Las Vegas is well known not just for its casinos and revelry, but for the number of trade shows and expositions it attracts each year. Some of the largest car shows in the United States are held not in Detroit, but in Las Vegas, where the glitz and glamor of the vehicles can often given the city a run for its money.
The Viva Las Vegas show is a rockabilly themed extravaganza held every April and features four days of cars, bands and burlesque dancers. All cars must be pre-1963 or of a style common to that era. Other events include a tiki pool party and a burlesque show. Bands playing in 2010 include Chuck Berry and Wanda Jackson, "The Queen of Rockabilly." This is a show made for anyone who has ever considered themselves a "greaser."
Gasoline Alley occurs every March, featuring hundreds of cars, including hot rods, street rods, muscle cars, imports, low riders, race cars, sports cars and dragsters. All registered vehicles receive a dash plaque, goodie bag, event T-shirt and drink cooler. Family friendly, this event began in 2000 when a group of neighbors discovered they shared an interest in street rods. First held for an afternoon in a city parking lot, the bash has now graduated to four day at the Cannery Casino and Hotel in North Las Vegas.
Every first weekend in June, Vegas Cruise takes place under the 2.1 million lights of the Fremont Street Experience. The theme of the fest is "vintage:" bands play 50s and 60s music and vehicles registered for the judging competition must be classics from before 1972. Registration, which costs $50, is only open to the first 150 cars. The top 60 vehicles receive trophies, including a "People's Choice" and a "Ladies' Choice" trophy.
Super Run is a classic car event held every November. The show offers hundreds of awards and trophies and thousands in cash prizes. Events include "The Roaring Engines Competition," "The Slow Drags Competition" and "The Burn-Out Contest."
One of the top car shows of the year, the Motor Trend International Auto Show -- Las Vegas allows attendees to check out the latest vehicles from the top dealers. The 2010 show debuted a number of new and redesigned cars, including the Acura MDX, Cadillac SRX and the new Chevrolet Camaro. Visitors can also learn about green fuel technology and check out the "Million Dollar Exotic Vehicle Display," a parade of Bentleys and Rolls Royces.
