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Air-Cooled Volkswagen Event Coverage
Air-cooled VW shows, cruises, campouts, and gatherings from North America and beyond. Revisit some of the best moments from the scene.
Bug Out 44 - Photos by Caroline Dean
Bug Out 44 returned to Optimist Club Park in Heidelberg, Ontario, on Sunday, July 12, 2026, bringing Canada's longest running Volkswagen tradition back to life for another year. Hosted by the K W and Area Bug Club in partnership with the Optimist Club of Kitchener Waterloo, the event once again drew enthusiasts from across southern Ontario and beyond, filling the park with vintage charm, modern creativity and unmistakable Volkswagen spirit.
Community support remains at the heart of Bug Out, and this year's event reflected that more than ever. The Bug Club operates as a not for profit incorporation, directing all spectator admission revenue to the Optimist Club of Kitchener Waterloo. Their work supports organizations focused on children, families and food insecurity, including Nutrition for Learning, Food4Kids, Waterloo Region food banks, Pride Stables, National Service Dogs and the HUGS K W Optimist Bear Program for Kids.
Show car admission revenue helps sustain the Bug Club itself, ensuring Bug Out continues year after year while also enabling the Club to give back to the community. Canadian Tire Jumpstart, Special Olympics Ontario and the Hamilton Conservation Authority are among the organizations that benefit. The event is further strengthened by generous sponsors such as Central Automotive, Guelph Volkswagen, Access Auto, A and A Discount Auto Parts, Georgian Bay Motors, Zehr Insurance and DataStealth.
This year's turnout was impressive, with 193 show cars filling the park. The mix included 136 air cooled Volkswagens, 56 water cooled Volkswagens and one electric Volkswagen. The strong air cooled presence reflected the roots of Bug Out, while the water cooled and EV entries showed how the event continues to welcome the wider Volkswagen community. Perfect weather, warm, dry and sunny, made the day even better.
A lively swap meet and vendor area added to the experience, featuring 23 vendors offering parts, accessories and memorabilia. Fo' Cheezy and Philly and Wings kept attendees well fed, while a DJ and MC provided music and announcements throughout the day. Bug Out has always been a family friendly event, and this year included contests, draws and prizes specifically for kids, ensuring younger enthusiasts felt just as welcome as long time VW veterans.
Judging took place across 38 trophy classes, including special awards such as the Ernie Abel Best in Show, the Walter Roth Memorial award and Special Merit awards for both air cooled and water cooled Volkswagens. Choosing a single standout car proved impossible. Bug Out celebrates craftsmanship, but it also celebrates personal effort, the survivor that has been preserved, the home built driver that has been kept on the road for decades and the car that reflects its owner's story as much as its mechanical heritage.
Visitors arrived from across southern Ontario and beyond, adding to the event's energy and variety. While distance traveled was not formally tracked, one attendee stood out. Dan Leadbetter of VW Trends Magazine made the trip from Las Vegas, Nevada. His presence added extra fun to the day through the "I Found Dan" selfie contest, which encouraged attendees to explore the show field and engage with fellow enthusiasts.
For many involved, the highlight of Bug Out 44 was the volunteer effort that made it all possible. Club members and supporters handled setup, parking, registration, merchandise, judging, vendor coordination, food truck support and cleanup. Seeing the park filled with Volkswagens was memorable, but seeing the teamwork behind the scenes was just as meaningful. Their dedication is what transforms Bug Out from a car show into a community tradition.
Bug Out 44 delivered everything enthusiasts love about the Volkswagen hobby, community, creativity, history and the shared joy of keeping these cars on the road. With 193 show cars, 23 vendors, two food trucks and perfect weather, it was an exceptional day. The tradition continues next year. Bug Out 45 is set for Sunday, July 11, 2027, once again at Optimist Club Park in Heidelberg Ontario. Hope to see you there!
27th Annual Wasatch Classic - Article and Photos by Ben Reynolds
The 27th Annual Wasatch Classic once again proved why it remains one of Utah's premier gatherings for air-cooled Volkswagen enthusiasts. Held on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at The Shops at Riverwoods in Provo, Utah, the event brought together owners, families, and fans from across the region for an evening dedicated to the enduring appeal of classic Volkswagens. Framed by the beautiful Wasatch Mountains, the setting offered the perfect backdrop for one of the state's longest-running all-Volkswagen shows.
