Syracuse Nationals
Get ready for horsepower, chrome, and classic American style at the 2025 Syracuse Nationals, one of the biggest car shows in the Northeast.
What are the Syracuse Nationals?
Held each July at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse, this massive weekend-long event draws more than 90,000 spectators and showcases over 8,000 custom and classic cars, hot rods, muscle cars, and vintage trucks from across the country. The 2025 Syracuse Nationals will take place July 18–20, offering family-friendly entertainment, world-class vehicles, celebrity guests, vendors, live music, and more across 365 acres of festival space.
Presented by PPG, the Syracuse Nationals brings together hot rods, muscle cars, street rods, antiques, trucks, and custom builds from across the U.S. and Canada. Whether you’re a serious collector or a casual enthusiast, this event offers something for everyone
What to expect at Syracuse Nationals
If you love cars, this is your dream weekend. The show includes thousands of pre-1993 vehicles, including:
Restored classics
One-of-a-kind customs
American muscle cars
Rat rods
Street rods
Vintage pickups
From pristine antiques to wild modern builds, every corner of the fairgrounds is filled with automotive history and creativity.
Vehicles are judged in a variety of categories, and awards are given out daily—including the prestigious “Winfield Award” presented by legendary custom car builder Gene Winfield.
Live Entertainment & Special Events
Beyond the cars, the Syracuse Nationals is a full-blown summer festival with live music, burnouts, giveaways, and fun for the whole family. Past features have included:
Live rock and rockabilly bands
Pin-up girl contests
Model car competitions
Builder showcases and celebrity appearances
Tattoo and art pavilions
Swap meets and vendor markets
Kids can enjoy dedicated play zones, while gearheads can chat with top builders and browse parts and accessories at the massive vendor marketplace.
Tickets and Event Info
The Syracuse Nationals 2025 takes place Friday, July 18 through Sunday, July 20. Tickets are available online and at the gate, with early-bird and discounted multi-day passes available. Children 12 and under are free with a paid adult, and on-site parking is available for general attendees and exhibitors.
Want the VIP treatment? Packages include premium parking, early access, hospitality tents, and more.
Purchase tickets here.
Take Amtrak to Syracuse Nationals
For Directions to Syracuse Station, click below.
Attend this car show experience via Amtrak to the Syracuse Station in Syracuse—Don’t forget to use the Amtrak See New York and Save 15% discount!
Get picked up from Syracuse Station and taken to your reserved NYTRAINEnterprise Rent-a-Car. Click here to reserve your car or call the Syracuse office today at 315-423-0022.
