Car and motorcycle enthusiasts across West Central Ohio have a busy schedule of events ahead, including several weekend shows and multiple recurring weekly gatherings.
This weekend kicks off with the 5th annual Van Wert Freedom Cruise Car Show on Saturday, September 19. Located at 136 E. Main St. in Van Wert, the show runs from noon to 8 p.m. All makes and models are welcome, with registration beginning at 3 p.m. for a $10 fee. The event will offer top 150 awards, and the first 100 cars to register will receive dash plaques. This show is part of the Harvest Moon Festival and will feature food trucks, a kids zone, and a beer tent.
On Sunday, September 20, the Rally for the Shield car and motorcycle show will be held at Faurot Park in Lima from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Registration for this event costs $20 and includes a T-shirt and a door prize slip, with no pre-registration available. Attendees can expect awards, prizes, and entertainment provided by Beer Barrel Boys. Proceeds from the Rally for the Shield show will benefit the Lima Salvation Army’s programs and services.
Looking ahead, the 13th annual King Car & Motorcycle Show is scheduled for Saturday, September 26, in downtown Lima at Spring & Union streets. Running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., registration is $20 and includes a free T-shirt. Registration closes at 2 p.m., and pre-registration will not be accepted. The event promises awards, prizes, and entertainment, including an Elvis iconcert set for 2 p.m. This show will benefit multiple local organizations, including the West Ohio Food Bank, Our Daily Bread, ArtSpace/Lima, and the Veterans Food Pantry.
The 2026 Veterans Car Show is slated for Saturday, October 3, at Reineke Ford, 1360 Greely Chapel Road in Lima. The show runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with registration priced at $10. The first 50 participants to pre-register will receive a free T-shirt. The event will also feature live music, refreshments, raffle prizes, and a 50/50 drawing.
Later in October, St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, located at 5050 St. Mathews Drive in Cridersville, will host an autumn cruise-in and parade on Monday, October 27, from 3 to 5 p.m. Participants are encouraged to dress up their cars for Halloween and bring candy for the parade. Raffle tickets will be sold for prizes. Questions can be directed to the church at 419-999-5329.
Several weekly cruise-ins continue through the fall for those seeking regular opportunities to show off their vehicles. Every Monday during the summer, Wings and Rings at 1939 Roschman Ave. in Lima hosts a “car and bike night” from 5-8 p.m., featuring a 50/50 drawing, live entertainment, and food. Fifteen percent of food sales from this event are donated to the West Ohio Food Bank.
The Happy Daz Cool Car Cruise-In takes place every Wednesday through September at 802 South Cable Road in Lima, from 5-8 p.m. This free event offers food and a 50/50 drawing. Participants are advised to check the Happy Daz Facebook page for weather-related updates. Chris Schimpf can be contacted at 419-230-4505 for further details.
Pete’s Ice Cream at 1510 Reed Road in Lima hosts a Cruise-In every first and third Thursday through September, from 5-7 p.m. These free events feature different hosts: the Vintage Chevrolet Club hosts the first Thursday cruise-in, while the Glass Society Corvette Club hosts the third Thursday.
Finally, the Buckeye Cruisers gather every Friday from 5-8 p.m. at Buffalo Wild Wings, 2948 Allentown Road in Lima. This free event welcomes monetary and nonperishable food donations. It includes door prizes, a 50/50 drawing, and food. Proceeds benefit the Veterans Food Pantry and Debs Dogs. For more information, John Gross can be reached at 567-712-1804 or [email protected].
Organizers wishing to include their car or motorcycle show in local listings can send information to [email protected].
