If you have a love for cars and music, there is no better place to be this spring and summer than the La Mesa Classic Car Show & Music Event.

The 30^th annual event kicks off Thursday, June 6 (5 p.m. – 8 p.m.) in the heart of downtown La Mesa (La Mesa Boulevard between Spring Street & 4^th Street). The summer tradition offers a variety of classic cars, trucks and vans along La Mesa Boulevard as well as live bands and a DJ each week (except June 13 and July 4). in celebrating the 30^th anniversary of the show, there will be available commemorative 30^thanniversary hats, plus three theme nights throughout the summer.

The theme nights will include:

• June 20 – Rockabilly/50’s Night
• July 25 – Country Western Night
• Aug. 29 – All About the 80s Night

Themes are based on the live band playing that evening. Guests are encouraged to dress up in the theme and dance along to the bands.

The Farmers Band kicks off the summer live music series playing atop the La Mesa Lumber truck stage, located at 3^rd/La Mesa Blvd. The full band line up for the summer includes The Farmers, 6/6/24; Blame Betty, 6/20/24; Zeelund, 6/27/24;  Bayou Brothers, 7/11/24; The Stand Up Guys, 7/18/24; Whiskey Ridge, 7/25/24; Private Domain, 8/1/24; That Beatle Cover Band, 8/8/24; Fleetwood Max, 8/15/24; The Farmers, 8/22/24; 80z All Stars, 8/29/24.

Surrounding restaurants, cafes, bars, and a variety of unique retail shops are open to dine, shop and explore during the event each week. This is a free, community event and great for all ages to enjoy.

According to Elizabeth Ranta, La Mesa Village Association marketing manager, the event has grown and changed over time. 

“In the past, it was primarily focused on the cars and awards were given out each week to car owners,” Ranta said. “Today, the car show has evolved into more of a community event that brings together car enthusiasts with music lovers. It’s an opportunity for family and friends to meet up and dine, shop and explore the downtown Village, providing for a more engaging and unique experience.”

If you are someone who has never attended the event and/or are new to the La Mesa area, checking out the show will be worth your time.

“This is a fun, summer event geared towards all ages,” Ranta noted. “There is a great energy in downtown La Mesa on Thursday nights when car owners and car admirers come together to appreciate these classic cars and enjoy live music from local bands. Local restaurants, cafes, bars and retail shops are also open to explore while you’re at the event. It’s an overall must do during the summer in San Diego.”

Speaking of businesses, they benefit from this annual late spring/summer event.

“The car show draws hundreds of visitors each week throughout the entire summer who in turn visit our local businesses in downtown La Mesa,” Ranta stated. “The exposure to new customers is great and we hear all the time that people see a restaurant or shop when they’re at the event, and end up coming back another day/night to try it.”

For more information, visit: www.lamesavillageassociation.org 

Photo credit: cecephoto.com