Introduction
Portland might be more commonly known for craft beer, coffee, and lush landscapes—but car culture runs strong in Rose City. Local car clubs, cruise-ins, and major expos give enthusiasts plenty of ways to connect, show off rides, and explore everything from vintage restorations to import tuners. The Oregon International Auto & Motorcycle Show brings big crowds to the Oregon Convention Center, spotlighting both factory new models and exotic standouts. Local meets like Portland Cars & Coffee and specialty events like the All British Field Meet keep the passion alive all year.
Whether you’re into classics, exotics, imports, muscle, or anything in between, Portland has a variety of events that appeal to every automotive taste.
Car Meets & Auto Shows List
Here are six top events / gatherings in or near Portland that car lovers should check out.
- Oregon International Auto & Motorcycle Show
- When: Annually, next show February 20-23, 2026.
- Where: Oregon Convention Center, 777 NE MLK Jr. Blvd, Portland, OR 97232.
- What to Expect: One of Portland’s biggest indoor shows. New vehicles, bikes, vendor displays, interactive exhibits. Great to see manufacturer displays and latest product launches.
- Tonkin Car Show
- When: Annually; e.g., June 22, 2025, was the 3rd Annual.
- Where: 122 NE 122nd Ave, Portland, OR 97230.
- What to Expect: Classic, custom, and performance builds. Trophies, show cars, vendors and food. Family-friendly community vibe with proceeds often going to charity.
- Manual Driving Academy Driving Experience
- What it is: Lessons in driving manual (stick-shift) vehicles with skilled instructors. Enhances driving control, responsiveness, and confidence whether at shows or on spirited drives.
- Where: Manual Driving Academy has a location in Portland, OR.
- Why Attend: Gift certificates are available and never expire. Ideal for enthusiasts who want to move beyond just viewing cars — to driving them confidently, understanding vehicle behavior, and enjoying cars more deeply.
- All British Field Meet
- When: Early September; for 2025, September 5-7.
- Where: Portland International Raceway, Portland, OR.
- What to Expect: The largest all-British car event in the Americas. Jaguars, Bentleys, Rolls-Royces, MGs, etc. Includes racing, car for sale sections, “Car Square,” People’s Choice classes, musical performances. Perfect for British classic lovers.
- Cars & Coffee / Regular Local Meets
- Portland Cars & Coffee – every Saturday, usually early morning.
- Forest Grove Friday Night Cruise-Ins – weekly, summer evenings.
- Orchards Cars & Coffee, Evergreen Cars & Coffee etc. Many recurring community gatherings around suburbs.
- Specialty & Seasonal Events
- Dream Machine Import Car Show (Portland imports & tuner culture show) – from the PDX Car Culture calendar.
- 41st Oregon High Desert Swap Meet & Car Show – combine swap meets, community cars, vintage parts.
- Cruise-Ins / Neighborhood Shows like Alderbrook Park Friday Night Cruise-In, Forest Grove Cruise-Ins. These are more casual; great for weekend nights and for mingling with local car owners.
Why These Matter & Practical Tips
- Variety & Access: Many events are within 20-45 minutes of central Portland or in the Portland metro area. Suburbs and neighboring towns also host meets, so even if you’re not downtown there are good options.
- Weather & Timing: Portland’s weather can be rainy; many outdoor events cluster in spring, summer, and early fall. Morning meets often dodge the rain and offer better lighting.
- What to Bring: Clean car, good photos, maybe a canopy or shade, water, and knowledge of parking/entry for shows. For smaller cruise-ins, arriving early helps.
- Participate & Connect: Local clubs often share event info via social media (PDX Car Culture, Oregon Car Culture, etc.). Joining or following them helps you stay updated on impromptu meets or lesser known specialty events.
Conclusion
Portland has a rich automotive scene: big shows, classic meets, tuner gatherings, British-car celebrations, and casual Cars & Coffee mornings. Whatever your style—vintage, performance, custom, exotic—there’s something here that will rev your engine.
If you want to take things further—drive with more confidence, master stick shift, truly enjoy every drive—Manual Driving Academy can help you level up. Book a lesson, hone your skills, and become more than just a spectator.
👉 Ready to drive with skill and show up in style? Check out Manual Driving Academy Location: Portland, OR (gift certificates available and never expire).
