The City of Carlsbad is bringing back the past at the Hot Rods & Cool Treats carnival and classic car show. It’s an old-fashioned carnival at Pine Avenue Park with activities for the young and young at heart:
- Test your game skills in Can-Knock-Down, Ring Toss, Frog Hopper, and more.
- Enjoy crafts, face painting, and a Fun Zone.
- Build your own sundae at the ice cream bar and vote on your favorite car in the classic car show.
- Enjoy live music covering decades of sounds.
- Carnival tickets, food, and drinks are available for purchase at the event.
How to enter your car:
- Cars are eligible to win in only one category.
- Entries will be limited to automobiles 25 years old or older, no buses or semi-trailer rigs.
- All participants will receive an event collectors dash plate.
Awards will be given out in 11 categories:
- Best in show.
- Best interior.
- Best paint.
- Best wooden car/wagon.
- Most original car.
- Kids’ choice.
- Spectator’s choice.
- Oldest car.
- Best custom graphics.
- Best muscle car.
- Best convertible.
There is a maximum of 30 cars for this event. Entries will be taken in the order received. Entries must be received no later than Thursday, May 7, 2026.
***Event may modify or cancel due to inclement weather.***
For more information, visit the Hot Rods & Cool Treats web page or email Rachael Shay at rachael.shay@carlsbadca.gov.
