PRESS RELEASE 2023

AUSTIN, TX IS THE HOT ROD CAPITAL OF THE WORLD FOR THE 20th ANNUAL LONESTAR ROUND UP APRIL 21 & 22nd , 2023

The Lonestar Rod & Kustom Round Up celebrates 20 YEARS of this legendary Texas-sized car show and live music fest! Thousands of vintage hot rods and custom cars will be rolling into Austin as hot rodders, car lovers and gearheads of all kinds from all over the world gather here together for the Lonestar Round Up - a homegrown Austin event that brings together vintage cars, live music, artists, shopping, a huge swap meet & more.

(Austin, TX, April 2023; source: Lonestar Round Up) – The Lonestar Rod & Kustom Round Up will celebrate its 20th annual show in Austin, TX at the Travis County Expo Center (7311 Decker Lane) Friday and Saturday April 21 & 22nd, 2023.

What started out two decades ago as a small gathering of hot rodders, artists and musicians on a small football field in Austin, is now one of the biggest and best hot rod and custom car shows in the world. And since we’re in Austin, it’s also a great live music festival with amazing bands playing all day onstage while everyone enjoys checking out miles and miles of amazing vintage rides from hot rodded Model T and Model A Fords from the 1920s and 30s to custom Chevys, Buicks, Mercurys, Cadillacs and more from the pre-war era to the early 60s. Some cars are adorned with sparkling custom candy and metalflake paintjobs, pinstriping or flames and dressed up in shining chrome - while others are more purpose-built race cars like the nostalgic alcohol-fueled dragsters who fire up their engines each day for an earthshaking “cacklefest”. Each car is as unique as the person who built and customized it. Dedicated owners from all over the country drive these vintage cars here to Austin to take part, and fans from as far away as England, Sweden, Italy, Japan, Australia and New Zealand now make the Lonestar Round Up a yearly pilgrimage.

“Simply put, it is the best damned car show in America. Period.”
— The Jalopy Journal
“What can be said about the Lonestar Round Up - Austin, Texas’ pride and joy of an annual “to do” - that hasn’t already been put in print, or uttered from one person to the next, for that matter? Nothing. It’s without a doubt one of the nation’s best hot rod and custom events.
— Rod & Custom Magazine

In the middle of the huge car show is a stage featuring live music all weekend – Friday’s bands include The Swelltune Records Revue with Saudia Young, Willie Barry & Shaun Young, Los Skarnales, The John Doe Folk Trio with the legendary John Doe (co-founder of the LA punk band X) and The Woggles from Atlanta. Saturday’s entertainment features Kyle Eldridge & The Rhythm Rounders, Marti Brom, Texas Blues Guitar Legend Jimmie Vaughan performing with his famed horn-heavy Tilt-A-Whirl Band, and finishing with The Jungle Rockers.

The Round Up also features some of the most creative and talented kustom culture and automotive artists working today selling their work. Shop from a unique line up of vendors who will be selling everything from haircuts and makeovers to vintage clothes and handmade art and jewelry. A giant swap meet offers vintage auto parts and accessories, signs, and collectables. Plenty of food and drinks from local food trucks and vendors will keep you going as you explore all there is to see and do over two days out at the Expo Center.

It’s a great weekend for friends and families to come and enjoy this uniquely Texas twist on a celebration of the American automotive art form. Admission is available at the gate, and is just $20 for a weekend wristband that is good for entry both Friday and Saturday. Kids under 12 are FREE and so is general admission parking. Gates open at 10am both days and the show goes till 6pm.

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