The automotive past, present, and future are showcased as part of Spring Carlisle driven by Hemmings.com, April 23-27, at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds. This year's event features the ever-popular automotive flea market, car corral, and two-day collector car auction powered by Carlisle Auctions (April 24-25). The automotive flea market and car corral take up almost all of the 8,100 available spaces on the grounds, while the auction, held at the nearby Carlisle Expo Center, hosts an anticipated 400+ lots, all available to the highest bidder. Altogether, Spring Carlisle and the auction welcome nearly 100,000 enthusiasts to Carlisle over five days.

As the event unfolds, many aspects of past automotive production are showcased within the car corral, auction, and, in most cases, the automotive flea market. These three elements highlight an automotive timeline, featuring both classic and modern vehicles in physical form, as well as related merchandise, memorabilia, accessories, and collectibles. Cars within the car corral and auction span decades, from pre-war beauties to modern-day muscle, all for sale by their owners.  In between, enthusiasts can find hot rods, classic trucks, vintage exotics, and rare collector vehicles—the list of available machines goes on and on.

The auction is no different. Over two days, consignments cross the block, where bidders engage in high-energy bidding to claim their automotive treasure. Star cars include a pair of early production Corvettes, a pair of 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody Jailbreak Convertibles, two 1970 Dodge Coronet Super Bees, a 1969 Camaro RS/SS, and more.  With an expanded all-Truck Hour (approx. 3 PM both days), there is something for everyone.

Beyond the auction and car corral, the swap meet is a gold mine for enthusiasts. Guests attend Spring Carlisle in search of hard-to-find restoration parts, NOS items, aftermarket upgrades, and collectibles. Additional highlights include vintage gas pumps, classic signs, original literature, tools, and even non-automotive motorized items.

The present-day automotive world is also represented at Spring Carlisle through Manufacturers Midway and the ARMO Hot Products Showcase. ARMO (Automotive Restoration Market Organization) continues its long-standing tradition at Spring Carlisle by highlighting new and innovative products designed to enhance or restore vehicles. These sought-after items are must-haves for hobbyists and restorers. The ARMO display is located between the main grandstand and the stage in the center of the fairgrounds.

Another key attraction for 2025 is the AACA (Antique Automobile Club of America) Car Club display, which takes center stage on the Carlisle Fairgrounds. The AACA will showcase a diverse selection of historic vehicles, provide insight into their club's mission, and offer enthusiasts an opportunity to join or renew their membership. Visitors can also learn more about the AACA Eastern Fall Meet in Hershey, one of the largest antique car events in the country.

Spring Carlisle admission tickets are discounted online in advance ($11), and kids 12 and under get in free.  Student and military discounts are also available for in-person purchases only.  A valid ID is required for these two special discounted ticketing options.  A one or two ticket with parking package is also available ($20/$36) as are multi-day event passes ($36).  Parking that isn’t part of a ticketing package is just $10 per car for all Carlisle Events operated lots.  All forms of admission also include access to the auction at the Carlisle Expo Center.  

Collector car enthusiasts looking to buy or sell at the auction can call 717-960-6400 or visit CarlisleAuctions.com to register. The auction starts at 10 AM daily (new for 2025), and preview hours begin at 8 AM on April 23. Meanwhile, the Spring Carlisle gates open at 7 AM daily for all swap meet, car corral, and midway activities.  For complete details on Spring Carlisle 2025, visit CarlisleEvents.com or call 717-243-7855.

Car show season at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds is just over a month away! With the first event, Spring Carlisle, driven by Hemmings.com (April 23-27), comes an influx of automotive enthusiasts to both the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds and the Carlisle community. As guests arrive at this and other upcoming events, they’ll notice some fairgrounds access changes, parking modifications, and more.

Key Access & Parking Updates:

• Gate 5 Access and Parking Lot Closure
  The most significant change for 2025 is the closure of Gate 5 and its associated parking lot. Located on the northeast side of the grounds off Cavalry Rd., this gate previously accommodated a few hundred vehicles per show and allowed for pedestrian and vehicle entry to the fairgrounds. Due to circumstances beyond our control, this parking lot and access gate will no longer be available and is closed permanently to the public.

• New Cavalry Rd./Gate 6 Parking Lot with Free Shuttle
  To accommodate displaced guests, a new/larger parking lot has been secured, also off Cavalry Rd. This lot, named Cavalry Rd./Gate 6 Parking, is located directly across the street from the PA Army National Guard Armory (0.1 miles from Gate 5) and offers 700+ parking spaces. Guests who park here will have access to a FREE shuttle service that runs from the lot to Gate 6, located on the east side of the fairgrounds.  A ticket booth will also be available in the lot so showgoers can purchase tickets before hopping on the shuttle, making grounds access that much more convenient.

• Enhanced Accessibility at Gate 4
  In 2025, Gate 4, located on the northwest portion of the fairgrounds, will be more accessible for visitors. Guests can park via direct access from the intersection of K St. and Bryn Mawr Rd. and walk onto the grounds to begin their car show experience. For Spring and Fall Carlisle, this area will feature vendor spaces, while for specialty shows, it will showcase display vehicles.

• Additional Parking Options Near Clay St. & Carlisle Springs Rd. (Route 34)
  Several parking options are also available off Clay St. and Carlisle Springs Rd. (Route 34), all within a reasonable walking distance to Gate 1 on the southeast side of the fairgrounds.  Enhanced signage will be placed along Cavalry Rd., Clay St., and Carlisle Springs Rd. (Route 34) to direct participants towards the Gates 1, 2, and 3 points of entry.

The Cavalry Rd./Gate 6 Parking lot is available for all events EXCEPT for the Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals and Carlisle GM Nationals.  Those two events accommodate on grounds parking, with 100% of the entry points coming from the west side of the grounds and Gates 1, 2, and 3.  Parking in all Carlisle Events lots is just $10 per vehicle regardless of event.  For a comprehensive map of all parking and access points, visit CarlisleEvents.com or follow this direct link [HERE].

Anyone with questions about the new Gate 6 area or any other access updates should call 717-243-7855.