Minnesota's Cars and Caves Returns: A Season of Classics, Community, and Charity
Chanhassen, Minnesota — The renowned Chanhassen AutoPlex has officially announced the highly anticipated 2026 season of its popular Cars and Caves event series, promising enthusiasts a captivating calendar filled with automotive marvels, community spirit, and a strong philanthropic mission. Kicking off on the final Saturday of April, the monthly gatherings offer a unique window into the vibrant world of classic car ownership and camaraderie, all while benefiting local charities.
Set against the sprawling 20-acre campus of the Chanhassen AutoPlex, the Cars and Caves events are a cornerstone of Minnesota's burgeoning classic car culture. Each month, from April through September, the AutoPlex transforms into a dynamic showcase, inviting owners to display their prized vehicles and offering visitors the rare opportunity to explore private collector garages, affectionately known as 'caves.' This distinctive format fosters an intimate connection between vehicles and their passionate custodians, going beyond a typical car show experience.
A Diverse Calendar for Every Enthusiast
The 2026 season's schedule is meticulously curated to appeal to a broad spectrum of automotive tastes. The inaugural event on April 25th will be an 'Open Show,' welcoming all types of vehicles and partnering with Wishes & More, a Minnesota-based children's charity dedicated to supporting children battling life-threatening conditions.
Subsequent months will feature exciting themed shows, spotlighting specific segments of classic and collector vehicles. May 30th is dedicated to 'Classics,' showcasing cars 25 years or older. June 27th will ignite the passion of 'Italian' car aficionados, featuring iconic marques like Ferrari, Maserati, Fiat, and Lamborghini. The heartland's automotive heritage takes center stage on July 25th with an 'American' theme, celebrating Ford, GM, Mopar, and Pontiac legends. Finally, the August 29th event will pay tribute to 'British' automotive excellence, with MG and Mini leading the charge. This diverse programming ensures that every visit offers a fresh and engaging experience, making the Cars and Caves season a must-attend for both seasoned collectors and casual admirers.
Beyond the thematic showcases, attendees can consistently expect to see an impressive array of over 400 vehicles, both indoors and outdoors. The lineup includes an eclectic mix of pre-war Classics (manufactured between 1925 and 1948), venerable Antiques (at least 45 years old), roaring Muscle cars from the mid-1960s to early 70s, custom-built Street Rods reminiscent of the 1930s and 1940s, highly sought-after Exotic sports cars, and Vintage Motorcycles over 35 years old. This rich tapestry of automotive history and innovation underscores the depth and breadth of the collector community that gathers at the AutoPlex.
Community, Philanthropy, and the Collector Lifestyle
What truly sets the Chanhassen Cars and Caves apart is its unwavering commitment to giving back. A remarkable aspect of the event is that 100% of any funds raised at each gathering are directly donated to the designated charity partner. For the April 25th opener, this means every contribution will bolster Wishes & More's vital work, providing wishes, scholarship funding for wish children, and memorial funds for families. This philanthropic core imbues the events with a purpose beyond mere display, transforming a passion for cars into tangible support for those in need.
The AutoPlex itself, with its unique 'cave' garages, exemplifies the modern classic car lifestyle. These private spaces allow collectors to house, maintain, and display their vehicles in environments tailored to their passion. The opportunity for the public to glimpse inside these usually private sanctuaries offers an invaluable insight into the dedication and craftsmanship that underpins the collector world. It's a testament to the idea that classic cars are not just investments, but cherished pieces of art and engineering that often come with compelling personal stories. The Cars and Caves series, therefore, celebrates not only the machines themselves but also the enduring passion, community spirit, and generosity of the people who preserve and share them.
The Chanhassen AutoPlex’s initiative serves as a shining example of how local car culture events can create significant positive impact, fostering community bonds, celebrating automotive heritage, and supporting worthy causes. As the 2026 season unfolds, it promises to be a memorable journey through automotive history, driven by a collective passion and a generous heart.