Carlisle Events officially opened its 2026 event season January 16–18 with Auto Mania at the Allentown Fairgrounds, once again proving why the annual indoor automotive flea market remains a winter staple for enthusiasts throughout the Northeast.  Despite periods of snowfall during the weekend, the all-weather nature of the event ensured that buyers and sellers alike continued to turn out to find exactly what they were looking for.

Held within the heated Agri-Plex building and supported by additional outdoor vendor areas, Auto Mania welcomed thousands of guests who were eager to shake off the winter blues and get back to buying, selling, trading, and talking all things automotive. Vendors filled two indoor halls with car parts, collectibles, automobilia, memorabilia, tools, apparel, and more, while outdoor spaces and the car corral added to the diverse footprint of the event.

From the moment doors opened Friday afternoon, it was clear that demand remained strong for this long-running January tradition. Shoppers browsed aisle after aisle in search of restoration parts, project pieces, vintage signage, literature, and unique finds, while vendors reported steady traffic throughout the weekend. Snowfall outside did little to slow the pace inside, where heat, camaraderie, and deal-making kept energy levels high.

As is often the case, Saturday was a popular show day. With full show hours from 9 AM to 6 PM, guests packed the aisles, and reconnected with familiar faces. Sunday offered a final opportunity for last-minute deals and conversations before vendors began load-out and attendees turned their attention toward the upcoming spring car show season.

Adding to the community-focused spirit of the weekend, members of the Lehigh Valley Lions Club volunteered their time at the gates on Friday and Saturday, greeting guests and soliciting donations to support the organization’s various charitable initiatives. Their presence and dedication were warmly received and appreciated by both attendees and event staff.  In fact, they received nearly $1,200 in donations from guests as they walked into the building.

With Auto Mania 2026 officially in the books, Carlisle Events now turns its attention to Spring Carlisle, scheduled for April 22-26 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds. The five-day event will once again feature one of the largest automotive flea markets in the world, a car corral, and a two-day collector car auction powered by Carlisle Auctions (April 23-24) at the neighboring Carlisle Expo Center.

Complete details on upcoming events, including Spring Carlisle and the full 2026 schedule, are available at CarlisleEvents.com. Auction information, including consignments and bidder registration, can be found at CarlisleAuctions.com.

We’ve all been there, one day you are working in your garage or washing your car to get ready for a car show, fun run, or your local cruise night.  You are so excited to connect with your friends at the event or just go out and have some spirited safe fun with it.  Out of the corner of your eye you’ve noticed that a neighborhood kid is making multiple passes up the sidewalk checking out your ride.  Maybe that kid has come up into your driveway to try and catch a better glimpse of your car.  Did you know that at that point, you may have been the make or break jumping off point for that kid in the car hobby?  That critical moment could be the making of the next Chip Foose or Dave Kindig.  Maybe he or she is the next master tech at your local dealership.  Or maybe a future one-of-us that doesn’t wrench on cars every day professionally but will have passion for the freedom provided by this awesome hobby.  In that scenario, how did you respond?  Did you shoo that kid away or did you become the conduit for that kid to become an enthusiast like you and me?

The future of the hobby is every single enthusiast’s responsibility.  It doesn’t matter if you are into Camaros or Mustangs, Hot Rods or Hellcats, that classic F-100 or that custom Honda Civic.  We are all ambassadors for the hobby we represent.  At Carlisle Events, we are enthusiasts too and understand that in an iPhone-filled Facebook this, TikTok that world that there needs to be a future for us and the hobby to exist for years to come.  It’s time to show the youth that freedom is more than that smart phone or tablet; that you can see the world with cars and the automotive hobby.

That’s why Carlisle Events is so focused on engaging today and tomorrow’s automotive future.  Since 1974, Carlisle Events has been a cornerstone in the automotive community, making Carlisle, PA, the “Automotive Hometown” for enthusiasts.  Our mission is to lead responsibly within the automotive hobby and community, ensuring the hobby’s legacy for future generations.  We want to inspire the next wave of automotive professionals and enthusiasts.  Engaging today’s automotive students, future professionals, and emerging enthusiasts is critical for everyone involved in our events.  It doesn’t matter if you are a person showing your car, a company on our Manufacturers Midway, a shop/builder debuting your latest vehicle at one of our events, or a vendor in the swap meet. We want you to help us build tomorrow’s future enthusiast base.

