CARLISLE PA FAIRGROUNDS • Join us for an international vehicle wonderland where you can see 1,700+ unique and stunning imported vehicles from around the world as well as domestics, kit cars, motorcycles, trucks and high end performance vehicles.
Join us for an international vehicle wonderland where you can see 1,700+ unique and stunning imported vehicles from around the world as well as domestics, kit cars, motorcycles, trucks and high end performance vehicles. See the top builds, restorations, clubs and brands representing the world of automobiles and performance. Get your high-octane adrenaline fix on with autocross, drifting, rolling exhaust competition, and more!
Save 10% on 2023 Import & Performance Nationals Showfield Registration
Save Time and Money: Details Below
Pre-Register before the Gate-N-Go deadline of Tuesday, March 28 to save 10%!
Pre-Register before the Gate-N-Go deadline of Tuesday, March 28, 2022 to save 10%! Why wait in line and lose time that you could be spending on grounds enjoying the event? Register today via Gate-N-Go to save 10%.
When you Gate-N-Go, we'll send you all applicable paperwork in advance. This way, you can affix your window sticker at home and drive right onto the grounds and immediately begin having a great time.
Even if you miss the 10% savings and Gate-N-Go deadline, you can still pre-register. Pre-registration remains available until show week. When you pre-register, you cruise up to the Showfield Registration office, bypass one line, pick up your packet and return to your car. Place the registration on your window and you and your guest can cruise onsite with minimal delay.
After the March 28th Gate-N-Go Deadline is up, the only price for registration is full price. Why pay full price when you pay a discounted rate AND have your materials mailed to you in advance. Register TODAY and save! Thanks to our Gate-N-Go Sponsor, Pennsylvania Turnpike E-Z Pass!
The Import & Performance Nationals Automotive Flea Market Awaits You
Buy from a Great Mix of Vendors – You Never Know What You’ll Find
If you’re coming to the Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals to look at the classic and collector cars on the Showfield, don’t forget, not far from those rides are an amazing mix of automotive flea market (a.k.a. swap meet) and midway vendors.
If you’re coming to the Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals to look at the classic and collector cars on the Showfield, don’t forget, not far from those rides are an amazing mix of automotive flea market (a.k.a. swap meet) and midway vendors.
Visit the swap meet for the rare finds, parts, collectibles, automobilia, toys for the kids and even practical items for around the shop or the garage. You could also find your first or next classic and buy direct from the seller within the on-site car corral. From common to rare, these experiences can only be fully realized in person.
Mix in the Women’s Oasis, offering some non-automotive items for the ladies and a food court laced with some of the tastiest fare available and you get one of the largest vending footprints of its type anywhere.
Learn more about our event vendors and their location(s) today by downloading the Carlisle Events App or once available online (or in person), check out the vending pages and map of our event guide. Online, the guide and map are posted about one week prior to the event. At the event, it’s available at Guest Services or any main point of entry.
Unique Showcase of Imports & Performance Vehicles from Around the World
Annually, the Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals host a display deemed "Vehicles from Around the World" within Building T. The display ranges from the best of the best imports, tuners and performance sport compacts.
Annually, the Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals host a display deemed "Vehicles from Around the World" within Building T. The display ranges from the best of the best imports, tuners and performance sport compacts. It is open to all makes and models to apply. Many featured display cars are featured in national magazines as a result of being on display. There is no charge to participate if your vehicle is selected, admission is provided as well as truck and trailer parking. The international flavor of the display offers something for everyone. Don't miss out!
Have a vehicle you want to apply? Visit CarlisleFeatures.com and complete an application by March 25th.
The Race Car Paddock is reserved exclusively for vehicles that are set up for racing including road racers and autocross to drag and rally cars and more. See the cars as part of a true garage display within the pavilions on the east side of the grounds.
The Import & Performance Nationals Race Car Paddock has been an annual highlight area of the event for several years and the vehicles are treated as a Featured Vehicle Display. That means you can display your race car at no charge! The Race Car Paddock is reserved exclusively for vehicles that are set up for racing including road racers and autocross to drag and rally cars and more. See the cars as part of a true garage display within the pavilions on the east side of the grounds.
This display is hosted each year by our friends at the Pennsylvania Hillclimb Association but all true race vehicles are welcome to apply. For those that have the urge to get some track time in during the event, you can do so by taking a few laps on our onsite autocross.
Attention Car Clubs – Compete to See Who Is the Largest
Will Your Club Measure Up? Take the Club Challenge
Register your club for Import & Performance Nationals to compete!
The Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals has been home to many car clubs with some using the event as the host to their regional or national meets. Awards are presented to the three (3) largest official clubs (based on the number of registered show vehicles). Clubs that register a minimum of 25 vehicles are eligible to receive the use of a 20’ X 20’ tent for the weekend at no charge. These tents make a great location for the club headquarters and the ideal place to hang out and socialize. To get your club registered as an official club for Import & Performance Nationals, you must complete an application form HERE.
2021 Import & Performance Nationals Club Challenge Winners:
1 ‐ Saabs @ Carlisle
2 ‐ Volvos @ Carlisle
3 ‐ Volvo Club of America
To become an Officially Recognized Club, you must first fill out an Application Form. To learn more about our club program, visit the Club Relations Page.
Clubs that receive a Carlisle Events’ supplied tent are encouraged to participate in the Coolest Club Hangout competition.
Clubs that receive a Carlisle Events’ supplied tent are encouraged to participate in the Coolest Club competition. Our staff will be looking for things like flags from the various countries and vehicle manufacturers as well as automobilia, music, etc. Colorful displays, cool banners and people having lots of fun always attract our attention. More information will be provided to participating clubs. The winning club will be awarded a banner that can be proudly displayed on your tent for the weekend letting everyone know where the place to be is.
2021 Coolest Club Hangout Winner - Opels at Carlisle
To become an Officially Recognized Club, you must first fill out an Application Form. To learn more about our club program, visit theClub Relations Page.
To participate in the Drive-Thru Judging, register your car for the Judged Showfield.
Experience drive through judging at this year's show! Judging is hosted by WRTeam and eJudged.com. Join them for a weekend of fun! Last year they judged hundreds of vehicles without a hitch and the process gets better each year. Register your car today for the Judged Showfield classes!
If you are a winner, you can see in person as the winner's list will be posted at Guest Services on Saturday at 6:30PM as well as online at the same time.
Also, if you are not on-site to receive your award, you may either pick it up during regular business hours at the fairgrounds or we will ship awards for $15 each. We hope you will join us throughout the weekend, however; to celebrate the vehicles that are honored as winners.
Purchase Admission Tickets, Event Passes and Season Passes Online
When you purchase tickets online, you’ll receive a confirmation e-mail with a bar code. This code will be scanned at the gate for access. It’s that simple! Oh, did we mention that tickets are cheaper online and that means the money you save can be used in the automotive flea market or can help you buy a car within the car corral.
For decades, buying a ticket to a car show at Carlisle meant arriving the day of, pulling out your wallet and paying cash at the gate. While that still is an option, you can plan ahead and purchase your admission ONLINE! When you purchase tickets online, you’ll receive a confirmation e-mail with a bar code. This code will be scanned at the gate for access. It’s that simple! Oh, did we mention that tickets are cheaper online and that means the money you save can be used in the automotive flea market or can help you buy a car within the car corral. Buy now with total confidence and enjoy the show!
Ten Vehicles Will Be Hand-Selected by Carlisle Events
Be Chosen as a Member of the Carlisle Elite on Friday
Carlisle Events' staff will be roaming the Import & Performance Nationals Showfield on Friday of event weekend in search of their ten favorite vehicles to become the newest members of the Carlisle Elite!
Carlisle Events' staff will be roaming the Import & Performance Nationals Showfield on Friday of event weekend in search of their ten favorite vehicles to become the newest members of the Carlisle Elite. To be picked for the Carlisle Elite, your car doesn’t have to be rare or a high dollar, professional restoration. In fact, the only real criteria is that it catches our collective eye. Make sure your car is registered and parked on the Showfield on Friday to be eligible.
Congratulations to the 2021 Carlisle Elite winners:
Tom Chernaik- 1987 RUF BTR SLANT NOSE
Larry Descipio Jr.- 2007 CHEVROLET COBALT SS
Holland Hussein- 1987 BERTONE DALLARA X1/9
Mike Martik- 1981 VOLKSWAGEN SPORT TRUCK
Robert Maselko- 1959 LLOYD ALEXANDER TS
Forrest Pilkenton- 1970 OPEL GT
Frank Rea- 1973 VOLKSWAGEN MEYERS MANX
Ross Shapiro- 2008 ACURA TL
Joel Suders- 1998 BMW 328I
Tony Tereska- 1934 DODGE PANEL WAGON
Fun for the Kids at Import & Performance Nationals
Fun Things for the Kids to Do at the Show
When you bring your kids to this year's Import & Performance Nationals, there will be different things they can participate in at the show! Check them out...
