Step back in time! The Henry Ford’s Old Car Festival is revving up for another spectacular weekend. Imagine hundreds of meticulously preserved antique vehicles, the sounds of ragtime, and the aroma of classic barbecue. What’s your favorite era of automotive design?
As autumn approaches, The Henry Ford’s Greenfield Village is set to host America’s longest-running **Old Car Festival**, a captivating annual event that transports visitors to the earliest days of automotive innovation. Scheduled for September 6-7, this beloved gathering showcases a stunning collection of **antique cars**, promising an immersive journey through **automotive history** unlike any other.
Hundreds of meticulously preserved **vintage vehicles**, spanning from the 1890s through 1932, will converge upon the picturesque grounds of **Greenfield Village Events**. Guests will have the unique opportunity to engage directly with passionate owners, who tirelessly work to maintain these magnificent machines, while the distinctive sounds of century-old engines fill the air, creating an authentic historical soundscape.
A highlight of the festival is the renowned Pass-in-Review Car Parade, where these historical automobiles gracefully traverse the village streets, offering a dynamic display of early motoring. Following the parade, an exclusive awards showcase will honor both the best restored and unrestored vehicles, celebrating the dedication to preservation and the enduring beauty of early automotive design.
Beyond the impressive display of antique cars, the festival vividly brings the Ragtime America and Jazz Age to life. Attendees can revel in two days filled with historically inspired street food, vibrant live music, energetic dancing, and a variety of activities that capture the spirit of these transformative eras.
For those seeking an extended experience, Saturday evening offers a magical Gaslight Parade of Cars, where headlamps illuminate the twilight, followed by dancing with the lively River Raisin Ragtime Revue. The evening crescendos with a Dixieland-style procession, adding to the festive and nostalgic atmosphere under the stars, making it a truly unforgettable experience among Greenfield Village Events.
Enhancing the visitor experience, a new buffet dining option will be available, featuring a classic barbecue menu. Guests can indulge in a delicious spread including hot dogs, hamburgers, and barbecued chicken breast, providing the perfect fuel for a day of historical exploration and automotive admiration.
The 2025 Old Car Festival pays special tribute to Nineteenth-Century Motoring, recognizing the very origins of the automobile. This year’s focus will include a salute to the Karl Benz patented Motorwagen, the groundbreaking 1886 automobile that profoundly shaped the 20th century, alongside other storied makes such as Oldsmobile, Stanley, Packard, and Buick, underscoring their pivotal role in automotive history.
The Henry Ford, located in Dearborn, Michigan, stands as a globally recognized destination dedicated to inspiring and educating. Through hands-on encounters with an unparalleled collection of artifacts, it champions American innovation, ingenuity, and resourcefulness. The Old Car Festival perfectly embodies this mission, offering a vibrant celebration of technological advancement and cultural heritage within its historic setting.