The brick-lined streets and charming plaza at Riverwoods were transformed into an impressive display of air-cooled history. Rows of beautifully presented Beetles, Karmann Ghias, Type 3s, Transporters, and other Volkswagen favorites filled the venue, creating an inviting atmosphere where visitors could admire every detail. Twinkling string lights overhead added to the relaxed summer evening as spectators explored the show.
The variety of vehicles on display reflected the strength of Utah's air-cooled community. Meticulously restored originals shared space with well-preserved daily drivers and thoughtfully customized builds featuring period accessories, roof racks, unique paintwork, and personal touches. Every car had a story, and owners were more than happy to share restoration experiences, memorable road trips, and the challenges and rewards of keeping these vintage Volkswagens on the road.
As the sun dipped behind the mountains, the Wasatch Classic settled into the easygoing atmosphere that has become its trademark. Friends reunited, new conversations began, and the familiar sounds of air-cooled engines echoed through the plaza. It was a reminder that events like this are about far more than the cars themselves. They celebrate the friendships, traditions, and shared passion that continue to unite Volkswagen enthusiasts across generations.
Now celebrating its 27th year, the Wasatch Classic remains one of the signature events on Utah's Volkswagen calendar. Free public admission makes the show welcoming for families, first-time visitors, and longtime enthusiasts alike, while affordable vehicle registration encourages owners to bring their Volkswagens and become part of the experience. Awards presented later in the evening recognized standout entries across a variety of classes.
Special thanks go to the Wasatch Vintage Volkswagens club, founded in 1998 by Justin Ferguson, for continuing to organize and preserve this outstanding tradition. The dedication of the club, along with the generous support of The Shops at Riverwoods, event sponsors, volunteers, and participants, ensures that the Wasatch Classic continues to thrive year after year.
For anyone who appreciates the character and charm of air-cooled Volkswagens, the Wasatch Classic deserves a place on the calendar. Combining exceptional cars, spectacular mountain scenery, and one of the friendliest Volkswagen communities in the West, it remains a highlight of the summer show season. Here's looking forward to another year of great Volkswagens, scenic drives, and unforgettable memories
El Prado Show & Shine - Article and Photos by Sonny
The El Prado VW Show & Shine once again delivered the atmosphere that defines Southern California’s air cooled culture. Riverside’s June sun set the tone early and gave the entire event the warm, familiar feel people look forward to each year. It felt like the kind of day that brings out the best in the community.
Families, longtime owners, and new enthusiasts filled the park from the moment the gates opened. The day felt more like a community gathering than a formal show, with people moving easily from one row of cars to the next. Everywhere you looked, someone was catching up with an old friend or meeting someone new.
Kids wandered through lines of Beetles and Buses with the same excitement as the adults. Parents pointed out details, shared stories, and passed along the kind of knowledge only Volkswagen people truly appreciate. It was the kind of scene that shows how the hobby continues from one generation to the next.
The relaxed energy made the event feel welcoming for everyone. Conversations started naturally, and it was easy to see how the culture grows through simple moments like these. Even first-time visitors blended right in with the regulars.
Hosted by the VTO Bus Club and supported by major sponsors like EMPI, the show has been running for more than a decade. Its longevity shows in the turnout and the consistency of the experience. The organizers clearly understand what people want from a VW event.
Hundreds of vintage Volkswagens filled the park, creating a sea of color, chrome, and character. Awards were part of the day, but most attendees were more focused on enjoying the cars and the atmosphere. The emphasis stayed on participation rather than competition.
Vintage Volkswagens stood out in every direction. It was not just one or two special examples catching attention. Almost every car had something worth stopping for, whether it was a rare detail or a clever personal touch.
Some cars wore decades of history with grace, showing the kind of patina that tells a story. Others showcased fresh restorations that looked ready for another lifetime on the road. The contrast between old and new made the show field even more interesting.
Walking the rows became a moving timeline of Volkswagen design and creativity. Each car represented a different chapter in the air cooled world, and together they created a complete picture of the culture. It was easy to lose track of time while taking it all in.
For many people, the highlight was simply checking out the Bugs. Seeing so many Beetles gathered in one place never loses its appeal, and each one brought its own personality to the show field. The variety made every row worth exploring.
