The Moncton Car Show, known as the Atlantic Nationals Automotive Extravaganza, annually transforms the city into a hub for automobile enthusiasts. As one of Canada’s premier car shows, it not only showcases an array of spectacular vehicles but also unites a vibrant community of car lovers from across North America.
Revving Up
A Festival on Wheels
Scheduled to light up Moncton from July 3 to July 7, 2024, the Atlantic Nationals Automotive Extravaganza is more than just a car show; it's a multi-day festival celebrating automotive culture. Visitors can expect to see over 2,400 vehicles ranging from vintage classics to modern speedsters, each with its own unique flair and history. The show features a series of events designed to cater to all tastes. Highlights include the Action Car and Truck Accessories Cruise-In and a spirited Friday Night Street Party that's always a blast with sponsor displays, vendors, hundreds of cool rides and more.
Full 2024 Moncton Car Show Schedule
Wednesday, July 3
6:15 pm – 9:15 pm: Action Car and Truck Accessories Cruise-In and Open House
- Location: 200 Horsman Road, Moncton
- Activities: Show and shine, Atlantic Nationals registration document pick-up
- Note: Pre-registration only; new registration starts Friday
Thursday, July 4
8:00 am – 9:30 am: Town of Riverview Participants Breakfast
- Location: Riverview Lions Club, 701 Coverdale Road, Riverview, NB
- Open to all registered participants; credential pick-up available
9:30 am – 2:00 pm: Magical Mystery Tour and Cruise
- Departing from Riverview Lions Club, with a scenic drive and cruise
- Ends at AJM Classics in Dieppe for a BBQ lunch and viewing of projects
- Atlantic Nationals registration document pick-up available
8:00 pm – 10:30 pm: Drive-In Movie
- Location: Neptune Drive-In, Shediac
- Sponsored by Mothers Polishes Waxes Cleaners and local Canadian Tire Dealers
- Registered participants only
Friday, July 5
8:00 am – Midnight: Mothers Cruise In and Rock n Roll Street Party
- Location: Main Street, Moncton Line-up at Sobeys lot on Vaughn Harvey Blvd. for passes
- Activities: Sponsor displays, vendors, live music at the Canadian Tire Sound Stage
10:00 am – 7:00 pm: Registration
- Location: Moncton Coliseum Agrena Rear Entrance
- Pick-up pre-registered documents and new registrations
10:00 am – 4:00 pm: NSRA & Atlantic Nationals Safety Lanes, Rod Repair & Safety Lane Judging
- Location: Moncton Coliseum Agrena rear entrance
Saturday, July 6
8:00 am – 3:00 pm: Registration
- Location: Moncton Coliseum Agrena Rear Entrance
8:00 am – 5:00 pm: Atlantic Nationals Automotive Extravaganza Main Event
- Location: Centennial Park
- Featuring classic cars (1900-1987) and modern muscle (1988-present)
- Sponsor and vendor displays
9:30 am – 3:00 pm: Cool Car College
- Location: Main Show Stage, Centennial Park
- Demonstrations and tips on metalworking and automotive artistry
10:00 am – 3:30 pm: NSRA and Atlantic Nationals Safety Lanes & Rod Repair
10:00 am – 4:00 pm: Bernie Melanson Scale Model Show
- Location: Tennis Club and Lawn Bowling Building, Centennial Park
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm: Atlantic Nationals Modern Muscle Awards
5:30 pm – 9:00 pm: Nationals Super Cruise
7:00 pm – Midnight: Maritime Kitchen Party
- Location: Ian Fowler Circle near Avenir Centre, Main Street
- Activities: Music, cars, and more
Sunday, July 7
8:00 am – 12:00 pm: Last Chance Single Day Registration and Document Pick-Up
8:00 am – 5:00 pm: Atlantic Nationals Automotive Extravaganza Main Event
- Location: Centennial Park Featuring classic cars (1900-1987) and modern muscle (1988-present)
9:30 am – 11:00 am: NSRA and Atlantic Nationals Safety Lanes & Rod Repair
10:00 am – 3:00 pm: Canadian Tire Prize Trailer
- Location: Vendor Midway Instant prizes for participants
10:00 am – 2:00 pm: Bernie Melanson Scale Model Show
3:00 pm – 4:30 pm: Atlantic Nationals Show Awards and Grand Prize Draws
- Location: Centennial Park Prizes: Cash prizes up to $10,000 and more!
Community and Connection
One of the most beautiful aspects of the Atlantic Nationals is its ability to bring people together. After a couple of years of scaled-down versions due to COVID-19 restrictions, the full-scale return of the event is a celebration not just of cars but of community resilience and passion. The pandemic period saw many enthusiasts taking the time to complete car projects or acquire new additions to their collections, adding an extra layer of excitement to this year’s showcase.
The Heartbeat of Moncton
As the largest car show in Atlantic Canada, the Atlantic Nationals is a key event in Moncton's cultural calendar, drawing thousands of visitors and significantly boosting local tourism. The economic impact is palpable, as Moncton hotels, restaurants, and shops buzz with activity, highlighting the event's role in supporting the local economy. For car enthusiasts looking to experience the thrum of engines and the sheen of well-maintained chrome under the summer sun, the Atlantic Nationals Automotive Extravaganza is a must-visit destination. Whether you're a collector, a hobbyist, or just curious about car culture, there’s something at the show for everyone to enjoy. Make sure to mark your calendars for this spectacular automotive fest — it promises to be an unforgettable few days where the love of cars and community spirit drive the celebrations forward.