Rust in Show

Some car shows are about chrome and polish. Others are about speed, status, or exotic price tags. But one show in southwest Ohio celebrates the beautiful imperfections, gritty pride, and fierce creativity of American car culture. On Saturday, July 26, Fairborn will once again host the 15th Annual WhiteTrash & WhiteWalls Car Show, an unapologetically unfiltered gathering of classic cars, lowriders, bikes, trucks, and the people who love them.

Located at Community Park East, just off East Dayton-Yellow Springs Road, the event kicks off at 9 a.m. and continues until the awards ceremony around 4 p.m. It is free for spectators, $20 for those entering vehicles, and refreshingly simple: first come, first parked. No pre-registration. No pretension. Just gearheads, locals, and curious newcomers sharing the same shade tree.

Despite its tongue-in-cheek name, WhiteTrash & WhiteWalls is not about disrespect or ridicule. It is a celebration of working-class ingenuity, hot rod tradition, and the tight-knit community that surrounds it. The vehicles on display reflect decades of care, customization, and pride. Some may wear rust like a badge of honor. Others are Frankenstein builds with parts scavenged across states. All are welcome. If it rolls, it fits.

This year’s event promises food trucks, a live DJ, and a family-friendly atmosphere. Pets are allowed too, so long as owners come prepared to clean up. Organizers encourage a laid-back vibe but ask attendees to refrain from bringing outside alcohol. The show will go on rain or shine.

Visitors can expect a wide variety of vehicles. Previous years have showcased hot rods, rat rods, vintage muscle cars, choppers, Japanese imports, slammed pickups, and custom builds that defy easy classification. The real draw, though, is the people. Veterans of the show mingle with first-timers, each swapping stories and advice like they’ve known each other for years. By the time awards are handed out in the afternoon, most participants are already making plans to return next year.

If you're traveling from Cincinnati or Dayton, Fairborn is an easy drive. Once you're there, you’ll find local dining options that surprise and satisfy. Giovanni’s Pizzeria is a community staple for Italian fare, while Yaffa Grill serves up Mediterranean favorites with warmth and flavor. Muddy Goose Coffee offers a cozy pick-me-up just minutes from the park.

For those staying overnight or coming from farther afield, nearby lodging covers all needs and budgets. Tru by Hilton in Beavercreek offers modern comfort, while Quality Inn and Red Roof Inn provide more affordable accommodations without sacrificing location. Comfort Inn & Suites and Country Inn & Suites also rank well for visitors wanting clean rooms and solid amenities close to the event site.

Although not a household name outside of the custom car community, WhiteTrash & WhiteWalls has steadily earned a reputation as one of the most welcoming and inclusive shows in the region. There’s no velvet rope, no elite class, and no rigid brand loyalty. You’ll find a rusted-out ’54 Ford parked next to a candy-painted Civic, and no one bats an eye.

In a world where car culture is increasingly defined by high-dollar builds and influencer-driven aesthetics, Fairborn’s signature show offers something different: authenticity. It is a testament to the idea that great cars are not always shiny, and meaningful communities are not always formal. Whether you are a lifelong enthusiast, a DIY tinkerer, or simply a fan of a good small-town event, this car show has something for you.

So come for the whitewalls, stay for the stories. You may leave with a sunburn and a full camera roll, but you’ll also leave with a greater appreciation for the American garage, the long highway, and the people who make both feel like home.