When you bring your kids to this year's Import & Performance Nationals, there will be different things they can participate in at the show! Check them out below:
Kid's Goody Bag- Available for pickup at Guest Services for kids 12 and under! Parents will receive a goody bag coupon for each kid when they pick up their Showfield Goody Bag or coming in with a spectator admission ticket. Some goodies within the bag are a coloring book, a hotwheel car, free cup with a coupon for a free drink at the food court and more!
RC Car Giveaway & Kids Cash Grab- Kids 12 and under can sign-up to potentially win an RC Car! When signing up for the giveaway, they are also eligible to be chosen for the Kid's Cash Grab. The Giveaway sign-up is located in Guest Services. Winners of the RC Car & kids selected for the Cash Grab will be contacted via phone!
Kids Choice Award- Kids can cast a vote for their favorite car within Building T and the owner of the car will get an award!
Color a VW Bug- Kids can draw (with chalk) on a REAL VW Bug throughout the show located on the stage!
The Manufacturers Midway is central to the action of the show and is the place to find new parts and accessories from the top new parts dealers.
The Manufacturers Midway is central to the action of the show and is the place to find new parts and accessories from the top new parts dealers. Many vendors choose Carlisle as the place to debut new products and project cars; be sure to visit the Midway and to see what’s new this year!
Scooter Rentals for Import & Performance Nationals
Service Provided by Scootaround
Thanks to Scootaround, the exclusive scooter and wheelchair rental service for Carlisle Events, you can rent mobility scooters & wheelchairs for the event. Scootaround allows you to reserve your scooter in advance online or by calling 1-888-441-7575.
Thanks to Scootaround, the exclusive scooter and wheelchair rental service for Carlisle Events, you can rent mobility scooters & wheelchairs for the event. Scootaround allows you to reserve your scooter in advance online or by calling 1-888-441-7575. The only way to guarantee scooter availability is to reserve on line prior to the event!
Carlisle Events has always been an affordable destination for family fun when it comes to car shows. New this season, a military discount is offered for military who enjoy the sights, experiences and excitement of car shows.
Carlisle Events has always been an affordable destination for family fun when it comes to car shows. New this season, a military discount is offered for military who enjoy the sights, experiences and excitement of car shows.
A $5 off discount will be applied for active, reserve or retired military members who purchase a single day spectator admission ticket in person at the Fairgrounds. This discount perfectly complements one of the marquee fairgrounds backdrops, the U.S. Army War College, as well as the thousands of active and retired service personnel who call the Cumberland Valley home. The $5 off savings is offered for service members who show a valid military ID when purchasing and is for only the ID holder and their single day admission. This discount is available for in person purchase only to any Carlisle Events hosted show during the current season.
We truly thank those that are currently serving and for those that have served for us.
Camp with Carlisle Events to Maximize Your Event Experience
Camp Onsite at Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals
Carlisle Events promotes multiple events annually and many of them have a footprint to host you and your camper, RV or tent. Rates vary by event, but if you’re a collector car enthusiast and enjoy spending your non-show hours in something other than a hotel, consider camping at Carlisle.
Carlisle Events promotes multiple events annually and many of them have a footprint to host you and your camper, RV or tent. Rates vary by event, but if you’re a collector car enthusiast and enjoy spending your non-show hours in something other than a hotel, consider camping at Carlisle. In addition, you’ll be positioned conveniently close to the excitement of the day. All camping is dry camping – no hook ups. With paid admission campers do have 24 hour access to the bath houses located at the Carlisle Fairgrounds.
Ultimately, prices, availability and amenities vary per show. For the Import & Performance Nationals, camping is located on-site.
Your Owner’s Manual to All Things Carlisle during Event Weekend
Available for Free Download on iTunes and NOW Google Play
Have you ever walked the grounds at Carlisle, lost beyond belief and wondering where your favorite show cars are, or how to find that vendor you’re looking for? Carlisle Events has figured out a way to solve your navigational challenges via the Carlisle Events app. Available for FREE download on the iTunes store AND Google Play store, the app is your on the go tool kit for all things Carlisle Events! Find vendors, check out the event schedule, interact on social media, buy tickets, get directions and review the event guide! Know before you go and with this app, you’ll never be lost at your car show of choice again!
Also available, the Carlisle Auctions app. This app allows you to stay current with Carlisle Auctions! View consignments, search for cars and get the details on all the great vehicles being offered at Carlisle Auctions. Plus, during live auction hours, you can review the run list and even watch a LIVE web stream of the fun. Download the Carlisle Events and Carlisle Auctions apps today and we’ll see you at the show!
