Goodguys Car Show 2025

If you love classic cars, roaring engines, and the smell of burning rubber, the Goodguys 10th Griot’s Garage North Carolina Nationals is calling your name. This is an automotive festival, a gearhead’s paradise, and a weekend packed with horsepower, history, and high-speed action.

Happening on April 18–19, 2025, at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds, this Goodguys event brings together over 1,500 hot rods, muscle cars, customs, and classics from across the country. Expect live-action racing, swap meet treasures, burnout smoke, and an entire weekend dedicated to all things cars.

In addition to the 10th Griot’s Garage North Carolina Nationals in Raleigh, Goodguys hosts several major events across the country, including the Lone Star Nationals in Fort Worth, Texas, the Southwest Nationals in Scottsdale, Arizona, the FiTech Fuel Injection Spring Nationals in Scottsdale, and the Great American Nationals in York, Pennsylvania – each with a unique offering.

From the AutoCross showdown to the earth-shaking Nitro Thunderfest, this event is a must-see for anyone who appreciates American car culture. Goodguys Car Show 2025 is guaranteed to be an unforgettable weekend in Raleigh.

The History of Goodguys Car Show 2025

For over 40 years, Goodguys Rod & Custom Association has been at the forefront of the hot rod and custom car community, hosting some of the best car shows in the country. Founded in 1983 by Gary and Marilyn Meadors, Goodguys started as a small gathering of enthusiasts and has since grown into one of the largest classic car organizations in the U.S.

The North Carolina Nationals is now one of the biggest stops on the Goodguys tour, and the Raleigh edition keeps getting bigger, louder, and better every year. If you love chrome, horsepower, and nostalgia, this is your show.

What to Expect at the Goodguys Car Show 2025

This two-day event is a celebration of all things fast, flashy, and four-wheeled.

Event Highlights:

• Over 1,500 hot rods, muscle cars, & classics – From pre-1999 muscle to fully custom builds, this is where car dreams come to life.
• Goodguys CPP AutoCross racing series – The "Rumble in Raleigh" showdown is where precision driving meets raw horsepower. Watch drivers push their cars to the limit on a tight, technical track.
• Nitro Thunderfest – Presented by Summit Racing, this dragster exhibition will shake the ground and make your eardrums beg for mercy.
• Friday Night Demolition Derby – A separately ticketed event where metal meets mayhem. Nothing like a little organized destruction to kick off the weekend.
• Swap Meet & Cars 4 Sale Corral – Looking for rare parts, memorabilia, or even a new project car? This is the place to find hidden gems.
• Live music & kids zone – Rock, country, and blues bands keep the energy high, while the Auto World Model Car Make & Take gives kids a chance to build their own mini hot rods.
• Builder’s Choice awards – Renowned builder Jonathan Goolsby of Goolsby Customs will hand-pick his top builds for one of the most prestigious awards of the weekend.

Tickets & Registration

If you want to show your car or just come as a spectator, here’s what you need to know:

Spectator Tickets:

• General admission (single day): $30.76 (includes taxes & fees)
• Junior admission (ages 7–12): $12.07
• Kids 6 & under: Free

Vehicle Registration:

• Early bird pre-registration (until Dec 31, 2024): $50
• Advanced pre-registration (Jan 1 – April 6, 2025): $55
• Pre-registration (April 7 – April 18, 2025): $70
• At-event registration: $75
• Non-member registration: $85
• AutoCross registration: $105–$135, depending on when you sign up

Secure your tickets today at the official website of Goodguys Car Show 2025.

Where to Stay & How to Get There

• Location: North Carolina State Fairgrounds, 1025 Blue Ridge Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607
• Flying in? Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) is 15 minutes away. Rental cars, Uber, Lyft, and hotel shuttles are available.
• Driving? On-site parking is available, but it fills up quickly. Arrive early or check for nearby lots with shuttle service.
• Public transportation? The GoRaleigh bus system has stops near the fairgrounds. Taking a bus from downtown Raleigh can help avoid parking headaches.

Weather in Raleigh for the Goodguys Car Show

April in North Carolina is perfect car show weather, with mild temperatures ranging from 55 F to 75 F (13 C – 24 C). Expect sunshine, but mornings can be cool. Bring a light jacket or hoodie.

Though rain isn’t common, a sudden shower can happen. A microfiber cloth and some quick detailer spray will keep your car looking showroom-ready.

Goodguys Car Show 2025 Bag Policy

Pack light and smart! Here’s what you can and can’t bring:

Allowed Items:

• Small backpacks, camera bags, and fanny packs
• Sealed water bottles and snacks
• Personal cameras and phones

Prohibited Items:

• Large coolers and outside alcohol
• Glass containers
• Drones or professional recording equipment

For the latest security and entry details, check the official event site before you go.

Goodguys Car Show 2025 Bag Storage

Don’t Lug Your Stuff Around – Use Bounce

Need a secure spot for your bag, camera gear, or extra merch? Bounce has you covered!

• Affordable storage – Drop your bag off for $6.90 per day.
• Safe & secure – Your belongings are protected with $10,000 coverage.
• Easy online booking – Find a Bounce location near the fairgrounds.

How to Use Bounce for the Goodguys Event

1. Book a spot online – Reserve storage ahead of time.
2. Drop off your bag – Find a trusted Bounce location near the event.
3. Enjoy the car show – Pick up your gear when you’re ready.

Tips to Make the Most of Goodguys Car Show 2025

• Plan your day: Check the event schedule online so you don’t miss highlights like Nitro Thunderfest or the Builder’s Choice Awards.
• Arrive early: The best parking spots and swap meet deals go quickly.
• Wear comfortable shoes: With 30+ acres of classic cars, expect a lot of walking.
• Bring cash: Some vendors may not take cards. ATMs are available, but lines can be long.
• Stay hydrated & take breaks: Food trucks and vendors offer drinks, but bringing a refillable water bottle is a smart move.
• Explore beyond the car show: After the event, you can also visit Downtown Raleigh, The Pit, Brewery Bhavana, or North Carolina Museum of History.
• Check out the AutoCross action: Even if you’re here for show cars, watching muscle cars and hot rods battle it out on the track is a must.

See you at Goodguys Car Show 2025! This is a weekend of fuel, fire, and fun. Polish up your ride, grab your tickets, and get ready for the best Goodguys event in North Carolina. See you there!