Fort Wayne's Rod and Custom Show Celebrates Classic Cars and Family Ties

Annual event showcases vintage vehicles and personal stories from the local community.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 2:22am

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The Fort Wayne Rod and Custom Show, a highly anticipated annual event, is currently underway in the city, running from March 28th through March 29th. The show features an impressive display of classic cars, hot rods, and custom-built vehicles, drawing enthusiasts from across the region to admire the craftsmanship and share their own family stories connected to these beloved automobiles.

Why it matters

The Fort Wayne Rod and Custom Show is a beloved community tradition that celebrates the city's rich automotive heritage and the personal connections people have to classic cars. As larger dealerships and big-box stores continue to reshape the retail landscape, events like this help preserve local culture and provide a platform for car enthusiasts to connect with one another.

The details

The show features hundreds of vintage vehicles, ranging from meticulously restored muscle cars to one-of-a-kind custom builds. Attendees can not only admire the cars but also engage with the owners, who are often eager to share the personal histories and family stories behind their prized possessions. The event also includes vendor booths, live music, and activities for all ages, creating a festive atmosphere that brings the community together around a shared passion for automotive history and culture.

  • The Fort Wayne Rod and Custom Show runs from March 28th through March 29th, 2026.
  • The annual event has been a fixture in the city for decades, drawing crowds each spring.

The players

Fort Wayne Rod and Custom Show

A long-running annual event in Fort Wayne, Indiana that showcases classic cars, hot rods, and custom-built vehicles from the local community and beyond.

La'Quan Richardson

A multimedia journalist who recently joined the FOX 55 News team in Fort Wayne, Indiana and is focused on delivering fair and accurate reporting for the region.

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What they’re saying

“The Fort Wayne Rod and Custom Show is a true celebration of our city's automotive heritage and the personal stories that make these cars so special to their owners.”

— La'Quan Richardson, Multimedia Journalist

The takeaway

Events like the Fort Wayne Rod and Custom Show help preserve the local culture and community connections that are often threatened by the rise of larger retail chains and impersonal shopping experiences. By providing a platform for car enthusiasts to share their passions and personal histories, the show strengthens the bonds within the city and celebrates the enduring appeal of classic automobiles.