Residents of Auburn and surrounding communities gathered at Muckleshoot Casino Resort over Labor Day weekend for the second annual Hot Rod & Custom Car Show. The two‑day event, held September 6‑7, showcased over 300 vehicles ranging from classic Ford Mustangs to modern Dodge Chargers, drawing car lovers from across the region.
Event Details and Attendance
Visitors walked the outdoor parking lots and the casino’s garage, peering closely at the impressive lineup of hot rods, custom builds, and restored classics. With the main casino entrance closed for the show, traffic backed up along Auburn Way South, prompting many attendees to park in nearby lots before heading to the display area.
Admission to the car show was free, and the venue offered ample parking options, including a garage and an outdoor lot that remained open for those not seeking a vehicle up close. The event’s family‑friendly atmosphere was enhanced by a beer garden, food vendors, and a variety of on‑site attractions.
Award Competition and Cash Prizes
The show featured more than 230 awards, with $4,000 in cash prizes distributed across a range of categories. Sixty‑five of the awards were class‑specific recognitions, while the coveted “Best of Show” award carried a $1,500 prize. Additional honors included “Best of Show Casino Pick” ($1,000) and “Best of Show Car” ($250). A special “Jay Leno Pick” winner was also announced, reflecting the comedian’s involvement in the event.
Entry fees for participating vehicles were $45, and the competition ran from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day. The prize structure encouraged both seasoned builders and newcomers to showcase their craftsmanship.
Entertainment Highlights
Beyond the automotive displays, the weekend featured a lineup of entertainment. On Sunday, comedian and renowned car collector Jay Leno performed a ticketed show at the casino’s Events Center, sharing stories and humor with a live audience. Leno, who maintains a collection of nearly 200 vehicles in Burbank, California, added star power to the local celebration.
Additional daily entertainment included an Elvis impersonator competition on Sunday, where the winner received a $2,000 cash prize, and a Pepsi Pinup Contest vintage calendar competition on Monday, awarding $1,500 to the top entry. The opening ceremony featured ten skydivers dressed as Elvis, adding a dramatic flair to the festivities.
Looking Ahead
Muckleshoot Casino Resort has already announced a third annual car show slated for the Sunday and Monday of Labor Day weekend in 2027, promising to build on the success of this year’s event. Organizers hope the growing popularity of the show will continue to draw automotive enthusiasts, families, and tourists to Auburn, supporting local businesses and the regional economy.
Overall, the Hot Rod & Custom Car Show provided a vibrant, community‑focused weekend that celebrated automotive culture, offered substantial prizes for participants, and delivered entertaining performances for attendees of all ages.
Original reporting: Renton Reporter — read the source article.
