Old Town Car Show

old town car show Faqs

What is the Old Town Car Show?
The Old Town Car Show presented by Nelsen’s Auto Tech Center and Heilbrun’s NAPA Fort Collins has been an annual Downtown Fort Collins tradition for almost two decades.  Nearly 300 automotive enthusiasts showcase a variety of makes and models along the streets of Old Town for the community to enjoy. Take a walk down memory lane, sample automotive history, share the love and appreciation with other car enthusiasts and admire the craftsmanship of these mechanical marvels.

When is the event?

• Date: Saturday, May 30, 2020
• Hours: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

How much does it cost to attend?
Thanks to the support of our longstanding partners and sponsors, the Old Town Car Show is FREE for spectators to enjoy.

Where does the event take place?  What streets are closed?
The Old Town Car Show takes place along East Mountain Ave. (between College Ave. and Jefferson St.), Walnut St. (between Linden St. and Mountain Ave.), and on Mathews St. (between Mountain Ave. and Oak St.).  View the event map HERE.

Traffic management devices indicating ‘No Parking’ areas will be placed on-street beginning the morning of May 29 in order to provide 24-hours advance notice of the road closure.  The road closure will be in effect from May 30 at 4:00 am until 4:30 pm.

Click Here to View the Old Town Car Show Special Event Notice

How do I get there?  Where Is parking available?
Whether you bike, take the MAX, or carpool, getting to Old Town is easy! 

Bikes: Bicycle racks are located throughout Downtown.  Remember, bicycles may not be locked to trees, plants, signs, railings, fences, posts, hydrants, or buildings.

MAX: The MAX Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) travels the Mason St. corridor and drops you just a few blocks from the event.  Learn How to Ride MAX.

Motor vehicles: Parking is available under normal operations with surface lots, parking garages and on-street parking spots open on a first-come first-served basis.

Both the parking structures at Mountain/Remington and Mason/Laporte are free for the first hour and only $1.00 per hour thereafter. The Old Firehouse Alley structure accessed via Chestnut Street from Jefferson Street is $1.50 per hour.  

In other words, there are plenty of places to park within a 3-5 minute walk!  For more information on parking options, click HERE.

My car was towed off the street.  How do I get it back?
If your vehicle was left parked in the designated event footprint (clearly denoted with “No Parking” signage) it was removed by Choice Towing.  To get it back, call (970) 482-0159. Vehicle owners are responsible for all associated towing and impound fees.

Is there food and drink available?
Yes, select mobile vendors will be onsite offering a variety of food and non-alcoholic beverage options for purchase.   Also, check out our downtown directory in order to plan ahead for lunch, dinner and after-hours drinks in Old Town!

Where are Restrooms Located?
Portable public restrooms are located near Nelsen’s Auto Tech Center. Permanent public restrooms are available in Old Town Square.

What if there is bad weather?
The DBA will update our website and social media with real time updates.  In the event of severe weather, please seek a permanent structure for safety. The closest option is the Old Town Parking Structure.  Please do not stand under temporary tent structures.

Is this event ADA accessible?
Yes, this event is ADA accessible, as it takes place on City streets and sidewalks. If you have any questions about ADA accessibility, please call the DBA office at (970) 484-6500.

Who produces the Old Town Car Show?
The Old Town Car Show is proudly produced by, and serves as a fundraiser for, the Downtown Fort Collins Business Association (DBA), a 501(c)6 non-profit.  Since 1982, the DBA has promoted and programmed the Downtown district and remains active as a producer of signature events, community festivals and business promotions that “advance the vibrancy, vitality, and prosperity of Downtown Fort Collins.”

In addition to the Old Town Car Show, the DBA annually produces 75+ days of free family-friendly entertainment, including Bohemian Nights at NewWestFest, Noontime Notes Concert Series, Colorado Brewers’ Festival, Great Plates of Downtown, Fortoberfest, First Friday Art Walk, Foodie Walk and many more.

