Every fall, thousands of car lovers travel to central Pennsylvania for one reason. They want to see the biggest antique car event in the country. The Hershey Classic Car Show, also known as the AACA Eastern Fall Meet, returns in 2026. This guide covers the dates, tickets, parking, and everything else you need to plan your trip.
What Is the Hershey Classic Car Show?
The Hershey Classic Car Show is hosted by the Antique Automobile Club of America. It brings together collectors, vendors, and fans of vintage vehicles from around the world. The event began in 1955, and the Hershey Region has hosted it every year since then. Today, it is widely considered one of the largest antique automobile shows and flea markets in the United States.
Visitors can browse a massive car corral, shop thousands of flea market vendor spaces, and admire beautifully restored classics on display. Additionally, the show features special contests, judging sessions, and evening entertainment that make it more than just a car swap meet. It is a full weekend of automotive history and community.
2026 Dates and Schedule
Mark your calendar. The 2026 Eastern Fall Meet runs from October 6 through October 9, 2026. Vendor setup begins a day earlier, on October 5. The event always takes place during the first full week of October, so this timing lines up with tradition.
Here is a simple breakdown of the week:
Day and Date | What Happens Monday, October 5 | Vendor and flea market setup Tuesday, October 6 | Flea market and car corral open to the public Wednesday, October 7 | Flea market, car corral, and judging activities continue Thursday, October 8 | Flea market, car corral, and special contests Friday, October 9 | Final flea market day and the popular Friday car show
The event grounds surround Hersheypark and the GIANT Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Gates typically open early, around 7:00 a.m., so plan to arrive before the crowds if you want first pick of vendor finds.
Where the Show Takes Place
The show spreads across several large lots and fields near the GIANT Center at 550 Hersheypark Drive in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Because the footprint is so large, organizers divide the grounds into numbered fields and sections. Signage and maps help visitors find their way between the flea market, car corral, and show car areas.
Hershey itself is a small town, however it fills up quickly during meet week. Hotels, campgrounds, and even private lawns nearby often book out months in advance. Therefore, it is smart to reserve lodging as early as possible if you plan to stay overnight.
Tickets and Admission
Good news for budget-minded fans. The Eastern Fall Meet is open to the public, and there is no admission fee to attend. That said, parking is not free. A daily parking fee applies, and prices can vary depending on the lot you choose.
Vendors who want a flea market space or car corral spot must register separately, and those spaces often sell out. Car corral spaces are roughly 10 feet by 20 feet, and every vehicle listed for sale must be at least 25 years old and recognized by AACA standards. Street rods are not permitted in the corral.
For general visitors, here is what to expect regarding costs:
- General admission: free
- Daily parking: paid, varies by lot
- Car corral space rental: paid, limited availability, sold in advance
- Flea market vendor space: paid, limited availability, sold in advance
Because spaces sell quickly, sellers should register as soon as registration opens rather than waiting until the last minute.
What You Will See at the Event
The Hershey Classic Car Show is famous for its sheer scale. Thousands of vendors set up shop across the flea market fields, selling everything from rare engine parts to vintage signage and full restoration projects. Meanwhile, the car corral hosts hundreds of vehicles that are actually for sale, giving buyers a rare chance to find a project car or a finished classic in one place.
Beyond shopping, the meet includes several signature events:
- Car corral browsing and sales
- Massive flea market with thousands of vendor spaces
- Friday car show featuring judged and display vehicles
- High wheeler contest
- Race car condition run
- AACA judging school for members and enthusiasts
- AACA Juniors activities for younger attendees
- Talent show and old time movie night for evening entertainment
This mix of shopping, competition, and community events is part of what keeps visitors coming back year after year. Consequently, many attendees plan to spend the entire four days on site rather than just a single afternoon.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
Attending Hershey for the first time can feel overwhelming due to the size of the grounds. However, a little preparation goes a long way. Consider these tips before you go.
