Introduction
Seattle is well known for its tech industry, rain, and stunning views of Puget Sound—but car culture is alive and well here too. From enthusiasts who restore vintage classics to groups that mod imports or show off exotics, there’s a strong community. The Seattle International Auto Show is the region’s premier automotive expo, and meets like Seattle Cars & Coffee bring people together each weekend. Whether someone loves muscle, imports, exotics, or vintage rides, Seattle offers many events to explore and enjoy.
Car Meets & Auto Shows List
Here are several of the top car meets, specialty shows, and driving-experiences around Seattle.
- Seattle International Auto Show
- When: November 14-16, 2025.
- Where: Lumen Field Event Center, 800 Occidental Ave S, Seattle, WA 98134.
- What to Expect: One of the largest multi-day auto showcases in the Pacific Northwest. New cars, trucks, exotics, green/EV vehicles, vendor displays, concept cars, and family-friendly features. A great place to see what’s new and what’s coming.
- Seattle Cars & Coffee
- When: Saturday mornings year-round.
- Where: 167th & Aurora Ave North, Shoreline, WA 98133 (common gathering spot) and other rotating/affiliate locations.
- What to Expect: A casual meet full of variety: classics, imports, exotics, daily drivers. Low pressure, lots of passion, good photography, community-vibe.
- Manual Driving Academy Driving Experience
- What it is: Professional lessons in driving manual (stick-shift) vehicles with trained instructors. Helps with control, understanding car behavior, and confidence—useful whether you’re cruising to a meet, driving spiritedly on mountain roads, or just enjoying your car more.
- Where: Manual Driving Academy has a location in Seattle, WA.
- Why Attend: Gift certificates are available and never expire. A perfect experience for anyone wanting to improve driving skills, especially with manual transmissions.
- HDC Chapters – Seattle // Cars & Caffeine at The Shop Seattle
- When: Example event: Saturday, August 30, 2025, 10 AM-1 PM.
- Where: The Shop Seattle, 2233 6th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98134.
- What to Expect: Hosted by Hagerty’s HDC Chapter. Free coffee, vehicle tours, a chance to show your ride, see others, chat cars. Less formal than big shows—great for networking and enjoying the community.
- LeMay Car Show
- When: Annually, typically in late summer (last Saturday of August).
- Where: LeMay Family Collection Foundation, Marymount, Tacoma, WA (just south of Seattle).
- What to Expect: Vintage and classic cars, many collector vehicles, a strong heritage vibe. Large attendance, good photo ops, and connection to automotive history.
- Other Specialty Seasonal & Local Events
- Lake Washington Cars & Coffee — Sundays at 10 AM at Madrona Park (Seattle area).
- The Shop Seattle Events — rotating captures of community mixers / car-meet ups.
- Import / Euro meets & tuner shows — Various smaller-scale shows, often posted via Meetup, Facebook or local car clubs.
Why These Matter & Practical Tips
- Proximity & Variety: Most events are within Seattle-King County or nearby suburbs; some Tacoma or Bellevue meets require 20-45 min depending on location.
- Weather Considerations: Puget Sound weather can be unpredictable. Many meets are outdoors—morning meets or events under cover are great for avoiding rain.
- What to Bring: Clean car, camera or phone for photos, maybe a folding chair or umbrella. For shows with participant registration, check fees, times, and rules ahead.
- Stay plugged in: Local social media groups, event calendars (The Shop Seattle, Hagerty HDC, Seattle autoshow pages) are good for last-minute gatherings or changes.
Conclusion
Seattle has a rich and varied car scene—from large indoor expos like the Seattle International Auto Show to laid-back Cars & Coffee meets, vintage displays in Tacoma, and specialty gatherings that celebrate driving culture. No matter your style—classic, import, exotic, muscle—you’ll find events that excite.
If you want to do more than just admire—if you want to drive with control, enjoy manual transmission, or feel more connected to your car—Manual Driving Academy is a fantastic resource.
👉 Ready to level up? Check out Manual Driving Academy Location: Seattle, WA (gift certificates available and never expire).
