Introduction
Jacksonville, Florida is not just beaches, rivers, and bridges—it’s a vibrant hub for automotive culture. From classic car collectors cruising through Riverside, to import and tuner enthusiasts gathering in the Southside, to the roar of exotic engines at specialty shows, there’s something for every gearhead. Local clubs like First Coast Car Culture help keep this passion alive with regular shows and cruise-ins. Whether your heart beats faster at the sight of a ’60s muscle car, a supercar, or a boosted import, Jacksonville and its surrounding area offer a full calendar of meets & expos that can satisfy your automotive cravings.
Car Meets & Auto Shows List
Here are some of the top events in and near Jacksonville. They include regular weekly/monthly meets, large annual shows, driving experience opportunities, and specialty gatherings.
- Caffeine & Octane at The Avenues Mall
- What & When: A monthly Cars & Coffee style meet, held every second Saturday of the month, from about 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
- Where: The Avenues Mall, 10300 Southside Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32256
- Why Go: Expect a broad mix—from modern imports and tuners, to classic muscle and Euro builds. A great place to meet fellow car lovers and walk around with coffee.
- Johnny Angels Cruise-Ins
- What & When: An evening cruise-in/car show at Johnny Angels Diner every third Friday of the month, typically from 6:30 PM–9:30 PM.
- Where: Johnny Angels Diner, 3546 St. Johns Bluff Road South, Jacksonville, FL 32224
- Vibe: Classic cars are more frequent, but you’ll see a variety. The setting is relaxed; good mix of locals stopping by after work.
- Manual Driving Academy Lessons & Experience(Positioned here to tie in with events but not first)
- What & Why: For anyone who wants more confidence behind the wheel—especially with a manual (stick shift) vehicle—Manual Driving Academy offers lessons in Jacksonville (and surrounding neighborhoods like Riverside, San Marco, etc.).
- Gift Certificates: They are available and never expire, which makes them great for gifting or planning ahead.
- Proximity & Benefit: Since many car meets involve early morning starts, cruising, or showing off in tighter traffic, having strong manual driving skills (smooth clutch control, shifting, handling stalls, etc.) makes the experience more fun and less stressful.
- Jacksonville Auto Show (Prime Osborn Convention Center)
- What & When: The big annual auto show, showcasing new vehicle models, concept cars, vendor displays, and often special exhibits. The next one is scheduled for February 27 – March 1, 2026.
- Where: Prime Osborn Convention Center, 1000 Water Street, Jacksonville, FL 32204
- Why Go: If you like seeing the latest in design and technology, this is one of the must-attend events each year.
- Ponte Vedra Auto Show
- What & When: A family-friendly community auto show held annually. The 2025 edition is on Sunday, November 2, 2025, from about 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
- Where: Nocatee Station Field, 245 Nocatee Center Way, Ponte Vedra, FL 32081
- Specialty: Often high-quality show cars, strong community turnout, good atmosphere for seeing classics and newer vehicles side by side.
- Freedom Fest Car Show Downtown
- What & When: Annual car show typically held downtown along the riverfront; for example in past years, it’s been on a Saturday, 10 AM to 3 PM. Free admission for spectators.
- Where: Downtown Jacksonville near the river / USS Orleck in some versions of the show.
- Specialty & Seasonal Meets (Import, Classics, Muscle, etc.)
- North Florida Domestic Car Club (NFDCC) hosts monthly meets for all makes & models.
- Street Wars Car Show at Wipeouts Grille in Neptune Beach has been organized in recent years.
- Other Cruise-Ins & Show & Shine meetups pop up regionally, especially in summer and fall (check First Coast Car Culture calendar).
Conclusion
If you love cars—whether you’re drawn to classic American muscle, sleek imports, exotics, or the raw feel of performance tuning—Jacksonville has something for you. Between the regular meets like Caffeine & Octane and Johnny Angels, the annual expos like the Jacksonville Auto Show or Ponte Vedra, and specialty gatherings that spotlight niche scenes, there’s always a chance to connect, show off, or just soak in the vibe.
And if you want to enjoy those cruises, early-morning meets, or road trips with more confidence—especially if you ever want to drive a stick shift—Manual Driving Academy is there to help you build those skills. Visit Manual Driving Academy in Jacksonville to book a lesson and be prepared when you roll up to your next meet. You’ll enjoy the drive and the destination.
