Introduction
Los Angeles is arguably one of the world’s greatest incubators of car culture. With its sprawling highways, historic cruise nights, a thriving tuning scene in places like the San Fernando Valley and Orange County, and a deep love for classics, hot rods, exotics, and imports alike — L.A. is where automotive dreams and builds are born. Local car clubs are numerous, often visible in weekend meets, shows, and cruises, and prestigious events like the LA Auto Show are benchmarks of industry and enthusiast interest. Whether someone is into timeless classics, JDM builds, high-end exotics, or muscle cars, L.A. offers a diverse and constantly moving lineup of meets, shows, and experiences. LA Auto Show is one of those flagship events that draws people from across California and beyond.
Car Meets & Auto Shows List
Here are some of the top recurring and annual automotive events around Greater Los Angeles.
- LA Auto Show
- What to expect: One of the region’s grandest auto expos. New model reveals, EVs and hybrids, concept vehicles, a major manufacturer presence, plus sections for customization, performance parts, and design. Great for seeing what’s coming in the car world.
- Where: Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA.
- When: Annually in November (for 2025, Nov 21-30).
- Proximity: Central L.A., easily accessible for anyone in the city or nearby regions.
- Cars & Coffee Los Angeles (Griffith Park)
- What to expect: A friendly, monthly meetup perfect for all types of vehicles — classic, modern, exotic, daily drivers. A nice way to connect with people, show off your ride, or just enjoy the car community in a relaxed setting.
- Where: Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round Lot #1, 4730 Crystal Springs Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027.
- When: Monthly (often early morning weekends). Confirm specific dates via their website or social pages.
- Manual Driving Academy – Learn Stick Shift Experiences
- What to expect: For those who want to go beyond spectating: manual transmission lessons to build confidence driving cars with a stick. Gift certificates are available and never expire. Helps enthusiasts appreciate the mechanics of driving — useful when owning or driving classic/manual cars, or joining spirited road trips and meets.
- Where: Los Angeles, CA. Check the Manual Driving Academy – Los Angeles location page.
- When: By appointment. Flexible scheduling.
- Monterey Park Car Meet
- What to expect: Monthly morning meet-ups with a variety of vehicles. Usually includes coffee, donuts, lots of car display, casual atmosphere. Great for local folks.
- Where: Holiday Inn, 400 N. Atlantic Boulevard, Monterey Park, CA 91754.
- When: 3rd Sunday of each month, about 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
- Culver City Car Show
- What to expect: Annual street show in downtown Culver City. Classic cars, hot rods, and local vendors. A good blend of community feel, local flavor, and open-street display.
- Where: Downtown Culver City streets (Culver City, Los Angeles).
- When: Annually (check local Culver City event calendar for date).
- Orange County Auto Show
- What to expect: Though not exactly in Los Angeles, this event is close enough and large enough to be of interest. Features new vehicles, exotic/ luxury displays, test drives, and a broad vendor presence. If someone wants to explore beyond L.A., this is a good show.
- Where: Depends on show venue in Orange County; check official site.
- When: Event in late September 2025.
- Grand National Roadster Show (Pomona)
- What to expect: A premier hot rod & custom car show. Some of the most beautifully restored or modified rods. Famous for prestige, craftsmanship, and a huge gathering of custom car builders.
- Where: Fairplex, Pomona, CA.
- When: Annually in late winter / early spring (around January or February).
Specialty & Seasonal Events / Niche Highlights
- Local cruise nights and car meets (import vs domestic) – often hosted in cities like Anaheim, Glendale, Santa Monica, etc.
- Clubs like Car Girls of LA host special meet ups focusing on representation and community.
- Swap meets & parts markets in and around L.A. (e.g. Pomona Swap Meet) are great for parts, old car finds, and classic show planning.
- Seasonal shows or display events hosted by luxury or exotic car dealerships.
Conclusion
Los Angeles remains a powerhouse for automotive culture—constantly shifting, always creative, with something happening nearly every weekend if you know where to look. From the massive displays at the LA Auto Show to neighborhood meets at Griffith Park or Monterey Park, there are events for the laid-back viewer, the serious collector, and everyone in between.
If someone wants not just to admire but to drive with confidence—especially in manual transmission—book a lesson with Manual Driving Academy – Los Angeles. It’s a great way to gain skills you’ll appreciate whether you’re cruising into a meet or tackling a back road in your dream car.
