2nd Annual Lowriders for Literacy Car Show & Reading Fair

A stunning combination of cars and books will converge on Rancho Buena Vista High School in Vista on Saturday, October 25, for the second annual Lowriders for Literacy event. The event brings together a diverse display of lowrider cars, gathered to encourage the community to ignite a love of reading.

And while the two topics may seem worlds apart on the surface, the event organizers stress that the two share powerful similarities. By drawing parallels between the time and effort required to build a lowrider and the skills needed for literacy, the event seeks to make reading more approachable and engaging for students and families.

The event will take place on Saturday, October 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Rancho Buena Vista High School. A number of car clubs from across San Diego County are participating, coordinated in part by an RBV parent active in the lowrider community. The event will also feature two food trucks and an ice cream truck.

Local libraries, including Vista, Oceanside, and the John Landers Community Center, as well as the San Diego Libros chapter, are involved in the event.

Education Begins in the Home, a San Diego literacy organization, will donate books suitable for all age ranges, from pre-K to 12th grade.

The event also features performing arts groups from the Vista Unified School District, including Mariachi and Ballet Folklórico performances.

“Strong literacy skills open doors—to higher education, careers, and lifelong learning,” says RBV Assistant Principal Garry Dillard. “For students of color, literacy is especially vital in navigating systems, telling their stories, and shaping their futures. By pairing literacy with lowrider culture, we remind our students that learning is not just about school—it’s about pride, identity, and community.”