Who are this year’s sponsors?
The DBA would like to thank its Annual Sponsors: High Country Beverage/Coors Light, First National Bank, Eye Center of Northern Colorado, Odell Brewing Co., Dellenbach Motors, Xfinity and Cosner Financial Group for their ongoing support of Downtown Fort Collins.

How can I volunteer for this event?
Thank you for your interest in volunteering!  For available opportunities, click HERE.

How can my company get involved as a partner?
Please email info@downtownfortcollins.com and a member of our team will be in touch.

Who do I contact if I have questions?
Please email us at info@downtownfortcollins.com or call 970-484-6500 for assistance.

I want to show my vehicle.  How do I register? What does it cost?

Pre-Registration Online:
You can pre-register your vehicle HERE. Early Bird pricing (now – March 6) is $20 per vehicle. After March 6, the advance online registration price is $25.

Online registration closes on May 29 at 4:00 pm.  If you miss the pre-registration or choose to wait until the day-of to register, the price increases to $35.

Hardcopy Application:

Print your application HERE, or pick up a hardcopy at any of the following locations:

• Nelsen’s Auto Tech Center (361 ½ East Mountain Ave., Fort Collins, CO 80524)
• Heilbrun’s NAPA Auto Parts (316 S Link Lane, Fort Collins, CO 80524)
• Downtown Business Association Office (19 Old Town Square, Suite 230, Fort Collins, CO 80524)

*Hard copy registrations must be received (not postmarked) by May 20.  Applications can be mailed or hand-delivered to any of the three locations listed above.

Day-of Registration Onsite:
Walk-up registrations will be accommodated from 8:00 – 10:00 am the morning of the event at the Registration & Information Tent (located near Nelsen’s Auto Tech Center).  Due to limited space availability, there’s a chance not all day-of registrations will be accommodated. Don’t miss your chance; pre-register today to guarantee your spot!

I missed the Early Bird registration deadline. Can I still register my vehicle?
Yes!  While the early bird price has expired, you can still register your vehicle in advance online or via hardcopy (see previous FAQ) for just $25.  Online registrations close May 29 at 4:00 pm.

If you wait until the day-of, onsite registration will be available from 8:00 – 10:00 am on the morning of the Old Town Car Show at the Registration & Information Tent. Space WILL fill up, so we recommend pre-registering!  On-site registration is NOT guaranteed.

Are refunds available?
Registration fees are non-refundable after April 3 at 4:00 pm (no exceptions, including event cancellation due to rain, inclement weather or other acts of nature, scheduling conflicts, illness or other personal issues).

Are t-shirts available for purchase?

Yes!  Commemorative t-shirts will be sold for $20 at the Registration & Information Tent.  Sizes are limited, so shop early for the best selection. If you pre-register your vehicle, you have the option to purchase in advance to guarantee you get a t-shirt.

Check out this year’s new design

Can I vote for my favorite vehicle?
Yes!  Voting is open for spectators and participants, so YOU get to be the judge.  Ballots are available at the Registration & Information Tent and must be turned in by 1:00 pm to be counted.  Winners will be announced at 2:45 pm on the stage in front of Nelsen’s Auto Tech Center. Have fun and vote to help your favorite vehicles win!

What are the judging categories?

“NELSEN’S NICEST NINE”

• Best Street Rod (1959 & Earlier)
• Best Vintage Stock / OEM Original (1900 – 1960)
• Best Stock / OEM Original (1961 – 2017)
• Best Modified (all years)
• Best Muscle Cars (1960 – 1985)
• Best Late Model (1986 – 2017)
• Best Import (all years)
• Best Truck (all years)
• Best in Show (all vehicles eligible for this)

What are the Nelsen’s Nicest Nine prizes?
Each Nelsen’s Nicest Nine winner receives a collectable plaque and photo opportunity during the Award Ceremony. The Best in Show vehicle, as voted by event attendees, will be featured on following year’s t-shirt and event marketing materials.

2019 Best in Show Winner

1970 Dodge Superbee

Interested in being a food vendor?

Click Here

Interested in being a non-food vendor?

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