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Olympic Car Show | Lake Placid | September 5-6, 2026


  • Olympic Oval 2634 Main Street Lake Placid, New York, 12946 United States (map)

Classic Cars Take Over Lake Placid’s Olympic Oval Labor Day Weekend

Classic car show labor day weekend lake placid.

Classic car show in Lake Placid.

There are few places where a vintage Corvette, a muscle car and a meticulously polished cruiser can park on the same ground where Olympic speed skaters once chased medals.

On Sunday, September 6, the 44th Annual Olympic Car Show returns to the Olympic Speed Skating Oval in Lake Placid, bringing an all-years, all-makes-and-models car show to one of the Adirondacks’ most recognizable sporting venues.

Presented by the Lake Placid Ski Club, the Labor Day Weekend tradition actually gets rolling Saturday evening with Cruise Nite, giving participants a chance to meet, eat and put those lovingly maintained machines where they belong: on the road.

Want more worthwhile stops for an Adirondack weekend? In Good Taste delivers a hand-picked mix of food, stories and events every week.

Cruise Nite gets Lake Placid’s Labor Day weekend rolling.

Saturday, September 5, registered car-show participants can gather from 6 pm – 9 pm for a Hot Dog BBQ Park and Meet. Organizers have not yet announced the 2026 location, so participants should check the event’s Facebook page before heading out.

At 8 pm, the cars take to the streets for a cruise down Lake Placid’s Main Street and around the lake. The evening is included with Sunday’s car-show registration.

It is also one of the weekend’s best opportunities to see these cars in motion rather than simply admire what is under their hoods.

Classic cars on display at Lake Placid Olympic Car show.

Classic cars on the Olympic Oval in Lake Placid.

The Olympic Car Show takes over the Speed Skating Oval.

On Sunday, September 6, vehicle check-in runs from 9:30 am – 10:45 am at the Olympic Speed Skating Oval. The show opens at 11 am and continues until 4 pm, when the awards are presented.

Unlike many traditional car shows, the Olympic Car Show does not divide vehicles into classes. Cars are parked on the oval in order of arrival, creating an eclectic lineup that can put decades of automotive design practically bumper to bumper.

The show welcomes all years, makes and models, which is part of its charm. Visitors need not know a carburetor from a catalytic converter to appreciate the chrome, paint, craftsmanship and unmistakable rumble surrounding the oval.

Awards bring some friendly competition to the Adirondacks.

Owners have plenty to compete for. Awards include Top 25 plaques; cash and trophies for the Top 3 Best of Show; trophies for Participant’s Choice and Spectator’s Choice; and a Club Participation plaque.

Then there is the Muffler Rap, with plaques recognizing Big Block, Small Block and Tuner entries. Subtle it is not. That, naturally, is rather the point.

Spectators also get a say through the Spectator’s Choice awards, making this more than a walk-and-look affair.

ADK Taste pick.

The Saturday evening cruise is worth watching even for visitors who are not entering a vehicle. Classic cars cruising through the heart of Lake Placid, with Mirror Lake and the High Peaks nearby, give the weekend a distinctly Adirondack sense of place.

Lake Placid Ski Club's annual Car Show on Labor Day weekend.

ADK Taste recommendation.

Arrive before the Sunday show gets fully underway. Earlier visitors can watch the oval fill with cars and have more breathing room for inspecting details and talking with owners. Anyone coming primarily for the atmosphere should stay through the afternoon—the awards begin at 4 pm.

Because the show takes place rain or shine, keep an eye on the forecast and dress accordingly.

Olympic Car Show details.

Saturday, September 5: Cruise Nite, 6 pm – 9 pm; Main Street and lake cruise at 8 pm

Sunday, September 6: Check-in, 9:30 am – 10:45 am; car show, 11 am – 4 pm; awards at 4 pm

Location: Olympic Speed Skating Oval, 2634 Main Street, Lake Placid, NY

Vehicle registration: $35 at the gate; no refunds

Weather: Rain or shine

Information: olympiccarshow@gmail.com

Organizers recommend checking the Olympic Car Show Facebook page for updates, particularly the 2026 Cruise Nite location.

For travelers spending Labor Day Weekend in Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, Keene and the surrounding High Peaks, the Olympic Car Show offers an easy detour into Adirondack car culture—with one very Olympic parking lot.

Looking for more reasons to get out and explore? Subscribe to In Good Taste, ADK Taste’s weekly guide to noteworthy Adirondack food, stories and events.

2026 Olympic Car Show FAQ.

When is the 2026 Olympic Car Show in Lake Placid?‍ ‍

The 44th Annual Olympic Car Show takes place Sunday, September 6, 2026, with Cruise Nite on Saturday, September 5.

Where is the Olympic Car Show held?‍ ‍

Sunday’s show is held at the Olympic Speed Skating Oval at 2634 Main Street in Lake Placid.

What time is the Lake Placid Olympic Car Show?‍ ‍

Vehicle check-in runs from 9:30 am – 10:45 am. The car show runs from 11 am – 4 pm, followed by awards at 4 pm.

What kinds of cars can enter?‍ ‍

The show is open to all years, makes and models. Vehicles are not divided into traditional classes.

How much does it cost to register a car?‍ ‍

At-gate registration is $35. The event has a no-refund policy and takes place rain or shine.

Where can visitors find event updates?‍ ‍

Check the official Olympic Car Show Facebook page for the latest information, including updates about Saturday evening’s Cruise Nite location.


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