First-Time Entrant & Arrival Guide

Apply for a judged vehicle entry or choose display only if you want to show your ride without competing. Unsure which class fits? Select “Help me choose a class” on the application.

Tell us your vehicle year, make and model, club name, and any trailer, accessibility, or extra-space needs. A vehicle photo link is optional.

Before payment, the team will confirm your fee, display footprint, included admission passes, and entry conditions. Review the refund and rescheduling policy. Applying does not charge your card.

Confirmed entrants will receive one arrival guide with the correct entrance, arrival window, confirmation details, parking instructions, show schedule, and a contact for help.

The final guide will include judging and award times, departure arrangements, and any weather updates. Save it on your phone before leaving home.

Use the event arrival guide for the vehicle check-in entrance; general hotel directions do not identify your assigned show entrance.

Have your confirmation ready at vehicle check-in. Our show-day plan includes a separate assistance area for entry questions, so the arrival lane can keep moving. A parking marshal will direct you to your display space.

Your vehicle card will identify your entry number, parking section, and judging category. You do not need previous car-show experience.

Sections A–F are planned parking locations, not vehicle classes. Your judging category is recorded with your entry so judges can find your vehicle without sorting everyone into separate class rows.

Friends and clubs who want to park together should apply together and arrive together. Group placement depends on confirmation and available space; spaces cannot be held informally on arrival.

Show vehicles and general visitor parking will be directed separately. Accessible parking, hotel access, pedestrian routes, and emergency access must remain clear. General attendee parking is free, subject to available capacity.

Final parking capacity and sellable display spaces will be released after the site layout is confirmed. Oversized vehicles and trailers need advance arrangements.

Judged entrants will receive the final award categories, judging criteria, judging window, and awards schedule before the event. Display-only entries do not compete for awards.

Keep your vehicle card visible as instructed. Our judging plan includes marking the card after review so you can see that your vehicle has been checked. If your card is unmarked near the published judging deadline, speak with participant help before judging closes.

We’ll publish any schedule changes and explain the award process. Entry does not guarantee an award.

Our visitor plan includes clear signs for restrooms, food, the Expo entrance, and participant help, plus recognizable event staff. Tell the team before arrival if you need an accommodation or have a parking question.

Columbus Expo admission includes car-show spectator access on May 21. Bringing a vehicle into the display area requires separate confirmation; a spectator ticket does not reserve a vehicle space. Vehicle-entry pass inclusions will be stated in your confirmation.

Both events are 21+. Read the visitor safety guide. No cannabis sales or consumption, weapons, burnouts, racing, or reckless driving.

The arrival guide will explain the display period and departure process before the event. If you need to leave early, arrange it with the team. Follow marshals and use the designated route when leaving; do not move through the show area without direction.