Street Rod Nationals roll into Louisville for one of America's largest car shows

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — The rumble of engines and gleam of polished chrome are rolling into Louisville as the 56th annual Street Rod Nationals kicks off this week at the Kentucky Exposition Center.

The four-day event, considered the largest car show in the country, officially begins Thursday and is expected to draw more than 10,000 classic cars and street rods—and more than 50,000 fans—to the city.

Mario Fortin made the journey from Montreal for the event, as he has every year for more than four decades.

“For the car show I drove every year — that's 43 years I drove this car,” Fortin said.

His car, which has 262,000 miles on it, often doubles as his bed during events. “Normally the trunk opens on this side and every time I hit my head,” he laughed when talking about how it saves on hotel costs.

The annual kick-off procession drove through the streets of downtown Louisville Wednesday morning, with Fortin’s car taking a prominent place in the lineup. The 45-car lineup then ended with a display at Fourth Street Live.

START YOUR ENGINES: 56th annual Street Rod Nationals now in #Louisville. Live reports from the set up of this HUGE show - @WDRBNews 5/6pm #StreetRods #ClassicCars pic.twitter.com/wUfgu7LtsN
— Joel Schipper (@JSchipperWDRB) July 30, 2025

Bobby Coln, who came up from Tennessee, said the event is about more than just the cars.

“It's a love and a passion. That's all I think about — it's what I do every day — go to the shop and peddle with my cars,” Coln said. “It's the people. You go around, look at cars and you talk to the people from wherever they're at.”

Participants have been arriving as early as Monday to park outside the Kentucky Expo Center gates to claim prime parking spots.

Beyond the rows of classic cars, more than 100 vendors are setting up inside the venue — selling everything from parts and supplies, to clothing and collectibles.

“Looking for another car all the time — what's the next project,” Coln said. “I can't explain it — I just like cars.”

The event also brings a big financial boost to the city during what’s typically a slower tourism month. Organizers estimate it will generate at least $7 million for the local economy.

“Any community in the USA would want an event of this size and magnitude in the month of August,” said Doug Bennett, with Louisville Tourism.

Officials announced Wednesday that the event will remain in Louisville through at least 2030.

The Street Rod Nationals run from Thursday through Sunday at the Kentucky Exposition Center. For more information, click here.

For those wishing to attend, admission is $20 per person, ages 13 and up, and $6 for kids ages six through 12. Kids under five get in for free when attending with an adult. Family tickets are also available for $45, for two adults and three children 12 years and younger.

Gate hours for attendees are: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday; 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday.