Arts & Cars 2026 - Outdoor Juried Art Show and Classic Car Show with Live Music and Family Activities

✨ Event Description

Arts & Cars 2026 is a free outdoor festival happening on September 20 in downtown Summit, NJ. It combines a juried art show with a classic car show right on Springfield Avenue, offering a day filled with live music, family activities, and food trucks. You’ll find everything from vintage cars on display to children’s art projects and even miniature remote control car races.

The music lineup includes performers like Candice Lee, Rusty Monks, The Big Train, Jeiris Cook, the Beth Sherby Duo, DJ Mr. Socks, and the School of Nimbus Dance. Besides the art and cars, there’s a beer and wine garden (21+ wristband required), face painting, balloon art, airbrush tattoos, mini golf, a photo booth, robotics games, and a martial arts demonstration.

This festival is family-friendly and offers plenty to do for kids, plus local food vendors like Sandwhicheria, Jack’s Surf & Turf, Puras Paletas, Pizza Vita, and Just Delicious Kettle Corn. Car owners who want to enter the classic car show need to pre-register by September 17 to compete for the People’s Choice Award, but day-of registration is also available without award eligibility.

🔍 What to Expect

• 🎨 Juried outdoor art show: See a curated selection of artworks from various artists along Springfield Avenue in Summit.
• 🚗 Classic car show: Check out vintage cars with awards including the People’s Choice, hosted by Peotter’s Auto Body & Spa.
• 🎶 Live music performances: Bands and DJs like Candice Lee and DJ Mr. Socks will be playing throughout the day.
• 👧 Family activities: Children’s art projects, face painting, balloon art, and more keep kids entertained.
• 🍺 Beer and wine garden: Available for attendees 21 and older with wristbands; drink tickets are cash only.
• 🍔 Food trucks: Local vendors such as Jack’s Surf & Turf and Pizza Vita offer a variety of food options.
• 🎯 Games and demos: Mini golf, remote control car racing, robotics, and martial arts demonstrations add variety.
• 📸 Photo booth and airbrush tattoos: Fun extras for attendees of all ages.

ℹ️ Good to Know

• The event is free to attend.
• Car show pre-registration by September 17 is needed for People’s Choice Award eligibility.
• Alcohol is restricted to those 21+ with wristbands; tickets for drinks are cash only.
• No explicit pet policy or ADA accessibility information is provided.

This Summit street festival mixes art, cars, music, and family fun into one day on the avenue.