Antique cars roll into Waterbury for annual show and new local festivities
August 4, 2026 | By Lisa Scagliotti
The annual migration of antique cars to Waterbury takes place this weekend with some new local events and promotions aimed and capturing the attention of visitors to Waterbury for the popular event.
The 69th Vermont Antique and Classic Car Meet takes place at Farr’s Field on U.S. Route 2 in Waterbury this Friday through Sunday, Aug. 7-9. Hundreds of owners of antique vehicles are expected to roll into town for the meet-up, where attendees will get a chance to check out the classic cars, trucks, motorcycles, and more. As usual, there will be contests and prizes. This year’s theme emphasizes vehicles from the 1950s.
New this year: the event will not hold a parade and street dance as it has in the past. Instead, new activities are planned along the Vermont Route 100 corridor and promoted to both car show attendees and the local community by the Vermont Auto Enthusiasts and Discover Waterbury (formerly Revitalizing Waterbury).
Dubbed Cruisin’ Route 100, the schedule of weekend activities and promotions will involve local businesses and attractions along Route 100 in Waterbury.
“The Vermont Antique & Classic Car Meet is one of Waterbury’s signature summer events,” said Roger Clapp, executive director of Discover Waterbury. “Cruisin’ Route 100 is our way of welcoming visitors, encouraging them to discover what our community has to offer, and creating opportunities for local businesses to be part of the celebration.”
The schedule of activities separate from the car show includes a block party Friday, 4-8 p.m., at Cold Hollow Cider Mill with live music by the band Black Wolf, vintage cars and motorcycles. The cider mill on Saturday will continue to be a hub with a CiderFest event from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. featuring music, games, food, donuts and cider.
A weekend-long activity is a family-friendly Cruisin’ Route 100 Scavenger Hunt. A number of local businesses will participate by hiding vintage die-cast toy cars for visitors to find. The hunt has a game card to keep track and answer bonus questions to then enter a drawing for prizes sponsored by Ben & Jerry’s.
Local businesses will also have individual specials and promotions through the weekend. One highlight will be a grand opening ribbon cutting at 10 a.m. on Saturday at the new North Country Donuts shop on Rt. 100 near the Cabot Annex store.
Discover Waterbury organizers say this year’s efforts to promote local destinations are a way to involve the community and engage visitors to spend time exploring Waterbury while they are here for the car show.
A complete schedule of events and a list of businesses participating in the scavenger hunt are online at discoverwaterbury.com.
The car show will feature its usual array of antique vehicle events, including vehicle judging, sales, a flea market, youth Hot Wheels racing and a fashion show. Organizers are planning a special display of antique motorcycles at the event. The show opens at 7 a.m. each day. Daily admission is $15; children age 16 and under are free.
Find all of the car show details, including the event brochure, online here.