Stock, modified, subtle, bold. Every style was represented, and every car added to the energy of the day. It reminded people why they fell in love with Volkswagens in the first place, and why the Beetle remains such an iconic part of the scene.
The event’s reach extended far beyond California. While the farthest car was not confirmed, Texas seemed like a strong possibility, showing the dedication within the community. Long-distance travelers always add something special to the mix.
That level of commitment says everything about the passion behind the air cooled world. When someone is willing to cross states just to be part of a show, it reinforces how meaningful these gatherings truly are. It also shows how far the reputation of El Prado has spread.
El Prado is not built on gimmicks or side attractions. Aside from the VTO Blackstar Campout leading into the show, the format stays simple. Volkswagens, owners, families, vendors, cruising, and a few food trucks to keep everyone going.
That simplicity is part of its charm. Sometimes the best shows are the ones that focus on people and cars without trying to be anything more. El Prado proves that year after year.
In the end, the El Prado VW Show & Shine summed itself up perfectly. It was a great day for air cooled enthusiasts, especially Volkswagen owners who value the culture as much as the cars. The event delivered exactly what people hoped for.
With confirmation that the show will return next year, the community already has something to look forward to. Events like this keep the spirit alive and prove why El Prado remains one of the most beloved gatherings in the scene. The countdown has already started for many.
Kelley Park Spring Meet 2026 - Article by Rick Spohn
The 41st Annual Kelley Park Spring Meet took place on April 19th at History San Jose in Kelley Park, bringing hundreds of air cooled Volkswagen enthusiasts together for one of Northern California's most beloved VW traditions. Hosted by the Golden Gate Chapter of the Vintage Volkswagen Club of America, the event once again delivered a relaxed, family friendly atmosphere in one of the most scenic venues in the region. With perfect weather that started overcast and turned sunny by midday, the park filled quickly with 260 vintage Volkswagens of every style and era.
Although the main show is held on Sunday, the weekend has grown into a full three day gathering for many attendees. Friday featured an open house at Mark Merrill's museum in Mountain View, giving visitors a chance to explore rare VW history up close. Saturday brought the Red Barn VW Bus Swap Meet in Aromas, a long running favorite for parts hunters. Later that day, Ray Schubert led a VW cruise from Mountain View to San Martin, adding a rolling highlight to the weekend.
Inside Kelley Park, the show offered plenty to enjoy. Two food trucks kept everyone fed, one serving BBQ and the other Mexican food, while KFJC radio broadcast music from the gazebo at the center of the grounds. Families, longtime club members, and first time visitors all mixed together as they walked the tree lined paths and explored the wide range of cars on display. With 16 judged car classes and one toy class, there was something for every type of VW fan.
The show field was packed with standout cars, from early Beetles and Buses to beautifully restored Ghias and clean daily drivers. While it was hard to pick a single favorite, the overall quality of the cars made this year's meet especially memorable. Many attendees commented on how enjoyable the event becomes once everyone is inside the park and settled in. The relaxed pace and friendly atmosphere are a big part of what makes Kelley Park special.
Participants traveled from all over California and beyond. The farthest cars came from Southern California, with additional visitors making the trip from Reno, Nevada. Before the awards ceremony, the club held its traditional raffle, with prizes donated by the event's 19 sponsors and supporting vendors. Their contributions helped make the day possible and added excitement for everyone in attendance.
In the end, the 41st Annual Kelley Park Spring Meet was another success, continuing a tradition that has lasted more than four decades. The positive comments online reflect how much people appreciate both the show and the venue. Planning is already underway for next year's event, which will return on Sunday, April 18th, with the open house and Red Barn swap meet once again scheduled for the days leading up to the show.
Explore More Air-Cooled VW Sections
- 2026 Air-Cooled VW Events Calendar Find upcoming VW shows, swap meets, and campouts with our updated nationwide event guide.
- Monthly Air-Cooled Feature Go beyond the show field with a spotlight story on a standout vintage Volkswagen.
- The VW History Archive Explore eight decades of air-cooled Volkswagen engineering, culture, and global influence.
- Factory Photo Archive Step inside the original Volkswagen assembly lines with rare production images from multiple eras.
