Murrieta Rod Run 2026

“Classic cars, custom builds, and low riders filling the streets…”

Murrieta Rod Run 2026 — Cruise Night and Show and Shine Weekend

Historic Washington Avenue transforms into Southern California's finest car culture showcase for the annual Murrieta Rod Run — two days of rolling steel, rumbling engines, and the kind of community that only happens when 500 classic cars take over a downtown street.

The Weekend:
Cruise Night runs Friday, October 9 from 4 PM to 8 PM — engines on, windows down, Washington Avenue lit up as the cars roll through. Free to watch. Show and Shine follows Saturday, October 10 from 8 AM to 3 PM — cars parked and judged, owners out talking shop, spectators moving slowly from hood to hood.

What You'll See:
Pre-war hot rods. Meticulously restored muscle cars. Custom builds that took years. Lowriders. Street machines. The Murrieta Rod Run has been running for over 30 years and draws 500 or more registered vehicles and upward of 15,000 spectators — the largest car event in Southwest Riverside County. This is not a mall parking lot show. It is an open-road, main-street event on Historic Highway 395 where the exhaust notes carry a block.

Vendors and Food:
Food trucks line the route both days. Vendors set up along the avenue. The downtown Murrieta business district stays open late for Cruise Night Friday. Full block-party atmosphere in the heart of the Inland Valley.

Getting There:
Washington Avenue is closed to regular traffic during the event. Parking is available in downtown Murrieta lots and side streets off Old Town Front Street. Arrive before 9 AM Saturday — the prime spots fill early.

Free admission both days, no registration required to attend as a spectator. If you follow SoCal car culture, this is on the fall calendar.