Recognized as one of the top cruise-ins in the nation by Chevy Classics Magazine and the Best Car Show Cruise-in in Kentucky by Kentucky Living Magazine, join us for CRUISIN' THE HEARTLAND 2026!
web videoCruisin' the Heartland 2026
Thursday, July 30, 2026 - Kick-Off Event
Friday, July 31, 2026 - Cruisin' Car Show
Saturday, August 1, 2026 - Downtown Elizabethtown event
The region's largest Cruise-in CRUISIN' THE HEARTLAND will be held on Saturday, August 1st from 8am - 5pm in historic Downtown Elizabethtown. The streets will close at 6am, so be ready to park and fill iconic 31W and Hwy 62 with the Coolest Cars around!
Don't miss thousands of cars in a full day of activities and events!
Streets close at 6am and Cruisers are invited to park along the streets and many lots in the Downtown Elizabethtown area. Make a day exploring downtown with events, shopping, games, giveaways and a free concert!
Breakfast at The State Theater
Swap Meet | Food Trucks | All Day Giveaways & GRAND PRIZES
Concert by Big Black Cadillac
feel the RUMBLE by the Straight Axel Mafia
Game Shows, Activities and LOTS OF LAUGHS on the Cruisin' Main Stage
so much to do.... so little time!
Check back for the full itinerary.
Vendors Wanted! Please click below for information. Questions? Please email priscilla.scarborough@elizabethtownky.gov or call (270)234-8258
Thursday, July 30, 2026 - Kick-Off Event
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Kick off Cruisin' the Heartland 2026 with an iconic movie event at The Historic State Theater in Downtown Elizabethtown! Bring your show car and join us for a special showing of AMERICAN GRAFFITI (1973) Tickets are only $5 and include admission, regular fountain drink & small popcorn. Advance purchase tickets will become available June 1, 2026 American Graffiti (1973) | Thursday, July 30, 2026 | 7:00pm Doors open at 6pm. Additional concession items will be available for purchase. |
Friday, July 31, 2026 - Cruisin' Car Show
| You don't want to miss the exciting competition! The Cruisin' the Heartland Car Show is an open show that will feature vehicles of all makes, models & years. Winners compete for Trophies & Cash Prizes including BEST IN SHOW | SPONSOR'S CHOICE | MAYOR'S CHOICE and ELITE 20 for those placing in the top 20th by score. FREE CONCERT featuring CARIBOU | FOOD VENDORS | LAWN GAMES | ALL-DAY DOORS PRIZES Early Bird Discount Car Show registration is $15 and is going on until Thursday, July 30th at noon. After then, all registration will be $20 and payable at gate. SPECTATOR PARKING AND ADMISSION IS FREE! Freeman Lake Park | 210 Blue Heron Way | Elizabethtown, KY 2:00-6:00pm After the show, join us as we CRUISE around historic Downtown Elizabethtown! |
![]() CLICK HERE FOR EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION |
Saturday, August 1, 2026 - Downtown Elizabethtown event
The region's largest Cruise-in CRUISIN' THE HEARTLAND will be held on Saturday, August 1st from 8am - 5pm in historic Downtown Elizabethtown. The streets will close at 6am, so be ready to park and fill iconic 31W and Hwy 62 with the Coolest Cars around!Don't miss thousands of cars in a full day of activities and events!
Streets close at 6am and Cruisers are invited to park along the streets and many lots in the Downtown Elizabethtown area. Make a day exploring downtown with events, shopping, games, giveaways and a free concert!
Breakfast at The State Theater
Swap Meet | Food Trucks | All Day Giveaways & GRAND PRIZES
Concert by Big Black Cadillac
feel the RUMBLE by the Straight Axel Mafia
Game Shows, Activities and LOTS OF LAUGHS on the Cruisin' Main Stage
so much to do.... so little time!
Check back for the full itinerary.
Vendors Wanted! Please click below for information. Questions? Please email priscilla.scarborough@elizabethtownky.gov or call (270)234-8258
| Swap Meet Vendor Rules/Guidelines Swap Meet Vendor Application |
Food Vendor Rules/Guidelines Food Vendor Application |


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