Monroe Car Cruise-In: A Homecoming for Car Lovers

October 11, 2025 streetcars101 Car Event Recap 0

Some car shows feel like events. The Monroe Car Cruise-In feels like homecoming in my hometown. Every second Friday from 6 to 8 p.m., Main Street transforms into a rolling showcase of everything that makes car culture great. Roaring engines, polished chrome, and the kind of automotive pride that only happens when a community truly celebrates its rides. This months spotlight on trucks added a new dimension to the mix, but the real stars remain the people behind the wheels.

A Personal Invitation

Person wearing a Cadillac Kings jacket at a car show, with classic cars and attendees in the background.
You got to be with the crew to have this jacket!
A man with a white beard wearing a t-shirt stands beside a classic black Cadillac in a car show setting, while two other men sit nearby.
Close-up view of a classic car's wheel and side, showcasing intricate wire rims in a parking lot setting.
A sleek black Cadillac parked at a car show, showcasing its polished chrome features and stylish design, with a lively atmosphere in the background.

My night started with a call from the Cadillac Kings, a club that’s about to get major shine in our upcoming magazine, digital article, and episode on our TV show Inside the Scenes on Roku TV. When they roll into Monroe for their annual meet-up, they don’t just show up; they make a statement.

’70s Calais, De Villes, Eldorados, Fleetwoods, Sevilles are every example representing the golden age of American luxury, when Cadillac didn’t just build cars, they built status symbols on wheels. Watching them cruise Main Street together is like seeing a museum collection come to life. So a special thanks to them for inviting me out and telling me about what was happening downtown Monroe. They are the reason this article was created.

A classic Cadillac cruising down Main Street during the Monroe Car Cruise-In, showcasing its vintage design and smooth ride.

Hometown Energy

Monroe is my hometown, so cruising these streets hits different. Every block brought something worth stopping for: old-school classics with that timeless rumble, modern muscle flexing contemporary power, bikes lined up in formation, even a few exotic imports sliding through to prove not every great ride needs a Detroit badge.

Trace VanGorden stands with his 1972 VW Bus, fittingly nicknamed "Shaggin Wagen .” He’s also the proud owner of the Volkswagen Beetle shown below. Stay tuned — an in-depth interview about his ’72 Bus build is coming soon!
Trace VanGorden stands with his 1972 VW Bus, fittingly nicknamed “Trace.” He’s also the proud owner of the Volkswagen Beetle shown below. Stay tuned — an in-depth interview about his ’72 Bus build is coming soon!
A man stands next to a modified Chevrolet with its hood open, showcasing the engine bay, in a car show setting.
My classmate Rogers posted beside this fire Camaro that he should take to the track

Before diving into the car scene, I had to handle the important business first while downtown. Lunch at Main Street Bistro, catching up with my friend Mr. Walt Gibson over at Jampack Records (the first store that ever sold my mixtapes and albums back in the day), then grabbing a cold one at Home Brew Taproom and Tunes.

I had to prepare myself for lots of walking, photo’ing, and a lot of talking. It’s easy to walk around and take photos but the best car shows aren’t just about the vehicles. They’re about the community, the conversations, the connections that happen when people who share a passion gather in one place.

A modified Volkswagen Beetle parked on a street with a classic design featuring a roof rack and various stickers, set against a red brick wall.
Anthony DiDonato poses with his 1951 Ford Kustom, known as Sweet Genevieve. There’s an incredible story behind this ride — we’ll be sharing it on social media soon!
Anthony DiDonato poses with his 1951 Ford Kustom, known as Sweet Genevieve. There’s an incredible story behind this ride — we’ll be sharing it on social media soon!
An orange classic Corvette parked on a city street, showcasing its sleek design and shiny chrome wheels.

Capturing the Culture

A classic yellow pickup truck parked on Main Street in front of an event venue, with the hood raised, showcasing the engine. People are gathered nearby, enjoying the evening atmosphere.

Camera in hand, I set out to document Monroe’s finest. Every meticulously restored Chevy, every custom Cadillac gleaming under the sunset, every proud owner eager to share their build story and it’s the kind of content that reminds you why we do this.

I couldn’t shoot every ride (there’s only so many hours between 6 and 8 p.m.), but the ones I captured tell the story of a thriving local car scene. The interviews with owners and enthusiasts? Those are dropping soon across our social media platforms, so stay tuned.

A green classic pickup truck drives down Main Street during a car show, with spectators and various cars in the background.
A classic oldsmobile coupe parked on Main Street during the Monroe Car Cruise-In, showcasing its vintage design and shiny wire wheels.

The Road Ahead

A vintage car viewed from the rear at dusk, showcasing its distinctive fins and classic design, with the glow of its tail lights illuminating the scene.
Inside the Scenes- Season 1

Want to catch the next Cruise-In before the season wraps? Head to the Classic Cruisers of Monroe Facebook page at facebook.com/ClassicCruisersofMonroe for dates and details.

And while you’re thinking about it, do you have a ride you’re proud of? Submit it for feature consideration. Season 2 of Inside the Scenes—the Carolina Edition—is coming soon, and we’re looking for the builds, stories, and personalities that make this region’s car culture special.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel, follow the TV show, and keep your eyes open. The best stories happen when passion meets pavement, and Monroe’s got both in abundance.

A modified race car with an open hood, showcasing its engine, parked on a street during a car show, with people and trees in the background.

See you on Main Street next month.

Monroe Car Cruise-In Details:
📅 Second Friday of every month
🕕 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Main Street, Downtown Monroe, NC
💻 Info: facebook.com/ClassicCruisersofMonroe

Inside the Scenes – Season 2: Carolina Edition
Coming soon to Roku TV
Submit your ride for feature consideration CLICK HERE

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