A Weekend of Classic Cars and Mountain Cruises Hits Eureka Springs

Tight mountain roads wind through historic downtown streets, and this year enough horsepower rolls through to rattle every storefront window. This is the 55th year for one of the Ozarks’ classic car traditions.

THE DEETS

Dinner and a Sunset Send-Off Kicks Off Friday Night

Dinner starts at 5 p.m. at the Great Hall Buffet at The Great Passion Play, where a lineup of classic cars parks outside for browsing while you eat. The buffet is open to the public, and event participants get a group discount. At 6:20 p.m., you’ll hit the road for a sunset cruise to Beaver Dam through the cooling Ozark evening.

Saturday Rolls In With a Show and Shine

There are no judges and no trophies here, just rows of classic cars and the people who love them. Starting at 8 a.m., you can walk the lot at Pine Mountain Village and talk with the owners about their rides.

Historic Downtown Turns Into a Parade Route

At 11 a.m., you’ll leave from there for an escorted cruise through the Upper Historic Loop, down Spring Street, and up Main Street to the top of Planer Hill. Locals and visitors will line the balconies, sidewalks, storefronts, and patios to cheer you on.

Outlaws Take Over Downtown at High Noon

Right after the parade, at noon, you’ll watch downtown Eureka Springs turn into the set of an old western with a bank robbery reenactment, one of the town’s more surprising traditions. After that, lunch is on your own. Eureka Springs offers no shortage of restaurants and cafes before the afternoon cruises head out.

Take the Scenic Route, Roaring River or War Eagle Mill

The afternoon splits into two routes, and you get to pick. Depart at 2 p.m. for Roaring River, where the road crosses into Missouri past curves and overlooks, or depart at 2:30 p.m. for War Eagle Mill, a longtime Ozark landmark.

Van Buren Revs Up for the Night’s Final Cruise

From 6 to 9 p.m., you can cruise a three-mile loop along Highway 62 between Ridgeview Drive and Glenn Avenue. Lawn chairs line the roadside as engines hum well into the evening.

Pauly’s Burgers is handing out free gelato to participants after the parade with the purchase of a Burger, Fries, and Drink meal deal, though the offer expires 9/20/26, so don’t wait too long to cash in.