HEROES & HOT RODS
November 8th, 2025
In Bastrop, Texas, we hold our veterans in the highest regard. That's why we host the annual Bastrop Veterans Weekend Cruise-In, Veterans Tribute Ceremony, and Car Show, a beloved tradition that brings the community together to celebrate our heroes. Cruise down historic Main Street and admire classic cars, or join the Veterans Tribute Ceremony for a heartwarming commemoration.
​
The Veteran's Weekend "Heroes & Hot Rods" Car Show is a popular automotive event. In 2024 we had approximately 400 vehicles on the car show field, with an estimated 4,000 to 5,000 attending the event, over the weekend, as spectators. 2024 will be the 18th year for the car show and Veterans’ tribute event!
The Bastrop Area Cruisers car club is proud to facilitate the veterans weekend car show event. Along with the Saturday car show there is a Veterans’ Tribute ceremony honoring those who have served or are currently serving our country in the military. On the Friday night before the car show there will be a Cruise-In on Main Street in Downtown Bastrop. The City of Bastrop, VisitBastrop.com, and many Bastrop businesses strongly support this event and welcome all visitors to our historic downtown and surrounding areas.
Well over 75% of the proceeds from the event go primarily to many local & central Texas Veteran support organizations. The remainder goes to automotive technology scholarships for several Bastrop County high schools and to other local charities (food pantries, homeless resources, children’s organizations, etc.).
Please check out VisitBastrop.com to see other activities in the area.
.jpg)
Book your hotel room now!
We have reserved blocks of rooms at the following hotels right here in Bastrop.
Hampton Inn
Best Western
Quality Inn
Holiday Inn Express
Comfort Suites
​
Bastrop Area Cruisers 19th Annual "Heroes & Hot Rods" Veterans Weekend Car Show & Events Info. We are looking forward to meeting you and your special vehicle as our guests in Bastrop!
Friday, November 7
Festivities begin on Friday evening AT 5PM with the Cruise-In on Historic Main Street in Downtown Bastrop, TX. Come hang out as we watch classic cars roll into town. This is a great opportunity to snag photos of your favorite car and talk to the fine folks displaying them.
5PM - 9PM | Cruise-In Begins, Downtown Bastrop
*Parking on Main Street & surrounding areas reserved exclusively for registered car show participants until 9PM
Saturday, November 8
Saturday's Car Show begins bright and early AT 7:30AM. This event is expected to attract 400 cars to be displayed along our historic downtown Main Street, side streets & parking lots.
*Please note, you must pre-register in advance of the car show. There is NO day-of-event registration.
7:30AM | Veteran's Day Car Show Gates Open | Check-In and Parking Begins
10AM | Car Show Vehicle Check-in & Parking Ends
10:30AM | Veterans Tribute March on Main Street
*ALL military are welcome to join in the Veteran's March. To be part of this special event, please gather at
10:30AM in front of the Bastrop Post Office, 1106 Main Street, Bastrop, TX 78602
11AM | Veteran's Day Tribute and Ceremony | Bastrop County Courthouse Gazebo (804 Pecan Street)
1 PM | Silent Auction Closes Don't miss the amazing World War II and Camp Swift Exhibits!
​
Judging Guidelines:
All registered vehicles will be judged using a 70-point scoring system. To ensure fairness, a team of two judges will evaluate each class between 10:00 AM and 1:30 PM.
​
Judging Decisions:
All judging decisions are final. A business card placed under your driver's side windshield wiper or on the dashboard signifies your car has been judged
For Optimal Judging:
To ensure our judges can effectively evaluate all vehicles, please ensure the following:
-
Clearly Display Your Placard: Place your placard prominently on the driver's side window or dashboard for easy visibility.
-
Open the Hood and Trunk: Provide full access to the engine bay and trunk for thorough inspection.
-
Lower the Windows: Allow judges a clear view of the interior by lowering at least one side window, preferably both.
For Your Information:
To ensure a fair playing field, we won't judge build photos/books, props/display items, or previous awards. However, feel free to showcase them!
​
EXTERIOR (Maximum Points 25)
Body – Panel Fit, Dents, Waves, and Evident Repairs
Paint Quality – Smoothness Lack of; Scratches, Nicks, and Orange Peel
Condition of Bright Work & Glass, Trim, Door Handles, and Moldings
Tires, Wheels, or Hub Caps – Matching, Condition, Detail, and Wear
Overall Appearance – Cleanliness, Detail, and Quality of Workmanship
INTERIOR (Maximum Points 25)
Hardware – Dash, Instruments, Console, Steering Wheel, Etc.
Upholstery – Seats, Door Panels, Headliner, Etc.
Carpet, Mats, and Floor Treatments
Trunk/Cargo Area – Cleanliness, Detail, and Spare Tire
Overall Appearance - Cleanliness, Detail, and Quality of Workmanship
ENGINE (Maximum Points 20)
Cleanliness – No Oil, Water Spots, Debris, Rust, Etc.
Paint – Engine, Firewall, Fenders
Assembly - Detail in Plumbing & Wiring Routing
Overall Appearance – Cleanliness, Detail, and Quality of Workmanship
​
Award Ceremony:
Get ready to celebrate! Award presentations will begin around 3:00 PM in front of the Bastrop Museum & Visitor Center (Main St and Pine St). We'll recognize winners in each class (depending on the number of entries) and present special awards like Best in Show, Best Paint, Best Interior, Best Engine, and more. This includes the Presidential Sponsor's Choice, Veterans' Choice, and crowd favorites for Chevrolet, Mopar, and Ford. Vehicles can win within their class and one "Best Of" award, but not multiple "Best Of" awards.
Note: The Bastrop Area Cruisers Club vehicles are on “display only” in a designated club area. We encourage every car show participant to cast a vote on your favorite BAC choice using the ballot given to you at check in.