A few years ago, we launched our Youth Initiative Program where we (Carlisle Events) acts as the conduit for enthusiasts current and future, industry professionals, and companies to interact with each other to engage today’s automotive future.  We built our youth program to offer youth ages 13-25 career development opportunities, OEM connections, exclusive previews, tech sessions, and industry meet-and-greets.  We’ve welcomed students, educators, and groups to experience the excitement of the automotive world first-hand.

A great example of this is what we’ve offered during our Carlisle Ford Nationals car show, the world’s largest all-Ford event held annually at the beginning of June.  We have hosted several high school based automotive programs during this event for an awesome opportunity put on by not only our team, but such great partners as Ford Motor Company, Shelby American, RTR Vehicles, Legendary GT, Smith Trucking, and more.

The students start out each year with a private car collection tour from Carlisle Events co-owner, Lance Miller.  After that, the students get the awesome opportunity to engage in person Ford’s engineers, designers, and brand managers with some one-on-one Q&A time.  Next, the students hear from the automotive aftermarket from the heads of Shelby American and RTR Vehicles.  What’s really cool is after that, a few lucky students get the opportunity to strap into the latest Shelby Mustang with a professional driver for a thrilling ride along on our autocross course.  Some have even won the chance for a tire-burning drift ride along with RTR Vehicles drivers Vaughn Gittin, Jr. or Ben Hobson.  They also get to see a private unveiling of a vehicle making its debut later in the day at our event before the public.  For those looking to move into the dealership part of the industry, there is also an engagement with Ford’s ASSET Team.  We help wrap it up by bringing the students together for lunch with everyone they’ve met from the industry that day.  It’s a great chance for them to grab some food before heading back to their school and ask someone like Vaughn Gittin, Jr. of RTR Vehicles or Gary Patterson of Shelby about how they got their start in the hobby.  It’s interesting, because a few years ago, a student even was offered a job on the spot from one of the people they interacted with during lunch.  How cool is that?  That’s certainly not an experience or opportunity that can easily be duplicated on a device or via social media. 

We also have bus program opportunities for schools and youth organizations that want to bring their students out for a day to an event. This past year at our Spring Carlisle event we offered four schools the opportunity to engage with SEMA’s ARMO Council and TV Personality Lou Santiago.  SEMA’s ARMO Council is comprised of industry members of the ARMO (Automotive Restoration Market Organization) side of the industry.  These students had the unique opportunity to engage with Lou, find out how he’s made a living doing all the cool car things he does.  The students got to check out the ARMO Hot Product Showcase at Spring Carlisle, a collection of the newest restoration products on the market straight from the SEMA show and hear first-hand from those companies on their products.  It was a great opportunity for the students to meet and greet those companies, and the companies loved engaging with them on how they could be a part of the industry we all love.  SEMA’s in person leadership also got the opportunity to speak about the various ways SEMA can help with industry resources such as job postings, industry references, and even scholarships.

Speaking of scholarships, we are so excited to partner with the Chip Miller Amyloidosis Foundation and their Chip Miller Memorial Scholarship named after late Carlisle Events co-founder Chip Miller.  The scholarship honors Chip’s contributions to the automotive industry and hobby and supports the next generation of students who share Chip’s love for everything automotive.  Scholarships are awarded in $1,000 increments and in 2025, the inaugural year, $9,000 was awarded to nine students.  In 2026 the current plan is to award 25 scholarships, but more may be made available with additional donations and support.  This has been such a cool way to give back to those coming into the hobby and hopefully accelerate their dreams.  More information on the scholarships can be found at www.chipmiller.org.

