Question 1

What is the cost to register my vehicle?

Accepted Answer

Click here (https://dpcarshow25.eventbrite.com)to learn more about our registration pricing.

Tickets go on sale to the general public on April 3. 
Please note that Early Bird pricing ends on May 3, 2025 of when we sell out of our allotted Early Bird slots, whichever is first.

Early Bird Registration: $45*
General Admission: $53*
Day-of Registration: $65* (please note, this show typically sells out prior to event date and on-site registration is not guaranteed)

*denotes additional online fees charged by our online ticket processor.

Question 2

What time do cars begin checking-in to park?

Accepted Answer

Registration check-in & load-in begins at 7:30 am on Sunday, August 24, 2025.
 
Parking is first come, first serve. Parking location is assigned upon arrival. For groups and clubs, please meet and stage off-site and drive in together. 
 
The show begins and is open to the public at 10am. 
 
The show ends at 3pm - no cars are permitted to exit prior to this time.

Question 3

I'm bringing my car on a trailer - do I need to arrive earlier?

Accepted Answer

If your car is being transported via trailer, please arrive at check-in between 6:45-7:00am. 
 
Contact the Dana Point Chamber at 949-496-1555 or email CarShow@danapointchamber.com (mailto:CarShow@danapointchamber.com)for special instructions prior to the show.
 
Trailers will be parked on public streets in designated areas.

Question 4

Where is the check-in entrance located?

Accepted Answer

Check-in takes place on the corner of Violet Lantern and Del Prado. Directions and load-in info will come via email the week prior to the show - please refer to that for entrance details.

Directions:
COMING FROM THE NORTH: Take Interstate 5 South to the Highway 1/Dana Point exit. Exit on Pacific Coast Highway/Beach Cities heading north. Head north on Pacific Coast Highway. Turn left on Golden Lantern and make the immediate right on San Juan Avenue. Please note, San Juan Avenue is a street in between two main intersection lights.

COMING FROM THE SOUTH: Take Interstate 5 North to the Highway 1/Dana Point exit. Exit on Pacific Coast Highway/Beach Cities heading north. Head north on Pacific Coast Highway. Turn left on Golden Lantern and make the immediate right on San Juan Avenue. Please note, San Juan Avenue is a street in between two main intersection lights.
 
Vehicles must follow the load-in instructions. There will be no access through other side streets.

Question 5

I am involved in a car club and we all want to park in the same area - is this possible?

Accepted Answer

For clubs of 15+ cars who are interested in discussing pre-assigned lots for their car club, please reach out to the Car Show team prior to July 1 at CarShow@danapointchamber.com.(CarShow@danapointchamber.com.) (CarShow@danapointchamber.com.)Please note that space for designated Car Clubs is extremely limited.

Parking is first-come, first-served and due to the layout of the streets, we can not save spots or designate specific areas for various clubs on the day of the event. To be placed next to someone in the show, you must enter the show in line together.
 
You cannot block space next to you whilst waiting for your buddy to arrive. Spaces will not be saved by the coordinators. There is a pre-event parking area that will be provided to you just prior to the show - please wait/assemble in the waiting area until entry gates open, and to meet up with fellow club members or friends.

Question 6

How do I ensure my vehicle is eligible for an award?

Accepted Answer

All cars will receive a windshield judging card with a number on it at check-in. Cars 1989 or older are the only vehicles eligible for registration/judging in our show.
 
During online registration,(https://dpcarshow25.eventbrite.com) please indicate your award class (American or Foreign and Modified, Unmodified, or Restored).

Please make sure this card is visible for judges. Our team of judges will be moving throughout the show. Please note, judges don't look at every car as they have specific categories to judge. 
 
To be eligible for an award, your hood must be up so that the judges have visibility of your engine, etc.

Be sure to vote for the People’s Choice award at the Chamber Booth at Amber Lantern – you can even vote for your own car!

Question 7

Is it ok if the vehicle information on the registration doesn't match the vehicle I bring to the show?

Accepted Answer

No. If you need to update your registration to change your vehicle type you must contact us at carshow@danapointchamber.com(mailto:carshow@danapointchamber.com)

Question 8

What's the refund policy?

Accepted Answer

All registration & ticket sales are final. Registration/ tickets cannot be refunded unless the event is cancelled. In the event of the cancellation of an event, only a refund of the face value of the registration/ticket will be provided. Registration/ticket service fees will not be refunded. Registration/tickets will not be refunded if event is rescheduled for a future date. This registration/ticket is not redeemable for cash. Unauthorized or unlawful resale or attempted resale is grounds for seizure and cancellation without compensation. This event will be held rain or shine. Reproduction of this ticket is not permitted.

Question 9

If there is inclement weather that day and I don't want my car (or myself) to get rained on, can I get a refund?

Accepted Answer

The show goes on rain or shine! There will be no refunds.  
Come prepared if you need tarps, an umbrella or sun screen.

Question 10

Is my registration fee or ticket transferrable?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately there are no refunds given, however we will accept if you would like to transfer your registration to a friend and they can pay you for your spot and you can provide them your ticket. All monetary compensations are done amongst you and the person you're transfering to.   
 
Please contact us (mailto:carshow@danapointchamber.com)with the changes to be transferred for their information to be accurate.

Question 11

Will there be merchandise for sale?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we will have event merchandise available for purchase at the Info & Merchandise Booth at Amber Lantern. Credit card is preferred. 
 
All registered participants will receive a complimentary t-shirt. You will be provided a voucher upon check-in and can pick-up your shirt at the merch/info booth located on Amber Lantern.

Question 12

Is there food available for spectators and participants?

Accepted Answer

We have lots of great restaurants for breakfast and lunch in Dana Point along Del Prado and side streets, plus a few additional food vendors will be scattered throughout the event. Food trucks and beer gardens will also be at the event.

Question 13

How can I contact the organizer with any questions?

Accepted Answer

If you have any questions about our registration, please contact us:
By phone: 949.496.1555
By email: carshow@danapointchamber.com(mailto:carshow@danapointchamber.com)
Or reach out to us via our Contact page.(javascript:void(0))
On the day of, please visit the Info Booth located at Amber Lantern.

Question 14

Do I have to be present during the award ceremony?

Accepted Answer

Award winners do not have to be present during the ceremony, but we'd love the opportunity to recognize you. Winners, or a designated representative, need to collect their awards prior to event conclusion, as award trophies will not be mailed out. 
 
The award ceremony will take place at Amber Lantern.

Frequently Asked Questions