Temecula Gears Up for Annual Rod Run in Historic Old Town

Classic car enthusiasts to showcase chrome, horsepower, and nostalgia at popular event.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The City of Temecula is preparing to host its annual Rod Run event in the historic Old Town district, attracting car enthusiasts from across the region to showcase their classic and custom vehicles. The festivities will kick off on May 1 with a Friday Night Cruise, followed by a Saturday Show & Shine featuring hundreds of pristine vintage cars, hot rods, and other automotive projects.

Why it matters

The Temecula Rod Run is a long-standing tradition that celebrates the city's automotive culture and draws crowds of car enthusiasts to the historic Old Town district, providing a boost to local businesses and showcasing the community's passion for classic and custom vehicles.

The details

The Rod Run event will transform Old Town Temecula into a showcase of automotive history and craftsmanship, with hundreds of classic cars, hot rods, and other vintage vehicles on display. Attendees can expect to see a wide variety of models, including Model A's, T-buckets, T-Birds, and roadsters, as well as under-construction projects. In addition to the impressive vehicle lineup, the event will feature vendors selling merchandise, food, and refreshments.

  • The Friday Night Cruise will take place on May 1 from 5 to 8 p.m. along Old Town Front Street.
  • The Saturday Show & Shine will be held on May 2 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in historic Old Town Temecula.

The players

City of Temecula

The local government entity responsible for organizing and hosting the annual Temecula Rod Run event in the historic Old Town district.

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What’s next

The Temecula Rod Run is an annual event, so car enthusiasts can look forward to the next edition of the festivities in 2027.

The takeaway

The Temecula Rod Run is a beloved community event that celebrates the city's automotive heritage and provides a platform for car enthusiasts to showcase their prized possessions, fostering a sense of pride and camaraderie among local residents and visitors alike.