The OBX Rod and Custom crew aims to throw the hottest automotive party on the Banks. Their mission? Bring fellow gearhead enthusiasts together to celebrate tricked-out vintage rides against the beautiful OBX backdrop. The OBX Rod and Custom Festival brings back the golden age of automobiles to the East Coast’s favorite beach destination.
Every year, classic car lovers from across North Carolina rev up their engines and cruise down for the annual OBX Rod and Custom Festival on the Outer Banks. This year the two-day event to be held on May 3rd and 4th celebrates tricked-out vintage cars and trucks in laidback OBX style.
You will discover row after row of sweet rides bringing some serious automotive eye candy. We’re talking immaculate models from the 1930s, 40s, 50s and up restored or modded to perfection. Feast your eyes on the flawless paint jobs, shiny chrome details, and plush interiors while the proud owners look on beaming.
The event features hundreds of vehicles showcased across classes like antiques, muscle cars, trucks, street rods and customs. The antiques dating from the 1920s to 1940s still have those classic curvy lines but sport shiny new coats of paint in candy apple reds, creamsicle oranges and lemon ice yellows.
You will get to see your favourite set of wheels souped up for power like muscle cars from the 1950s through 1970s having big block V8s rumbling under the hood. Car owners line up their beauties and set up alongside for prime photo opps.
Owners proudly pop the hoods to allow peeks at those shiny hot rod engines and chat about their custom mods. When you need a break from ogling all those chromed-out cars, the OBX Rod and Custom Fest offers up plenty of extras for the whole family.
One can grab grub from the row of food trucks or try the Dirty Buffalo wings at nearby restaurants. Let the kids enjoy ice cream, face painting and balloon art. Dance to the oldies tunes pumping through the lot. Browse the vendor village for vintage signs, accessories, t-shirts and more.
With car shows staged right on the oceanfront, you can dig the endless rows of candy-colored classics while breathing in that salty coastal air. The family-friendly environment means all ages can admire these sweet cruisers up close and enjoy good times together.
Through sponsorships from local businesses who want to show some love for the area's historic beach machine culture, the organizers are able to promote and produce this annual event. While covering costs comes first, any extra proceeds go to helping local charities like the food pantry and youth programs.
So, make plans now to have your own classic car escapade down the island. Join the hundreds of other motoring enthusiasts celebrating these painstakingly preserved or customized vintage beauties. It’s sure to be a laidback Outer Banks good time.