Registration Open for Wheels on Academy Car Show, May 16 in Cary

• Cary's annual car show, Wheels on Academy, is open for registration now through May 2.
• This year, for the first time, registration is free for all participants, and early registrants will receive a dash plaque and event towel.
• Awards will be presented to the Top 30 judged by decade and one Best in Show.

Cary, N.C. - Registration is now open for Wheels on Academy, Cary's annual car show at Town Hall Campus on North Academy Street. This free event is May 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and celebrates vehicles of all makes, models, and years.

Participants who register by May 2 will receive a dash plaque and event towel. Two participation options are available: competitive judging with trophy consideration (registration required) or a casual display with no registration needed. Day-of registration will also be accepted on-site the morning of the event, space permitting. Award categories include Best in Show and Top 30, judged by decade, with at least one award per decade represented.

EV owners are invited to join the Explore-an-EV showcase, parking alongside Cary's green fleet to connect with attendees and share their experience with electric vehicles.

"Wheels on Academy is a celebration of all things automotive," said Jenna Kostka, Festivals and Events Supervisor at Town of Cary. "Part of what makes this event so special is the variety on display - we see everything from vintage trucks and custom builds to classic and modern favorites. If it has wheels and a story, we'd love to see it!"

Additional attractions include Touch a Truck, where kids can get up close with vehicles from Cary Public Works, Police, and Fire departments. Vertigo, a rock-n-roll cover band, will provide live music, and food and drinks will be available from Craft Public House, Death by Taco, and Frios Raleigh.

Parking is available at Cary Town Hall Parking Deck, 121 Wilkinson Avenue Note that North Academy Street will be closed; all parking must be accessed from Wilkinson Avenue.

GoCary bus service is also available. The GoCary depot is located directly across the train tracks from the event. The downtown loop will run with a slight modification to accommodate the event closures in one small section of Academy Street. Plan your trip at GoCary.org or via the GoCary app.

If you have specific questions, visit carync.gov/311, dial 311 anywhere in Cary, (919) 469-4000 outside Town limits, or email [email protected].

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