, and a vital community lifeline—raising funds for Lions Club causes while drawing international crowds to this tiny town. Today, it preserves a century of Hoosier ingenuity, ensuring the rumble of vintage engines endures for generations.