Home » Business of Interest » Syracuse Nationals

Syracuse Nationals

The NAPA Auto Parts Syracuse Nationals

Get ready to rev your engines – Central New York’s biggest summer celebration is back and bigger than ever. The NAPA Auto Parts Syracuse Nationals returns to the New York State Fairgrounds July 18–20 for its 25th anniversary, bringing with it over 7,000 stunning vehicles, 300+ vendors, and a jam-packed weekend of entertainment, celebrity appearances, and automotive excitement.

Hours:

Friday & Saturday: 8:00am – 6:00pm
Sunday: 8:00am – 3:00pm
Kids 12 & under are free!

Dubbed the largest car show in the Northeast, the Nationals attracts thousands of enthusiasts from across the country – and even caught the attention of the hit MotorTrend TV series Bitchin’ Rides. The May 28th episode of the current season featured the Syracuse Nationals front and center, with renowned custom car builder Dave Kindig and partner KevDog spotlighting the show and its passionate community.

This year, fans will have a chance to meet a star-studded lineup including:

Danny “The Count” Koker (Counting Cars) and band Count 77
Candy Clark
Ed Beard, fantasy artist known for Dungeons & Dragons
Horny Mike, Ryan Evans, and Ghetto Bob (Counting Cars)
Shellie Stewart, NASCAR driver

From classics and muscle cars to lowriders, hot rods, and mini builds, the show offers something for every car lover. As Ed Levine, co-owner of the Syracuse Nationals, notes:

“There are shows around the country that focus on just one element – C10 trucks, swap meets, or rockabilly cars. We’ve brought all those experiences together into one massive, unforgettable event.”

The team behind the Syracuse Nationals have spent years curating the best automotive culture from coast to coast – and it shows.

With attractions like:

Nitro Row
Sparky’s Rockabilly Roundup
Modern Muscle Elite
Mini Nationals
Lowrider Experience
Memories on Main Street
C10 Invasion
The Signature Showcase
Pinewood Derby
Dyno Challenge
The American Motor Drome Company’s Wall of Death
Participant’s Picnic
Swap Meet & Car Corral
Burnout Nationals (offsite at ESTA Dragstrip, July 19 at 5 p.m.)

Plus, there’s the crowd-favorite Pin-Up Girl Contest with cash prizes, a visit from Buffalo Bills’ Dion Dawkins of Shnow Motorsports – drifting on the micro track – and the return of the Charity Brushfest, benefiting the Ronald McDonald House, where world-class pinstripers and lettering artists will be in action.

And the fun doesn’t stop with cars. Enjoy live music, celebrity panels, games, family-friendly activities, and fireworks lighting up the Saturday night sky.

New this year: The “Explore NY” guide on the Syracuse Nationals website, helping out-of-town guests discover local attractions, day trips, and regional gems across Upstate New York.

With so much to see and do, many visitors camp out for the weekend to soak in the full experience. Whether you’re a die-hard gearhead, a casual admirer, or just looking for one of summer’s best events – the Syracuse Nationals delivers the ride of a lifetime.

For tickets, full schedules, and more, visit syracusenationals.com

The NAPA Auto Parts Syracuse Nationals Rolls into Its 25th Year

July 18–20, 2025 | NYS Fairgrounds

Presented by the Maguire Family of Dealerships and Sweet Grass