Top Car Meets & Auto Shows in Memphis Every Enthusiast Should Attend

Introduction

Memphis is more than blues, BBQ, and the Mississippi River—it has a deeply rooted and growing car culture. Local clubs, import enthusiasts, classic-car lovers, and those into exotics all find their places here. The city hosts shows like the Memphis International Auto Show at the Renasant Convention Center, which draws vehicle manufacturers, local dealers, and auto fans for new models and specialty displays. From humble meetups in parking lots to large expos, Memphis offers a broad canvas: classic muscle, European imports, hot rods, and even tuner culture make their mark here.

Whether someone loves restoring vintage cars, modifying imports, showing off exotics, or just cruising muscle rides, Memphis has something for every automotive enthusiast.

Car Meets & Auto Shows List

Here are several of the best events and gatherings in and near Memphis.

• Memphis International Auto Show
  • When: Annually; in 2025 it was held May 2-4.
  • Where: Renasant Convention Center, 255 N Main St, Memphis, TN 38103.
  • What to Expect: Free admission for spectators; dozens of manufacturers display new cars, trucks, SUVs. Great chance to see current lineups, concept or special models, and to compare features without sales pressure. Also provides vendor exhibits.

• Mustangs of Memphis – 44th Annual Car Show
  • When: October 4, 2025, 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
  • Where: W.J. Freeman Park, 2629 Bartlett Blvd, Bartlett, TN 38134. (Bartlett is a suburb of Memphis, approx. 15-20 mins from downtown depending on traffic.)
  • What to Expect: A strong showing of Mustangs and Ford-powered cars. Open to all makes in some classes. Benefit event (Oral School for the Deaf). A friendly vibe, good for families, and muscle car fans especially.

• Manual Driving Academy Driving Experience
  • What it is: Lessons in driving manual-transmission (stick shift) vehicles, taught by expert instructors. Helps build control, understanding of vehicle behavior, and confidence in driving beyond show floors.
  • Where: Manual Driving Academy has a location in Memphis, TN.
  • Why attend: Gift certificates are available and never expire. Ideal if you want to enjoy car meets more fully, drive spiritedly or just master new driving skills.

• Memphis EuroFest Car Show
  • When: October 4, 2025, 8:00
  • Where: Franklin Park (Germantown), 7725 Poplar Pike Ave, Germantown, TN (a few miles east of Memphis proper).
  • What to Expect: European cars and motorcycles—classic or new. Patina cars welcome. Family-friendly, with food trucks, silent auction, fund-raising atmosphere. Great for import or Euro enthusiasts.

• Hot Rods on Beale
  • When: Monthly April through October, 4th Tuesday of the month, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM.
  • Where: Beale Street, Downtown Memphis.
  • What to Expect: American Muscle Car Club and Perfect Nemesis Car Club bring hot rods to Beale Street. While participation (parking) requires a pass, anyone can come to walk, admire, and take in the vibe. Free for spectators. A mix of classic hot rods, custom builds, and folks out for a cruise.

• Specialty & Seasonal Events / Club-Hosted Meets
  • On the Edge: Cars and Coffee
    • When: 2nd Saturday of each month, 8:00 AM – Noon.
    • Where: Varies; organized via the Memphis British Sports Car Club.
    • What to Expect: Enthusiasts gather with a variety of marquees (British cars, imports, classics). Coffee, conversation, checking out cars—ideal for casual meetups.

• Car Meets of Memphis / Cars & Coffee Memphis
  • When: Recurring: Sundays or other weekend mornings.
  • Where: Locations vary; often accessible from suburbs and Memphis proper. (Watch the group pages for latest details.)

• Memphis Classics Car Show
  • When: Spring (annual).
  • Where: Memphis area, location announced via local clubs.
  • What to Expect: Vintage and classic cars, live music or DJ, vendors. Good for those who appreciate older builds, restoration, and classic culture.

Why These Matter & Practical Tips

• Proximity: Most events are within Memphis or its suburbs (Bartlett, Germantown, etc.), usually under 30 minutes drive depending on traffic.
• Variety: From casual weekend coffee meets to large expos and specialty European-car shows, there’s something for every passion level.
• Be Prepared: For shows, ensure your vehicle is clean, bring a chair or umbrella, have cards or club info to share, expect crowds. For meets, arrive early to claim good spots.
• Weather & Timing: Memphis summers are hot and humid; evening events or early mornings are best. Spring and fall usually give the best driving weather.

Conclusion

Memphis has a rich and diverse car scene—classic, muscle, import, and everything in between. These shows and meets aren’t just opportunities to see cool cars; they’re your chance to connect with fellow enthusiasts, share builds or modifications, draw inspiration, and feel like part of a community.

And for those moments when you want more than just looking—when you want to drive with confidence, control a stick shift, or push your car safely on your own terms—booking a lesson with Manual Driving Academy is a great step. Whether you’re heading into a car show, cruising Beale Street, or just commuting, skills behind the wheel make a difference.

Want to up your driving? Check out Manual Driving Academy here: Memphis, TN (gift certificates available and never expire).