The Peninsula’s annual Rod Run weekend is a vibrant celebration of the golden age of American car manufacturing. Car enthusiasts from all over the West gather for one of the largest hot-rod shows on the West Coast, turning the area into a showcase of classic cars, cruises, and automotive events.

What’s Happening During Rod Run Weekend?

Rod Run is more than just a car show; it’s a community experience that sees more than 800 official Rod Run entries converge at Ocean Park’s Wilson Field. In addition to the official entries, many car lovers bring their cherished vehicles for informal beach cruises and to show off their prized possessions.

The heart of Rod Run weekend is the traditional Friday and Saturday evening cruises, which take place along Long Beach. Spectators looking to get a good view often set up early, with some pitching tents and parking RVs in the yards of relatives as early as Thursday to claim the perfect spot.

Where to Catch the Action: Best Viewing Spots

• Friday and Saturday Evening Cruises: Long Beach is the prime location for the evening cruises. Setting up along the main thoroughfares in town will give you a front-row seat to watch the parade of classic cars.
• Saturday’s Official Cruise Route: The cruise starts at Wilson Field, with cars turning right onto Sandridge Road. The route continues onto 250th Place and U Street, passing through Ocean Park and Surfside, and winds through the historic village of Oysterville and Nahcotta before returning to Ocean Park. This scenic route highlights the beautiful communities of the Peninsula’s north end.
• Awards Ceremony: For those who want to see the very best, a special award for the best cruiser will be given by the Ocean Park Chamber of Commerce during the awards ceremony on Sunday.

A Few Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Weekend

With so many cars and people in close quarters, it’s important to follow traffic laws and respect Rod Run cruise signs. Drive slow so people have more time to admire your car. Drivers are advised to avoid burning rubber or engaging in risky behavior that could endanger spectators and vehicle occupants. Given the expected high traffic, patience is key—getting into a hurry won’t help on this jam-packed weekend. Spectators came to admire your classic car restoration skills, not to witness your questionable driving choices!

The Spirit of Rod Run: Fun, Pride, and Community

For some, Rod Run is the ultimate farewell-to-summer party, complete with cheers and red plastic cups in hand. For others, it’s a serious display of automotive passion and pride. Many have invested significant time and money into restoring their vehicles, and they take great pride in showing them off, ready to spit-shine their cars at a moment’s notice.

Whether you’re there to admire the craftsmanship, enjoy the community spirit, or simply take in the nostalgic sights and sounds, the Rod Run weekend promises an unforgettable experience for car enthusiasts and spectators alike.