Handy Tips for a Successful Trip through the Automotive Flea Market
FREE Taxi Service and Parts Hauling Help Get You from A to B at Carlisle
The Carlisle PA Fairgrounds is a large footprint that can be a challenge at times, even for the most experienced attendee. 82 acres, 16+ miles of paved roadway, vendors and cars everywhere…it’s easy to understand how you may start wondering to yourself “where did I see that part or car I want to buy?” “How do I get my purchase from its space to my truck?” “How am I going to do this?”
The Carlisle PA Fairgrounds is a large footprint that can be a challenge at times, even for the most experienced attendee. 82 acres, 16+ miles of paved roadway, vendors and cars everywhere…it’s easy to understand how you may start wondering to yourself “where did I see that part or car I want to buy?” “How do I get my purchase from its space to my truck?” “How am I going to do this?”
Never fear, because we’ve compiled a helpful list of ways that enhance your on-site experience at Carlisle! Thanks for joining us and enjoy your time at the show!
BRING CASH - The more the better. It’s hard to negotiate a deal without being able to pay.
WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES - It’s a lot of walking.
SUN BLOCK/DRINK LIQUIDS - You’ll be in the sun all day. It’s important to protect yourself and stay hydrated, especially if your weekend outdoors is your first prolonged exposure to the sun for the year.
REMEMBER THE SPACE - Take a picture of the space location or write it down. Every space at Carlisle has a disk to designate the space. Look down and you’ll see the space marker. Write down the letter and number. Don’t try to remember the space or the surrounding area. You’ll spend the rest of the day looking for it.
COME EARLY - Rare parts and great deals typically happen for the first person to find them. Set up day(s) and the first day of the event are for the serious shoppers.
ACT FAST - If you see a great deal, grab it. If you plan to come back later, it will probably be gone.
NEGOTIATE - It’s a flea market so don’t be afraid to make a REASONABLE offer.
EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED - Chances are good that you will find something you weren’t planning to find, so keep your eyes open.
LOOK EVERYWHERE - Even if you are looking for parts for your brand of vehicle, don’t walk past the vendor selling parts for other models or generations just because you assume there’s no way the vendor has what you want. Give their space a look too. They might not only have it, it may be cheap since it’s not what they typically sell.
USE THE CARLISLE EVENTS APP - Use the FREE Carlisle Events app to easily find your way back to a vendor (if you know the row and space). You can also use it to check activity schedules, register for other events, connect with fellow enthusiasts via social media, browse a digital copy of the event guide and more.
STAY LATE – There are always deals at Carlisle, but sometimes the best ones happen early on day 1 of a show, or late on its final day. Vendors are typically more willing to negotiate when they are packing up – especially large items.
BRING A SHOPPING LIST - Our memories aren’t as good as we think. Write it down. You can even make a list on your phone. Take pictures of what you need.
BRING A BAG, CART, ETC. - Parts will get heavy so have a way to carry your purchases. Ask the seller if you can leave heavy parts until later.
HAVE IT HAULED - Carlisle Events offers FREE* parts hauling. Keep that in mind if you’re looking at an engine, transmission, truck bed, etc.
FREE TAXI SERVICE – Need to get from point A to point B but don’t feel like walking it? Carlisle Events offers a FREE* taxi service. Dial 717-960-6429 to secure a ride.
ASK! - If someone has parts for a vehicle but not the ones you need, ask if the seller has it. It might still be in his truck or at home. Even if he doesn’t, he might know someone who does.
KNOW THE VALUE - Do some homework on the parts you’re looking for so you know if the price is a good deal.
AVOID THE CROWDS - When you arrive, go to an out-of-the-way area to start rather than following the herd.
WALK IT ALL - Don’t miss any rows. The Carlisle Fairgrounds isn’t a perfect grid so make sure you hit every row and space.
ADVERTISE - Wear a hat, shirt or signboard that spotlights what you’re looking for. It just might create a conversation, especially if what you’re searching for is obscure and/or rare.
*While parts hauling and taxi service are free, donations are graciously accepted. Donated money goes directly to the Chip Miller Amyloidosis Foundation.
Unique Show "Extras" on Carlisle Overstock Ebay Store
From Diecast to Banners and More
Are you looking for some items that you may have seen at the event? Well, we may have you covered on our eBay store, Carlisle Overstock!
Are you looking for some items that you may have seen at the event? Well, we may have you covered on our eBay store, Carlisle Overstock! Here we list any "extras" that were available at the events. Items range from special display banners and license plates to unique show diecast and stickers! You never know what you may find... If you are looking for an event t-shirt, please visit our Merchandise Partner, Green Mountain Online HERE.
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