Introduction
Boston may be better known for its history, universities, and coastline, but automotive culture here is alive and thriving—from gleaming classic cars parading on Boston Common to tuner shows and Cars & Coffee meetups in Brookline. Local car clubs, vintage collector communities, and import/exotic owners all have a voice in Greater Boston’s car scene. Whether someone loves muscle cars, exotics, hybrids, or “everything classic,” there’s something here for you, and the diverse calendar confirms it. For example, Boston is home to Larz Anderson Auto Museum, “America’s Oldest Car Collection,” which regularly hosts automotive-events in Brookline just minutes from downtown.
No matter your flavor—classic, import, exotic, or high performance—you’ll find a mix of regular gatherings, large expos, and specialty showcases around Boston. Below are some of the best car meets and shows every enthusiast should put on their calendar.
Car Meets & Auto Shows List
Here are top picks in Boston & nearby, organized to include weekly/monthly events, large annual shows, driving-experiences (including Manual Driving Academy), and specialty seasonal meets.
- Cars & Coffee at Larz Anderson Auto Museum
- Where: Larz Anderson Auto Museum, 15 Newton St, Brookline, MA 02445 – about a 10-minute drive from downtown Boston.
- When: Saturday mornings (check the museum’s schedule) — for example, schedule shows free Cars & Coffee events on multiple dates including in fall.
- What to expect: A relaxed, informal gathering where enthusiasts bring their rides (everything from classics to modern imports) to admire, chat over coffee, and enjoy the museum’s car exhibits. Great place to meet people, see rare cars, and get inspired.
- The Boston Cup – Classic Car Show
- Where: Parkman Bandstand, Boston Common, Boston, MA.
- When: Last Sunday in September, 2025 date is September 28, 2025 (8 am-2 pm) for the 14th annual show.
- What to expect: About 100 classic / vintage vehicles (invitation-only for owners), gorgeous display on Boston Common, nostalgic atmosphere, plus spectators get to vote, enjoy music, and soak up automotive history.
- New England International Auto Show
- Where: Boston Convention & Exhibition Center (currently named Thomas Michael Menino Convention & Exhibition Center), 415 Summer St, Boston, MA 02210 (Seaport-BCEC area).
- When: Annual; in recent years held in Spring (e.g. April 25–28, 2024) ‒ check upcoming year’s dates.
- What to expect: Big scale show: latest domestic and import models, crossovers, hybrids, concept vehicles, manufacturer booths, interactive displays. Perfect if you want to see the newest tech, compare models, or just enjoy shiny new cars.
- Manual Driving Academy Driving Lessons / Experience
- What: For those who don’t just want to look but want to drive, Manual Driving Academy offers lessons especially with manual transmission, which can deepen your connection to cars (especially classics, sports cars, and any enthusiast ride). Gift certificates are available and never expire.
- Why attend: Gaining confidence behind the wheel helps you enjoy car meets more (cruising in, showing off your ride) and also safety & control. It’s also a way to forge skills if you want to participate in driving-focused events.
- Misselwood Concours d’Elegance
- Where: Misselwood Estate, Beverly, Massachusetts (on the North Shore) — ~25-30 miles north of Boston, depending on your starting point.
- When: Last weekend in July each year.
- What to expect: High-end classic cars & motorcycles, judged elegance, along with a collector field, and sometimes a Tour d’Elegance driving portion with scenic coastal roads. Ideal for folks who appreciate beautifully restored or rare vehicles.
- New England Summer Nationals
- Where: Worcester, Massachusetts — about 40-50 miles west of Boston (~1 to 1½ hour drive depending traffic).
- When: Usually over July 4th holiday weekend (or close) — four-day event.
- What to expect: One of the largest automotive festivals in New England. Big displays of classics, rods, hot rods, muscle, drag racing features, swap meets, vendors, lots to see.
- Seekonk Speedway Events
- Where: Seekonk, Massachusetts (Seekonk Speedway on U.S. Route 6) — about ~45-60 minutes south-east of Boston, depending on traffic.
- When: Regular short track racing nights (Saturday nights in summer typically), plus special events like “Open Wheel Wednesday” featuring midgets or modifieds.
- What to expect: High-energy motorsport action; great for fans who like watching speed, competition, hearing engines, seeing race prep, etc. Less polished car show, more raw racing excitement.
Specialty & Seasonal Events
- Import / Tuner meets: Around Boston there are periodic import car shows; smaller tuner clubs host meets (less formal) often in suburban parking lots. These tend to pop up more in summer. You’ll find them by following Facebook groups like Boston Car Meets or “Boston & New England import/tuner” clubs.
- Muscle / Hot Rod Shows: The Boston Cup and Misselwood cover vintage & classic, but there are smaller hot rod shows in towns like East Bridgewater, Billerica etc., often hosted by local councils, charities, or auto clubs. (E.g. Classic Car Show at East Bridgewater Council on Aging).
- Seasonal Cruise-Ins & Foliage Drives: Autumn brings cruise-ins with beautiful fall foliage as backdrop around Boston (towns in Berkshire, or north shore), giving enthusiasts a chance to drive, not just display.
Conclusion
If you care about cars, Boston offers a rich calendar of automotive culture—from classic elegance on Boston Common to roaring race nights, from new-model extravaganzas to laid-back neighborhood meets. Whether you’re a vintage collector, tuner lover, exotic aficionado, or someone who just loves the rumble of engines, there’s always something to see, learn, or experience.
And if you want to take your passion further by improving your skills behind the wheel—cruising into a meet or enjoying a road trip with more control—consider booking a lesson with Manual Driving Academy. Build confidence, master manual transmission, and step into your next car event ready. Visit Manual Driving Academy here: Manual Driving Academy Boston.
