PORT COQUITLAM, B.C. — Auto enthusiasts and community members can officially secure their spots for one of British Columbia’s largest outdoor automotive events, as registration is now open for the 2026 Downtown Port Coquitlam Car Show.

Returning for its 21st year, the highly anticipated two-day festival will take place on the weekend of August 15 and 16, 2026. Organizers are urging owners of classic, custom, and specialty vehicles to register early to guarantee their participation in an event that reliably transforms the city's downtown core into a massive celebration of automotive history and culture.

The festivities will kick off on Saturday, August 15, with the 12th Annual Car Cruise and BBQ. Registered participants will be treated to a BBQ dinner before embarking on a two-hour community cruise from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. An estimated 5,000 spectators are expected to line the cruise route with lawn chairs and blankets to watch the procession of classic cars roll through the city streets.

The main event follows on Sunday, August 16, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Upwards of 70,000 visitors are projected to descend upon downtown Port Coquitlam to view more than 400 pristine vehicles on display. Beyond the impressive array of cars, Sunday's lineup features a full schedule of family-friendly entertainment, including a sprawling Kids Zone, community vendors, a beverage garden, and continuous live music on the main stage that will run late into the evening.

While the atmosphere is designed to be festive, event organizers are reminding all cruise and show participants that safety remains the top priority. The Port Coquitlam Car Show Committee has issued a strict zero-tolerance policy for burnouts and irresponsible driving. Local bylaw officers will be actively monitoring the routes, and anyone caught engaging in dangerous driving will face fines and be permanently banned from future shows.

A staple of the Tri-Cities summer calendar, the Downtown Port Coquitlam Car Show has been a 100 percent volunteer-led initiative for over two decades. All proceeds generated over the weekend are reinvested directly into the community, supporting various local charities, clubs, and initiatives, including the Port Coquitlam Firefighters' Charitable Society, the Port Coquitlam Community Foundation, and local youth sports teams.

Sponsorship packages are also currently available for businesses looking to gain exposure among the massive crowds.

Vehicle owners wishing to register, or residents looking for route maps and road closure schedules, can find full event details online at pococarshow.ca.