License to Cruise
September 25, 2026
Classic Car Show
- College Avenue
- Downtown Appleton
Octoberfest weekend kicks off with License to Cruise, a classic car show on Friday night at 3 p.m. Complete with about 400 classic cars, live music and great food, you won’t want to miss one of Appleton’s largest car shows.
Interested in displaying your vehicle that’s 2005 or older? Come on down to the avenue on Friday, September 26 at 1:30 p.m.! Registration is only $10.00 to park your car on the avenue. Special interest vehicles will be showcased in the Expo Center. Contact Gary Rohde to be in the Expo Center.
- FREE Indoor Car Show
- Fox Cities Exhibition Center
Live Music
We have something for everyone! Local and regional acts and fill the day with all types of music from rock to hip hop and everything in between.
Food Vendors
You’ll find non-profit food vendors throughout College Avenue with tasty treats ranging from brats and burgers to ethnic foods and sweet treats.
Beer List
Raise a stein and enjoy a wide selection of beer, including craft beers and gluten-free cider, available at stands throughout the avenue.
License to Cruise Schedule
11:45 AM
Vendors meet at the north lot of the PAC off of Division St.
12:00 PM
No public traffic will be allowed to enter onto College Ave. Volunteer vehicles and food vendors enter and disperse to their locations.
12:00 PM
ALL vehicles parked on College Avenue (including show cars) will begin to be towed at owner’s expense.
1:00 PM
Vendors must have vehicles off the avenue.
1:30 PM
Show vehicles will cruise down College Avenue to be positioned by LTC staff. Cars will fill-up one block at a time, going from the theme cars out.
3:00 PM
No more entries will be allowed onto the avenue; License to Cruise officially starts!
8:00 PM
Wristband and beer ticket sales end.
8:30 PM
Beer sales end.
9:00 PM
License to Cruise officially ends and vehicles will cruise off of College Ave! After the crowd disperses, ALL vehicles must be removed from those portions of College Avenue that are remaining closed for the evening. Any vehicles remaining in those areas will be towed at owners’ expense. Vehicles in other areas of downtown must be legally parked.
License to Cruise Event Map
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the times for License to Cruise?
License to Cruise is from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Friday, September 26, 2025.
Wristbands are available 3 – 8 p.m.
The bar is open 3 – 8:30 p.m.
What time do the cars come onto the Avenue?
Show vehicles will be allowed on College Avenue at 1:30 and will be positioned by LTC staff. Cars will fill-up one block at a time.
Can I park my car on the avenue early in the afternoon?
NO! Any vehicles on the avenue between 12:00 p.m and 1:00 p.m. will be towed at owners expense.
Can I save a spot for my buddy that can't come until later?
License to Cruise is on a “First come, First served” basis. If you wish to park together, please arrive together.
