When May rolls around in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, there are a few givens - the grass (and leaves) pop to a certain shade of green, and cars from around the world flock to the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds for the popular Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals car show.  This year, a NEW Showfield record of 2,288 was set, marking the third such time this has happened in the last four years and topping the previous mark of 2,195.  The cars, the people, and the excitement showed up and showed out for two perfect weather days, May 15-16, 2026.

Sunshine helps make any car show good, but cool cars and a passionate enthusiast base can take good and make it great, which was the case at Carlisle.  With sunny skies and temps in the 70s both days, the international gallery of vehicles beamed, while showgoers traversed the automotive world with cameras in hand.

Speaking of special displays, Building T was bustling non-stop with a trio of themes.  This included a showcase of vehicles from around the world, a 100 Years of Maserati display, and a Supercar Showdown.  In fact, there were Supercars in both Building T and Y.  In addition to these great rides on the east side of the grounds, Building R on the west side hosted the popular Race Car Paddock. 

In between those amazing display buildings was the Showfield and this year, it spotlighted the best rides emanating from more than a half dozen countries.  Leading the way was Sweden and its throngs of SAABs and Volvos.  In addition, Germany, France, England, Japan, Korea, and the United States were also front and center.  At every turn, there were cars that most guests only see once a year and in one place; Carlisle!

Speaking of turns, the Carlisle track and adjacent rows had their fair share of lefts and rights as the wheels went in motion.  There were pop-up, on-grounds parades, drifting and autocross hosted by NICOClub, a low car limbo, drift limbo, rolling burnout and donut contest, and even a rolling exhaust contest.  Guests lined up rows deep in some cases to see cars from the Showfield compete, much to the delight of their fellow enthusiasts and participants too.

There was even parts shopping within the automotive flea market and family fun too.  It really was the perfect weekend and it was all powered by a passionate enthusiast base that, in some cases, more than a year ago, decided that Carlisle was their vacation destination for something that’s more than just a car show! 

While the 2026 event is in the books, planning is already underway for 2027. Mark your calendars for May 14–15, 2027, as the Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals return with even more of what you love—Race Car Paddock, passport fun, special displays, an international automotive showcase, and all the high-energy action that gives this event its international flair.  Call 717-243-7855 to register for 2027 or visit CarlisleEvents.com for details, spectator admission, and more.

2026 marks the 60th anniversary of the introduction of Ford’s legendary off-road thoroughbred: the Ford Bronco and it’s fitting that you’ll find over 60 extraordinary Broncos celebrating the Bronco’s history on feature displays this year at the Carlisle Ford Nationals.  Ford weekend is June 5-7 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds and the Bronco honors will no doubt be epic for all in attendance.

First, a little history.  The Bronco was introduced for the 1966 model year as a competitor to the Jeep CJ-5 and the International Scout.  With several key features differentiating it from the competition (including a V8 engine introduced mid-year ’66), the Bronco soon became a favorite of foresters, service station owners, hunters, and families in need of a capable second car.  Each succeeding generation gained more luxury, comfort, and performance, adapting to Americans’ changing tastes.

For three great days in Carlisle, the collection of Broncos assembled for the Carlisle Ford Nationals are some of the most iconic Broncos from throughout the Bronco’s 60-year history and represent a rare opportunity to see so many vehicles in one location.

All three body styles (roadster, half cab, wagon) of the 66-77 Early Bronco are represented along with unique and rare versions including several military Broncos, a Bronco used for security at Nixon’s “Western White House,” and the “Boss Bronco” concept assembled by Kar-Kraft; Ford’s legendary skunkworks shop.

Examples from each of the Bronco’s six generations are planned too, including the Bronco II and Bronco Sport.  Numerous examples from the sixth-generation Broncos, including First Edition, Bronco Raptor, Heritage Limited, Stroppe, and 60th Anniversary editions are also coming to Carlisle.  Ford’s 60th Anniversary 6G U13 concept is also making a special appearance at the show and will be a must-see addition to an already amazing roster of vehicles. 

Racing has always been a large part of the Bronco’s legacy and the group of race-prepared Broncos coming are considered some of the most influential builds.  This includes the 1968 Baja 1000 winning Bronco once driven by Al and Bobby Unser, the 1969 Mexican 1000 overall winning Bronco driven by Baja legend Rod Hall, and a Stroppe Baja Bronco that raced in the 1971 Baja 500 towing a travel trailer driven by Carl Jackson.  Carl will also be one of a few special guests in attendance.  Late model racers are well-represented too, with a Bronco DR (one of only 50 built) and the Liberty Firearms Institute 6G Bronco Raptor, fresh off a finish at NORRA’s Baja event a few weeks ago.  Several local and regional mud racers, dirt drag racers, and rock crawlers will also be shown, as well as an early Bronco that raced in this year's King of the Hammers in California.  All of this perfectly represents the Bronco’s versatility in competitive events.

Bronco’s strong heritage as both a utility vehicle and an outdoors adventure rig are represented by a 5th generation Bronco used by the U.S. Forest Service along with a service station Bronco, a game warden’s truck, and a couple Broncos with pop-top campers and rooftop tents on them.  Beyond that, three Broncos, all at least 55 years old, that have traveled with their current owners throughout the 48 contiguous United States (one of which has been to all 50 states, down through Baja and even above the Arctic Circle) are included in another exhibit showcasing the Bronco’s durability.

Other special guests include Joel Silverstein, who, like Carl Jackson, raced Broncos for Team Stroppe, and Todd Zuercher who has also raced Broncos in Baja and is widely known in the Bronco community as the leading historian on the evolution of the Bronco, and the author of “A History of Ford’s Legendary 4x4 Ford Bronco.”  With over 300 Broncos registered to attend, the display here at the Carlisle Ford Nationals gives attendees a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see a wide variety of the trucks that have forged Bronco’s reputation as a legendary 4x4.

Gates open at 7 AM each day and kids 12 and under are admitted FREE, while students 13+ are admitted for just $5 (with valid in-person ID).  A military discount is also available with valid ID for in-person purchases only.  Complete details about the 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals, including information on how to become a vendor, register for the Showfield, apply for display consideration, engage with an event activity, or simply purchase discounted spectator admission tickets, can be found at CarlisleEvents.com.