The most prestigious award at the Sacramento Autorama, the Custom d'Elegance presented by ARP Fasteners, will be awarded to the best chopped, channeled or sectioned vehicle from 1935-64 that embodies the true spirit of a classic custom. Photo courtesy of Rod Shows

SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) – The Sacramento Autorama returns to Cal Expo for its 75th anniversary on May 1–3. The three-day event, presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts, will feature hundreds of hot rods, customs, muscle cars, lowriders, trucks, motorcycles and more, along with celebrity appearances, vendors, fair food and live entertainment.

Here is an overview of what attendees can look forward to enjoying at this year’s show:

75th Anniversary Celebration and Special Guests
In celebration of the 75th anniversary, the “Overhaulin’” team, including Chip Foose, Chris Jacobs and AJ Janic, will appear throughout the weekend for autograph sessions. A special display will also feature past Custom d'Elegance, Big “B” and King of Kustom winners, offering a rare look at some of the most iconic custom builds ever created.

In celebration of the 75th anniversary, the “Overhaulin’” team, including Chip Foose, Chris Jacobs and AJ Janic, will appear throughout the weekend for autograph sessions. Photo courtesy of Rod Shows

Custom d'Elegance Awards and More
The most prestigious award at the Sacramento Autorama, the Custom d'Elegance presented by ARP Fasteners, will be awarded to the best chopped, channeled or sectioned vehicle from 1935-64 that embodies the true spirit of a classic custom. Contenders will compete for a $5,000 prize and a custom trophy.

Participants will also compete for the “Big B Awards,” including the Dick Bertolucci Automotive Excellence Award, Candy Apple Joe Bailon Memorial Award, Sam Barris Memorial Award and the World’s Most Beautiful Custom, H.A. Bagdasarian Memorial Award, as well as the King of Kustoms Award. All five awards honor Northern California hot rod legends.

The Autorama will also showcase the best in lowrider culture with the World’s Most Beautiful Lowrider Award. This year’s winner will receive a $5,000 prize courtesy of ARP Fasteners.
 
Annual Sacramento Autorama Drive-In
The Autorama Drive-In returns as the outdoor portion of the event, welcoming hot rods, customs, specialty cars and trucks (motorcycles are not permitted). Participants can enter for one or all three days and will receive admission for the driver and one passenger, a goodie bag and premium parking. Between 300 and 500 vehicles are expected to take part, with Editor’s Pick awards presented by Modern Rodding, All Chevy Performance and Classic Truck Performance.

The Autorama Drive-In returns as the outdoor portion of the event, welcoming hot rods, customs, specialty cars and trucks (motorcycles are not permitted). Photo courtesy of Rod Shows

West Coast Challenge Car Show Series
The ARP West Coast Challenge Series will once again conclude in Sacramento, bringing together an elite group of builders who have competed in at least four of the five premier indoor car shows across California, Oregon and Washington. These top contenders will face off for the coveted “Best of the West” title, recognizing the highest level of craftsmanship and consistency across the series. The top three finishers will earn $12,500, $6,500 and $3,500, respectively, along with additional prizes and industry recognition to cap off the West Coast show season.
 
2026 Builder of the Year
Steven Santos will be honored as the 2026 Builder of the Year. Known for his expertise in custom paint and lowrider builds, Santos has spent decades perfecting his craft and earning multiple Lowrider of the Year honors. A Bay Area native and founder of TekniKolor, he has built a reputation for his signature candy paint work and attention to detail. Santos and his team will showcase a selection of their builds in the Builder of the Year display.

Special Displays 
The Cal Expo buildings will feature a wide range of curated collections and special displays, including high-horsepower Pro Street builds, standout customs from the West Coast Kustoms car club and a display honoring legendary customizer Gene Windfield. The Traditional Rod & Custom Showcase will highlight the heritage of hot rodding, celebrating styles and craftsmanship from the ’40s, ’50s and ’60s.

The family-friendly event will feature live entertainment, vendors, food and more. The Sacramento Autorama will be open to the public Friday, May 1, through Sunday, May 3, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Photo courtesy of Rod Shows

Work World
Since 1990, Work World has been outfitting California's workers, offering top brands like Carhartt, Dickies, Wolverine, Ben Davis and more. Visit Work World locations in Sacramento and Roseville before the event to enter for a chance to win a single-day admission ticket. Make sure to visit their booth in Building A for a chance to win prizes, including Work World gift cards.
 
Pinstriper Charity Fundraiser
The popular Pinstriper Charity Auction returns with leading artists from across the country creating one-of-a-kind pieces to be auctioned daily. Attendees can also bring personal items to be customized for a small donation, with all proceeds benefiting UC Davis Children’s Hospital.
 
Something for Everyone
The family-friendly event will feature live entertainment, vendors, food and more. The Sacramento Autorama will be open to the public Friday, May 1, through Sunday, May 3, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Adult tickets are $30 per day, while tickets for children ages 6 to 12 cost $10, and children under 5 are admitted free. Discounted tickets are available at participating O’Reilly Auto Parts stores.

 
For more information about the Sacramento Autorama and to purchase tickets online, visit https://rodshows.com/sacramento-autorama/