Name: 48th Gallipolis Car Show & Retro River Fest
Start: 2026-08-08T09:00:00-04:00
End: 2026-08-08T18:00:00-04:00

About the event

48th Annual Gallipolis Car Show & Retro River Fest Saturday, August 8, 9am-6pm Join us for the 48th Annual Gallipolis Car Show & Retro River Fest, one of Ohio's longest-running and most beloved automotive events! Set against the scenic backdrop of Gallipolis City Park and the Ohio River, this show welcomes classic and modern cars, trucks, motorcycles, and Jeeps for a full day of fun, awards, and community. Registration Pre-Registration: $15 Day of Show Registration (9:00 AM-Noon): $20 The first 200 pre-registered vehicles are guaranteed a commemorative collector dash plaque. Awards Compete for 30+ awards, including: Best of Show People's Choice Specialty Awards Class Awards Event Highlights Your registration includes access to a full day of entertainment featuring: Live music throughout the day Food trucks and beer garden Retro vendors and automotive memorabilia Raffles and games Beautiful shaded park setting overlooking the Ohio River Be sure to bring your vintage style! Our popular Best Pin-Up, Retro & Rockabilly Look Contest returns this year. Dress to impress in your favorite retro attire and compete for bragging rights and prizes. Whether you're channeling the 1950s, hot rod culture, classic Americana, or another vintage era, we'd love to see your style complement your ride. Whether you're bringing a meticulously restored classic, a custom build, a muscle car, Jeep, motorcycle, or a modern favorite, you'll be part of one of the region's premier automotive traditions. We look forward to welcoming you to Historic Downtown Gallipolis on Saturday, August 8 for another unforgettable year of cars, friends, and fun!

Dates

Aug 08, 2026 · 9:00 AM - Aug 08, 2026 · 6:00 PM(GMT-04:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)

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Location

334 2nd Ave, Gallipolis, Ohio 45631, United States

Directions

Parking instructions

Free street parking for spectators. Car Show participants enter on 1st Ave at the center of the park. Vendors & Sponsors may unload inside the park then move vehicle to 2nd Ave. Food trucks will park on Court Street.

Health & safety

- Rain or Shine Event as long as weather conditions are safe - Secure all tents and items incase of windy conditions - Leave adequate room on sidewalks for two way foot traffic, wheelchairs and strollers - Please drink responsibly and within designated areas

Event highlights

FREE Pancake Breakfast & Bangers Sing Along Karaoke in The Beer Garden

Join us early for free pancakes and bacon. AM cocktails for purchase and sing along to the hits that are sure to wake you up and get you dancing bright and early.

Best Retro Look Contest

Get ready to strut your stuff at the 48th Gallipolis Car Show and Retro River Fest! 

We're calling all guys & gals to sign up for the ultimate retro/rockabilly/pinup look contest. 

This is your personal look or costume. No car necessary. 

Show off your best vintage style for a chance to win the Ginchy Dreamboat Bombshell Award and exciting prizes. 

Whether you rock a classic pinup look or a slick rockabilly vibe, this is your moment to shine! 

AWARD: In addition to the Ginchy Dreamboat Bombshell trophy and sash, the winner will be the promo image and tshirt design for next years car show. 

Not interested in competing? No problem! Come dressed in your favorite retro costume just for fun and sing along to bangers. You might even win some surprise prizes too! 

Details
- Location: Gallipolis City Park, Ohio 
- Date: Saturday, August 8th 
- Best Retro Style Contest Sign-In: 11am-Noon, in the Beer Garden 
- Contestants on the Central Supply Stage: Noon 

Preregister by filling out this application
 Can't wait to see all you cool cats and kittens there!

Artists, vendors & exhibitors applications

Interested in applying:

2 active applications

Car Show Food Truck/Food Tent Vendors

Deadline: Aug 06, 2026

Apply now

Welcome to the DRP Events food vendor signup. Fill out the following form to reserve a spot for this event. You will be directed to an interactive map to select your spot and submit payment.

Car Show General Merchandise/Artisan Vendors

Deadline: Aug 06, 2026

Apply now

Welcome to the Car Show vendor & participant signup. Vendor merchanside should be appealing to car or retro enthusiasts. Fill out the following form to reserve a spot for this event. Once your application is approved, you will be recieve an email and be directed to an interactive map to select your spot and submit payment.

Sponsors

Interested in applying:

7 active applications

2nd Place Trophies

Deadline: Aug 02, 2026

Apply now

Name will be featured on 10 trophies, event posters and social media recognition. All Sponsors are invited to have a promo tent in the park.

3rd Place Trophies

Deadline: Aug 02, 2026

Apply now

Name will be featured on 10 trophies, event posters and social media recognition. All Sponsors are invited to have a promo tent in the park.

People's Choice Award

Deadline: Aug 02, 2026

Apply now

Name will be featured on large people's choice trophy, event posters and social media recognition. All Sponsors are invited to have a promo tent in the park.

Ginchey Dreamboat Bombshell Award - Best Retro Look

Deadline: Aug 02, 2026

Apply now

Name will be featured on The Ginchey Dreamboat Bombshell Award, event posters and social media recognition. All Sponsors are invited to have a promo tent in the park.

All Day Music Sponsor

Deadline: Aug 02, 2026

Apply now

Banner on stage, shout out from on stage talent, event posters and social media. All sponsors invited to have a promo tent in the park.

Raffle Prizes Valued at $100+

Deadline: Aug 02, 2026

Apply now

Donate a raffle prize valued at $100+ Business name will be featured on posters and social media posts.

General Sponsor $100+

Deadline: Aug 02, 2026

Apply now

General Donation Sponsors of $100+ will be listed on event posters and social media posts. All sponsors invited to have promo tent in the park.

Meet our Sponsors!

Other applications

Interested in applying:

2 active applications

Best Retro, Pinup, Rockabilly Look Contestant Sign-Up

Deadline: Aug 08, 2026

Apply now

Get ready to strut your stuff at the 48th Gallipolis Car Show and Retro River Fest!

We're calling all guys & gals to sign up for the ultimate retro/rockabilly/pinup look contest.

This is your personal look or costume. No car necessary.

Show off your best vintage style for a chance to win the Ginchy Dreamboat Bombshell Award and exciting prizes. Whether you rock a classic pinup look or a slick rockabilly vibe, this is your moment to shine!

AWARD: In addition to the Ginchy Dreamboat Bombshell trophy and sash, the winner will be the promo image and tshirt design for next years car show.

Not interested in competing? No problem! Come dressed in your favorite retro costume just for fun and sing along to bangers at our FREE Pancake breakfast with morning cocktails for purchaser. You might even win some surprise prizes too!

Event Details:- Location: Gallipolis City Park, Ohio
- Date: Saturday, August 8th
- Best Retro Style Contest Sign-In: 11am-Noon, in the Beer Garden
- Contestants on the Central Supply Stage: Noon

Preregister by filling out this application

Can't wait to see all you cool cats and kittens there!

Car Show Judges

Deadline: Aug 06, 2026

Apply now

Be a judge at the 48th Gallipolis Car Show & Retro River Fest!

Cars sign-in at 9am.

Judges need to arrive by 11am but are welcome earlier to see cars arrive.

Judging starts at Noon and last until finished. Judges may leave after finished.

Awards by 5pm.

Judges must have a smart phone to scan QR codes for judging and an apprectiation and moderate knowledge of cars, trucks and /or motorcycles.

Maps