The Temecula Valley Rod Run

Fall is fast approaching, and that means it is time, once again, for the bi-annual Temecula Valley Rod Run.   The Temecula Rod Run is presented twice a year, once in the Fall, usually in October, and once in the Spring.

Old Town Temecula is the venue for this exciting vehicle extravaganza.  Let me just say, this is so much more than your average car show, The Temecula Rod Run is the mother of all car shows.  Over 500 participants enter vehicles in the show, and over 60,000 spectators come to share in the fun.  Old Town Temecula is transformed into an open air street event that you simply must see to believe. 

The Temecula Rod Run starts out with a vehicle parade that is called the “Friday Night Cruise”.  This parade of classic cars and hot rods happens up and down Front Street, which is the main drag of Old Town Temecula. 

The Cruising starts at 5:00p.m. and goes until 8:00p.m.  From the arch where you enter Old Town, to the arch where you exit, you can see some of the coolest cars parading the boulevard.  The event is absolutely free to the public and is really a great place to bring your entire family. 

Not only is the Temecula Rod Run a place to see vintage cars, but there is a ton of other attractions too.  Outdoor music and entertainment groups are there, as well as, great food booths and community vendors lining the street.  The Temecula Rod Run is one gigantic party. The local radio station is always on hand too, usually giving away prizes.

The 2010 Grand Marshall for the parade of cars is none other than the famous “King of Kustomizers” himself, George Barris. George Barris is known for his custom car creations especially the ones he created for movies and television shows. Some of the more famous George Barris creations are the “Munsters Coach”, the Batmobile, General Lee from the Dukes of Hazard, Kitt from Night Rider, and the Beverly Hilbillies Car.

The Friday night parade of cars is only the beginning of the fun.  On Saturday is the actual car show itself, called the “Saturday Show and Shine”.  Get an up-close view of the cars as they are parked all over Old Town Temecula on display for the public to see. You can even get a chance to look under the hoods of these babies!

The City of Temecula closes down Front Street from 8:00a.m. until 4:00p.m. to public traffic and the street becomes a literal parking lot for the entries in the car show.  Again, this is a free event with a family friendly atmosphere.  Spend the day among classic cars, listening to local musical performers, eating great food, and partying the Old Town Temecula way.

Although it is free to attend this spectacular car show, the entrants themselves pay to enter their car in the Temecula Rod Run. This money is then donated to various Temecula based charities. After the Spring show the Drifters Car Club, who actually volunteer their services to work the show, picked five local charities to make donations of $10,000 to each.

This year in an attempt to further the charitable work of the Temecula Valley Rod Run, the organizers are also holding a can food drive during the event. They have asked for each person that comes to the event to please bring two cans of food to help replenish the Temecula Community Food Pantry which feeds many hungry local families. There will be a trailer at the corner of Old Town Front and Main where the donations will be gathered. This is just one way that they believe the world can see what a “big heart the car community has”.

When you come to the car show, bring your family, but make sure you leave your pets, bikes, scooters, skateboards, and alcoholic beverages at home. Believe me, this is simply not the place for all those things.

There is parking on the side streets, but it is limited so be prepared to walk. Also, plan on making it an all-day event, there is plenty to do and tons of stuff to see.

If you are not a car enthusiast but your significant other is, then this is the perfect event for you. Old Town Temecula offers over 15 different antique stores right along Front Street where the car show is happening. There are also plenty of restaurants and other Boutique shops where you could spend your time too. You might even enjoy a trip to Professor Pennypickles Workshop in The Temecula Children’s Museum which is right in Old Town Temecula too.

Don't miss this upcoming event in Old Town Temecula, October 8 and 9, 2010. This year the Temecula Rod Run is featuring pre-1974 Vehicles. Come and join in the party!