Event TitleKAARC Red Barns Spectacular Car Show & Swap Meet
Event Date(s)Saturday, August 1, 2026 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Event LocationGilmore Car Museum, Hickory Corners, MI
Event DescriptionBrought to you by the Kalamazoo Antique Auto Restorers Club, the RED BARNS SPECTACULAR is the most anticipated show of the season. Hailed as the region's “Grand Daddy” of antique, classic and special interest car shows, it is One BIG Day, Two HUGE Shows --a Judged Show field & Driver’s Choice Show field. Both are open to any vehicle 25 years or older, including cars, trucks, commercial vehicles, vintage campers, military vehicles, fire trucks and boats! More that 1,000 show vehicles will be on the show field, along with special areas for antique campers brought to you by the Tin Can Tourists, cars for sale, and vintage bicycles. Plus, check out over 300 Swap Meet Vendors Onsite and shop for those hard to find car parts, tools, literature, antiques, arts, crafts and more! For more information, check out the Red Barns Spectacular's Facebook page.
Event LocationHenry Ford Museum of American Innovation
Event DescriptionPresented by General Motors, the first comprehensive exhibition covering various forms of American auto racing, including stock car, sports car, drag racing, Indy car, hill climb and land-speed racing, is now open in Dearborn. The 24,000 square-foot exhibit provides visitors an in-depth look at the people, the experiences, the culture, the spectacle, the risks and the innovations centered in the world of American auto sports.
Event TitleAchievement: African Americans' Accomplishments & Contributions in Automotive Exhibit
Event Date(s)On Display Now!
Event LocationAutomotive Hall of Fame, Dearborn, MI
Event DescriptionThe contributions Black Americans have made to the automotive industry have not been celebrated or even fully captured and shared. Very little effort has even been made to conduct the required research to identify the individuals, much less curate an exhibit on their accomplishments. The Automotive Hall of Fame recognizes that these are important stories that need to be told.
Event Date(s)Sunday, August 2, 2026 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Event LocationColumbia Center, Troy, MI
Event DescriptionThe Troy Traffic Jam is Troy’s premier car show! Featuring over 300 cars, from legacy vehicles and antiques to high performance vehicles, it draws more than 6,000 visitors. The 18th Annual Troy Traffic Jam will be Sunday, August 2nd from 9am-3pm at the Columbia Center on Big Beaver Road. More than just a car show, be prepared to enjoy Tech Talks with leading automotive designers, view and purchase automotive art, cheer on kids in the Pedal Power 200 Race, watch robotics demonstrations, visit sponsor displays, and have a great lunch. FREE to the public, registration to show your car is $30 in advance or $35 onsite.
Event LocationSloan Museum of Discovery, Flint, MI
Event DescriptionThe new Distracted Driving interactive game helps drivers see the dangers of driving while distracted and emphasizes the important message of vehicle safety. The new exhibit was supported by a 2024 MotorCities Challenge Grant. Cellphones, text messages music, podcasts and other drivers on the road are introduced to your virtual vehicle while you play. The exhibit actually asks visitors to drive while simultaneously texting messages to friends. The resulting virtual accidents that take place have monetary “costs” assigned based on vehicle damage. Upon completing the course, visitors will see the costs of distracted driving, as well as receive messaging on the dangers of texting while driving. The Distracted Driving Simulator is located in the Museum's Durant Gallery and is free with general admission.
Event Date(s)Sunday, August 2nd, 2026 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Event LocationGilmore Car Museum, Hickory Corners, MI
Event DescriptionThe Oscar Mayer Wienermobile is rolling into the Gilmore Car Museum on Sunday, August 2, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Stop by the Wienermobile in front of George & Sally's Diner to grab fun giveaways, including stickers, Oscar Mayer merchandise, and the famous Wiener Whistles while supplies last.Feeling hungry? George & Sally's Diner will be serving specialty Oscar Mayer hot dogs for purchase, including the legendary Dilly Dog. Bring the whole family for this one-of-a-kind experience! Museum admission is required, and children 10 and under are always admitted free.
Event Date(s)Wednesday, August 5th, 2026 7:30 P.M.
Event LocationMichigan Flight Museum, Ypsilanti, MI
Event DescriptionUncover the story of the 1936 Second Army Maneuvers, the largest U.S. military exercise since World War I and the Army’s first true large-scale combined arms event. Developed by Major General Frank Ross McCoy, the complex scenario blended real-world operations with theoretical challenges. Staged at Ft. Knox and Allegan, the maneuvers tested strategy, coordination, and modernization on an unprecedented scale. Focusing on the Michigan phase, historian and president of the Michigan Military Technical & Historical Society, Chris Causley, will explore how these exercises marked a turning point between isolationist America and a nation preparing for global conflict.