In closing, we know we can’t do this alone, and we encourage everyone to join us in making our hobby and this industry last for years to come.  We want this to grow and be that conduit for the hobby to engage with its next generation.  If you want to know more about what we are doing to engage the next generation of enthusiasts, please visit www.carlisleevents.com/events/youth for more details.  You can also reach out to us to get involved or get your group involved on that webpage as well.  Remember, we are all ambassadors for our great hobby, let’s make sure we are all the touch point for that next generation to come.

Internationally renowned Corvette enthusiast Chip Miller helped establish Carlisle Events as a premier automotive destination when it launched in 1974, later creating the iconic Corvettes at Carlisle event in 1982. Sadly, just 22 years later, Chip lost his life to a rare disease known as Amyloidosis. Since his passing in March 2004, the Chip Miller Amyloidosis Foundation (CMAF) has worked tirelessly to raise awareness and funding in pursuit of a cure. Through community events, charitable contributions, and online sweepstakes, the CMAF has donated thousands to support individuals affected by the disease as well as organizations dedicated to Amyloidosis research and treatment.

The CMAF has done so much for so many, and for 2026, is proud to announce the return of the Chip Miller Memorial Scholarship.  This opportunity is designed to support the next generation of automotive enthusiasts who share Chip’s love for all things automotive.

The scholarship is open to any high school, undergraduate, graduate, or trade school student pursuing a career in the automotive field.  In short, the CMAF wants to give back and support someone who embodies Miller himself.  There were nine winners in 2025 and this time around, it’s anticipated that more than $10,000 in monies will be available by award day on June 1, 2026.  With $1,000 per winner being offered, this means at least 10 winners will be selected, though more are possible as donations come in between now and the April 30 deadline.

While Chip’s time was cut short, the impact of his passion lives on.  He helped build some of the world’s premier automotive gatherings—events that continue to draw families and enthusiasts to Carlisle, Pennsylvania year after year.  Carlisle’s place as a must-visit destination for car lovers can be traced directly to what Chip helped create and to this day, continues to foster friendships, memories, and a sense of community that truly defines his legacy.

“My dad was the definition of a gearhead—constantly tuning, tweaking, and chasing that extra bit of speed on the quarter mile,” said Lance Miller, CMAF President and Chip’s son. “He had a huge heart and was always the first to step in and help someone, especially kids. Knowing that this scholarship is inspiring and supporting students more than 20 years after his passing brings tremendous pride to my family and everyone involved with the foundation.”

The application process for the second-annual Chip Miller Memorial Scholarship award is NOW OPEN, with a submission deadline of April 30, 2026.  There will be multiple award winners, with each receiving $1,000 as part of the June 1, 2026 announcement.  Criteria include ambition, drive, and passion for the automotive hobby.  To apply, candidates can submit their stories/applications to the CMAF by way of ChipMiller.org.  In the meantime, to learn more or donate to the scholarship fund, visit ChipMiller.org and/or e-mail Jodi Morrison at JodiM@CarlisleEvents.com.

Do you enjoy a good discount? How about the convenience of giving something you know someone special in your life will enjoy? Oh—and are you a gift giver, either during the holiday season or for a special occasion? If you answered YES to these questions and you or someone you know is into the collector car hobby, then Carlisle Events has the deal of the year just for you! The annual Carlisle Events Holiday Sale returns for 2025–26 with savings, convenience, and even gift cards!

The Holiday Sale 2025/26 starts at 8 a.m. on Friday, November 28 (Black Friday) and runs through Monday, January 5 at 5 p.m. During the sale, shoppers can enjoy discounted savings on Showfield or Fun Field registrations, single-day spectator admission tickets, event passes, and—best of all—season passes. Regardless of what you buy, savings are key, especially on a season pass. Season passes are regularly $99.99 and are perfect for those who attend multiple events as spectators—people who walk the grounds to see the show cars and trucks or browse the automotive flea market.

