At every Kool April Nites week-long event you’ll find:
•Miles of Classic Cars •Drive-In Movie •Walk-In Movie •Poker Walk •Poker Run •Show & Shines •Cruise Night •Trophies •Food •Dyno Machine •Drag Strip •Concerts •Swap Meet •Car Corral •Awesome Merch •Raffle City •Best Swag Bags In The North State… and a whole lot more. The ultimate week for car lovers.
Kool April Nites is a non-profit organization that presents a week-long public event for classic car enthusiasts in Redding, California every April.
We’re kicking off Kool April Nites the right way with the official kickoff event, bringing together cars, music, food, family fun, and community spirit. Join us for a night featuring a car and bike show with awards, live music by Walkabout Blues, food vendors, local booths, and entertainment for all ages, all while supporting the amazing cause Ready 4 Life. Spectator admission is free, so bring the crew, bring the kids, and help us launch 10 days of Big, Loud & Proud energy. This is where it all begins, so don’t miss it.
Kool April Nites brings the chrome, color, and classic car excitement all week long with a full lineup of Show & Shine events throughout the community. With more than 50 events scheduled in 2026, there are plenty of opportunities to check out incredible cars, connect with fellow enthusiasts, visit local businesses, and enjoy the Big, Loud & Proud energy that makes Kool April Nites such a Redding tradition. Whether you’re showing off your ride or just coming out to admire the view, the week of Show & Shine car shows is the perfect way to experience the heart of the celebration.
The Kool Cruise is one of the signature highlights of Kool April Nites, bringing generations of classic cars together for an unforgettable evening on the streets. On Friday evening we shut down the roads, line them with spectators, and cruise four wide as thousands of people gather to take in the sights, sounds, and memories that make this event so special. Bring the whole family and enjoy a night filled with chrome, horsepower, community energy, and Kool Classic Cars from every era. It is a true celebration of car culture, local tradition, and Big, Loud & Proud fun.
The Big Show is one of the biggest highlights of Kool April Nites, bringing more than 2,000 cars, hot rods, trucks, and specialty vehicles together for an unforgettable Saturday. Enjoy a full day of classic cars, food, music, vendors, community spirit, and Big, Loud & Proud energy while celebrating one of the largest all-volunteer car shows on the West Coast. Volunteer-powered and community-driven, Kool April Nites shines a spotlight on local businesses, brings people together from near and far, and gives back to multiple youth charities that make a lasting impact in the community.
Kool April Nites wraps up on Sunday with a celebration of the cars, builders, owners, and volunteers who make the event unforgettable. The Circle of Champions brings together standout vehicles from the week, along with the presentation of dozens of awards honoring participants and their incredible rides. Guests can also enjoy the swap meet and car corral, where classic car parts, treasures, and cars for sale keep the Kool April Nites energy going right through the final day. It is the perfect way to close out a week filled with chrome, community, and Big, Loud & Proud tradition.
Don’t just attend, plan your entire week with our fully interactive digital magazine. Inside, you’ll find local enthusiast stories, behind-the-scenes content, and everything you need to navigate the event with ease. Every sponsor logo is clickable, making it easy to connect, call, or visit. Add events directly to your calendar, get turn-by-turn directions to every show and shine, explore Full Throttle wristband details, and discover exclusive specials, dining spots, and savings from 50+ local vendors and sponsors – all in one place.
Cruisin’ in for the show? Check out our list of local hotels and make sure you’ve got a comfy spot to park it for the night.
There’s more to Redding than hot rods and chrome! Check out all the local attractions, dining, and adventures waiting for you during Kool April Nites week.
See hundreds of photos of the cool cars from past shows. Find your car and get a print made!
Love classic cars and good vibes? Join the Kool April Nites crew! We’re looking for friendly volunteers to help keep the show running smooth and the engines roaring.
Ready to rev up your business? Learn how to become a vendor at Kool April Nites and park your brand in front of thousands of gearheads and families!