- Wear comfortable shoes, since the fields require a lot of walking
- Bring cash for smaller vendor purchases, as not everyone accepts cards
- Check the weather forecast, because the show runs rain or shine
- Arrive early for the best parking and vendor selection
- Bring a wagon or cart if you plan to buy heavy or bulky parts
- Pack sunscreen and a hat, since much of the show is outdoors with little shade
Additionally, many longtime attendees recommend downloading or printing a field map ahead of time. The grounds are large, and it is easy to lose track of where you started.
Golf Carts and Mobility Access
For visitors who need extra help getting around the large grounds, personal electric mobility vehicles are allowed. These are limited to two occupants and must be gasoline-free. Visitors can register their mobility vehicle at one of several registration points around the property, including near the Hersheypark Stadium and the GIANT Center.
This accommodation makes the event more accessible for older attendees and those with mobility challenges, which fits the overall spirit of a show built around community and shared history.
Trailer Parking Information
If you plan to bring a vehicle by trailer, dedicated trailer parking is available for registered vehicles. It typically runs from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Tuesday through Friday of the meet, and is located on Boat House Road, accessible from Sand Beach Road. Planning your trailer logistics ahead of time will save you a lot of stress once you arrive.
Why the Hershey Meet Matters to Car Enthusiasts
For many collectors, the Hershey Classic Car Show is not just an event. It is an annual tradition. Vendors return to the same spots year after year, and lifelong friendships form among people who share a passion for restoring old machines. Some sellers have held the same flea market space for more than three decades.
Beyond the nostalgia, the meet also plays a practical role in the hobby. It is one of the best places in the country to find rare parts for a restoration project. It is also a place where buyers and sellers can inspect vehicles in person before making a purchase, which is not always possible with online listings.
Nearby Attractions
Since Hershey is a popular tourist destination on its own, visitors often extend their trip beyond the car show. The AACA Museum, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, sits nearby and displays vintage cars, motorcycles, and automobiles dating back to the 1890s. It also houses one of the most notable Tucker automobile collections in the world. Families attending the meet sometimes combine their trip with a visit to Hersheypark or Hershey Gardens for a well-rounded getaway.
Quick Reference Table
Detail | Information Event name | AACA Eastern Fall Meet (Hershey Classic Car Show) 2026 dates | October 6 to October 9 Setup day | October 5 Location | GIANT Center grounds, 550 Hersheypark Drive, Hershey, PA General admission | Free Parking | Paid, daily fee Gate opening time | Around 7:00 a.m. Car corral minimum vehicle age | 25 years
Conclusion
The 2026 Hershey Classic Car Show promises another exciting year for antique automobile fans. Running from October 6 through October 9, the event offers free general admission, a massive flea market, a busy car corral, and a full slate of contests and evening activities. Because parking is limited and vendor spaces sell out fast, early planning pays off. Whether you are searching for a rare part, browsing classic cars for sale, or simply soaking up automotive history, this meet remains one of the top destinations for collectors nationwide. Book your hotel early, wear good walking shoes, and get ready for four packed days in Hershey, Pennsylvania.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Hershey Classic Car Show in 2026?
The event runs from October 6 through October 9, 2026, with vendor setup taking place on October 5.
Is there an admission fee to attend?
No, general admission is free. However, a daily parking fee applies at the event grounds.
Where exactly is the show held?
The meet takes place on the grounds and parking lots surrounding Hersheypark and the GIANT Center at 550 Hersheypark Drive in Hershey, Pennsylvania.
Can I buy a classic car at the event?
Yes. The car corral features hundreds of vehicles for sale, though each must be at least 25 years old and meet AACA recognition standards. Street rods are not allowed in the corral.
Do I need to book a hotel far in advance?
Yes. Hershey hotels and nearby lodging often sell out months before the event, so early booking is strongly recommended.
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Thomas Walker is an accomplished writer with expertise in the basics of car accessories. With a keen eye for detail, Thomas has established himself as an authority on the subject, with a passion for all things automotive. Based in Jasper, Thomas is dedicated to providing readers with the information they need to make informed decisions when it comes to their car accessories.