During the sale, season passes will be available for just $79.99 (regularly $99.99)—meaning you can walk through the gates for an average of about $2.00 per day. The pass carries a total value of $392 and also includes entry to events beyond Carlisle, such as Auto Mania in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

If a season pass isn’t the right fit, single-day spectator admission tickets or multi-day event passes are also discounted. With single-day tickets ranging from $10 to $20 depending on the event, even a few dollars in savings means more to spend on the finer aspects of the show itself.

The Carlisle Store and CarShowGear.com are also joining in with their own deals. From Black Friday (November 28) through Cyber Monday (December 1) only, enjoy 30% off all t-shirts available on their website.

Season passes and spectator savings are great, but what about those who show off their cars or trucks? They’re covered too! Exhibitors can save money while helping fill the grounds with decades of past, present, and future classics. This is the deepest discount available before the 2026 event season begins and includes admission for two (driver and passenger).

Finally, back by popular demand—gift cards! Gift cards can be loaded with any denomination and go beyond just tickets or show access. They can be used for vending spaces, Carlisle Store merchandise, food concessions, Carlisle Auctions transactions, and more. Each gift card works like a credit card and can be presented in a stylish holiday-themed or standard Carlisle Events holder (while supplies last). Gift cards make perfect gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, Valentine’s Day, and more.

Online sales for all discount options begin on Black Friday, with orders opening November 28 at 8 a.m. Phone and in-person ordering will be available December 1–23 during normal business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.), with online-only orders accepted after that while the Carlisle offices are closed for the holidays. Orders placed on or before December 20 will be mailed, with mailings resuming January 5 when the offices reopen for 2026.

Call 717-243-7855 to learn more or visit www.CarlisleEvents.com starting November 28 to accelerate your purchase! The annual Carlisle Events Holiday Sale—capitalize on the savings and give the gift of Carlisle this holiday season!

The Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals (IPN) returns to the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds May 15-16, 2026, celebrating automotive culture from around the world.  IPN weekend has grown to become one of the most diverse automotive events on the East Coast and continues to bring together more than 2,000 vehicles representing nearly a dozen countries and marques — from vintage European and Japanese classics to modern performance machines, unique specialty builds, and even some American muscle too.

Each year, enthusiasts of all ages converge on Carlisle to see, show, and celebrate the global automotive hobby. The Showfield is parked by country of origin, brand, clubs and open fields giving guests the chance to experience an international showcase without ever leaving Carlisle.  Featured areas highlight iconic brands such as Saab, Volvo, BMW, Honda, MG, Triumph, Subaru, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, Acura, and countless others.  This includes rare and unique vehicles too.  In fact, its commonplace to see something never seen before during the event. 

2026 continues to showcase the best of the best, including featured vehicles from around the world within Building T AND a 100-year anniversary celebration of the Maserati.  This century-in-the-making celebration welcomes an indoor display of cars, planned special guests, collectibles, and more. 2026 will also be the first of a planned annual display of super cars and exotics.

Beyond the expansive Showfield and special displays, the weekend features two days of track action and wheels in motion activity. First, there’s drive-thru judging for those who opt for this path towards recognition.  This allows participants to showcase their vehicles efficiently while maintaining the event’s signature quality and attention to detail.  The crew from eJudged.com gives each ride a meticulous once over in advance of awards recognition on Saturday of the event.

Then, there’s non-stop action and energy with drifting exhibitions, autocross runs, and drift limbo — a test of skill, and driving precision.  Attendees can also experience the rolling exhaust contest, low car limbo, and other interactive competitions that celebrate both the performance and personality of each build.

48 hours in Carlisle may not seem like a lot, but this celebration of community brings people together in a unique and exciting manner.  From club gatherings across the grounds to the Friday club mixer, Saturday brew mixer, and more. Enthusiasts can explore one of the largest import-focused automotive flea markets, plus there’s a car corral in a new and improved location offering vehicles of all types for sale.

Gates open at 7 AM each day and kids 12 and under are admitted FREE.  Complete details about the 2026 Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals, including information on how to become a vendor, register for the Showfield, apply for display consideration, or simply purchase discounted spectator admission tickets can be found at CarlisleEvents.com or by calling 717-243-7855.