Hot Rods & Cool Treats

The City of Carlsbad is bringing back the past at the Hot Rods & Cool Treats carnival and classic car show.

Grab the family and come on out for some good old-fashioned fun.

It’s an old-fashioned carnival at Pine Avenue Park with activities for the young and young at heart.

Test your game skills in Can-Knock-Down, Ring Toss, Frog Hopper, and more.

Enjoy crafts, face painting, and a Fun Zone.

Build your own sundae at the ice cream bar and vote on your favorite car in the classic car show.

Enjoy live music covering decades of sounds.

Carnival tickets, food, and drinks are available for purchase at the event.

How to enter your car

Cars are eligible to win in only one category. Entries will be limited to automobiles 25 years old or older, no buses or semi-trailer rigs. All participants will receive an event collectors dash plate.

Awards will be given out in 11 categories:

- Best of show

- Best interior

- Best paint

- Best wooden car/wagon

- Most original car

- Kids’ choice

- Spectator’s choice

- Oldest car

- Best custom graphics

- Best muscle car

- Best convertible

There is a maximum of 30 cars for this event. Entries will be taken in the order received.

Entries must be received no later than Thursday, May 7, 2026.

Event may modify or cancel due to inclement weather.