Papa Bear Car Show

Classic Cars, Custom Builds, and Festival Fun

The Papa Bear Car Show brings together car enthusiasts, collectors, and festival visitors for a showcase of classic cars, muscle cars, custom builds, and motorcycles. Held during the Black Bear Festival in Plymouth, North Carolina, this event celebrates automotive craftsmanship while adding excitement and energy to the festival atmosphere.

Participants can register their vehicles in the morning before judging begins later in the day. Visitors can stroll through the show, admire a wide variety of vehicles from different eras, and enjoy one of the festival’s most popular attractions.

Close-up of a shiny red vintage car with hood open, showcasing chrome details at a car show.

What to Expect at the Papa Bear Car Show

Yellow animal paw print with five toes on a white background.

Registration opens from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM for participating vehicles.

Yellow animal paw print with five toes on a white background.

The first 100 registered cars receive commemorative dash plaques.

Yellow animal paw print with five toes on a white background.

Car show judging begins at 11:30 AM by festival judges.

Yellow animal paw print with five toes on a white background.

Visitors can walk through rows of classic cars, customs, and motorcycles.

Yellow animal paw print with five toes on a white background.

Dozens of award categories recognize vehicles from many different eras.

Yellow animal paw print with five toes on a white background.

The awards presentation takes place at 3:00 PM during the festival.

Why the Papa Bear Car Show Is Popular

The Papa Bear Car Show adds horsepower and excitement to the Black Bear Festival. It gives visitors the chance to explore a wide range of vehicles while celebrating automotive creativity and craftsmanship.

Yellow animal paw print with five toes on a white background.

Dash plaques awarded to the first 100 cars registered.

Yellow animal paw print with five toes on a white background.

Dozens of award categories recognizing vehicles across multiple decades.

Yellow animal paw print with five toes on a white background.

A fun gathering place for car lovers and festival visitors alike.

A great way to spend the afternoon exploring unique vehicles and meeting owners.

Why Visitors Love the Car Show

The Papa Bear Car Show has become a favorite stop during the Black Bear Festival.

Variety of Vehicles

Visitors see everything from early classic cars to modern custom builds.

Many Award Categories

Awards recognize vehicles from multiple eras including imports, muscle cars, customs, and motorcycles.

Car Enthusiast Community

Owners and visitors share stories about restoration, performance, and automotive history.

Great Festival Atmosphere

The car show adds energy and excitement to the downtown festival experience.

Dash Plaques

The first 100 registered vehicles receive special commemorative plaques.

Sponsored Event

Thanks to Feyer Ford for supporting this exciting festival attraction.

Event Information

Date: June 6, 2026
Registration: 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Registration Fee: $25
Judging: 11:30 AM

Awards Ceremony: 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Dash plaques will be awarded to the first 100 registered vehicles.

Contact to Enter:

Email: civitan27889@gmail.com
Phone: 252-402-6699 or 252-793-6627

Award Categories Include

  • Best in Show (all years)
  • Best Import (all years)
  • Best American Muscle Car (1964–1975)
  • Best Original Car/Truck (pre-1949)
  • Best Original Car/Truck (1950–1970)
  • Best 1971–1979
  • Best 1980–1989
  • Best 1990–2004
  • Best 2005–Present
  • Best Rat Rod
  • Best Street Rod
  • Best Custom Car/Truck
  • Best Engine
  • Best Paint
  • Best Interior
  • Best Motorcycle
  • Best Club Participation
  • Best Bear Theme
  • Bear’s Choice Award

Show Off Your Ride!

Bring your vehicle to the Papa Bear Car Show and join one of the most exciting events of the
Black Bear Festival in Plymouth, North Carolina.

The Black Bear Festival | Plymouth, NC