Summer 2025 Car Shows in the Illinois Valley

By La Salle Body & Fender | June 15, 2025

At La Salle Body and Fender, we don’t just fix dents – we breathe new life into classics. Restoring vintage cars is in our blood, and every summer, we love nothing more than seeing our community come together around the chrome, the craftsmanship, and the roar of timeless engines. Whether it’s a small-town cruise night or a full-blown car show, these events remind us why we do what we do.

We’ve put together a list of car shows happening throughout the Illinois Valley and surrounding areas this summer. From Princeton to Mendota and beyond, there’s no shortage of opportunities to shine up your ride, meet fellow enthusiasts, and celebrate the spirit of the open road.

June Car Shows

June 21 – Utica Fire Dept Car Show
Downtown Utica | 4 PM – 7 PM | $15
An evening of cars, community, and small-town charm.

June 21 – Chicagoland Motor Expo
Aces Classic Cars, 502 Twin Rail Road, Minooka, IL
Show: 8 AM – 3 PM | Cruise-In: 6 PM – 10 PM
A full day of motors, music, and memory-making.

June 22 – Gears and Ears Car Show
Kendall Fairgrounds | 8 AM – 3 PM | $25
Hosted by Midwest Street Rod Association – includes corn on the cob and live entertainment.

June 22 – Great Race Evening Stop
John Deere Commons, Moline | 4:45 PM | Free
Watch the legendary Great Race cars roll through town.

June 25 – Bradford Cruise to Toulon
Leaves Main St, Bradford | 6 PM | Free
Enjoy a scenic group ride through local towns.

June 28 – Motor Mob Car Show
Princeton Moose Lodge, 1339 N Euclid Ave, Princeton
9 AM | $15
Event Details

June 28 – Big Boys Big Toys Semi Truck Show
Psycho Silo, US6 @ IL40 | 9 AM – 2 PM | Cost TBA
A serious showing of serious rigs.

June 29 – Mendota Cruise-In
801 6th Street, Mendota | 11 AM – 3 PM | Free
Cruise Mendota’s downtown with fellow car lovers.

July Car Shows

July 4 – John Brouwer Memorial Cruise-In
Hennepin | 9 AM – 3 PM | $10

July 4 – Kewanee 4th of July Car Show
Francis Park | 8 AM – 3 PM | $15

July 4 – Dixon Petunia Fest Car Show
Downtown Dixon | 10 AM – 2 PM | $15

July 5 – Sarver Memorial Car Show & Parade
Walnut School Grounds | 9 AM – 1 PM | $15

July 5 – Aces & Eights Bar Car Show
103 LaSalle St, Tonica | 4 PM – 8 PM | $15

July 6 – Shady’s Car Show
1106 Western Ave, Henry, IL | 10 AM – 2:30 PM
Supports the Tri-County Food Pantry – come show your support!

July 6 – Coffee & Cars at The Coffee Barn
701 Illinois Ave, Downtown Mendota | 11 AM – 3 PM
A relaxed show with coffee and community. Don’t miss the grand opening!

July 6 – Woodsmoke Ranch Car Show
2795 E. 28th Rd, Seneca | 9 AM – 3 PM | $10

July 9 – Bradford Cruise to Princeton
Leaves Main St, Bradford | 6 PM | Free

July 11 – DePue Silver Dome Cruise Night
Downtown DePue | 4 PM – 8 PM | $10

July 12 – Oglesby Root Beer: Blood, Sweat & Gears
Downtown Oglesby | 5 PM – 8 PM | Free

July 12 – Wyanet Fire Dept Car Show
9 AM – 1 PM | Parade to follow | Free

July 19 – Marseilles Fire Dept Cruise Night
Downtown Marseilles | 4 PM – 8 PM | $10

July 19 – Psycho Silo Car Show
US6 @ IL40 | 8 AM – 11 AM | $10

July 20 – Marshall-Putnam Fair Car Show
Henry | 8 AM – 1 PM | $10

July 27 – Princeton Annual Cruisin’ Main
Princeton Depot | 1 PM – 4 PM | Free

August Car Shows

August 1 – Granville Cruise Night
Downtown Granville | 5 PM – 8 PM | $10

August 2 – Ottawa Car Show
North of River Bridge | 8 AM – 1 PM | $10

August 2 – Cherry Cruise-In
Main Street, Cherry | 12 PM – 5 PM | $10
Expect 400+ cars – come early!

August 3 – Woodhaven Lakes Classic Car Show
Sublette | 9 AM – 3 PM | $5

August 6 – Bradford Cruise to Tiskilwa
Leaves Main St | 6 PM | Free

August 9 – Oglesby Root Beer Stand: Stampede
5 PM – 8 PM | Free

August 10 – Wenona Car Show & Burnouts
8 AM – 4 PM | Car Show: $10 | Burnouts: $15

August 10 – Lake Wildwood Car Show
Varna | 9 AM – 2 PM | $15

August 20 – Bradford Cruise to Wyoming
Leaves Main St | 6 PM | Free

August 22 – Oglesby Root Beer: Blood Sweat & Gears
5 PM – 8 PM | Free

August 23 – Magnolia Car Show
Downtown | 10 AM – 2 PM | $10

August 24 – Lake Mendota Car Show
Mendota | 9 AM – 2 PM | $10

August 24 – Amboy Depot Days Car Show
6 AM – 3 PM | $15 | Big 50/50 drawing

August 29 – Faith’s Treats Cruise Night
Grandma Rosie’s, West Peru St, Princeton | 5 PM – 8 PM | $10

August 31 – Bradford Car Show
Downtown | 9 AM – 3 PM | $15

August 31 – Henry Car Cruise
Downtown Park | 3 PM – 6 PM | Free

More Resources for Car Show Fans

Whether you’re showing off your ride or just soaking in the craftsmanship, we hope to see you out there. Need a hand getting your classic show-ready? La Salle Body and Fender specializes in restoration work that turns heads – on the road and at the judges’ table.

Drive safe. Shine bright. And keep those classics rolling.

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