The Ford Nationals Automotive Flea Market is a great place to sell the parts, accessories, automotive memorabilia and literature that have been collecting dust in your garage. Put your parts in front of thousands of Ford enthusiasts and buyers. If you are a vendor or would like to become a vendor, be sure to take advantage of the following offers:

- Book vending & car corral space(s) prior to 45 days of the event at a discounted rate.
- FREE Product Listings in the Event Guide & the Carlisle Events App.
- Early bird renewal discount of 10% when you renew your space(s) at the event up until Friday after the show. 

If you have any questions or need helping booking your space(s), give us a call at 717-243-7855. 

Buy Your Vending Spaces Online   More about Vending at Carlisle

A wide variety of Ford cars and trucks are annually available for sale in the Ford Nationals Car Corral. You can shop, compare and make the deal directly with the owner. Notary Service will be available. If you need anything else for the purchase of a vehicle, our staff in Guest Services can provide a contact list. If you are a car corral vendor or would like to become one, be sure to take advantage of the following offers:

- Book vending & car corral space(s) prior to 45 days of the event at a discounted rate.
- Early bird renewal discount of 10% when you renew your space(s) at the event up until Friday after the show. 

Please Note: All vehicles in the corral must be for sale, in running condition and cannot be displayed on trailers. Spaces are approximately 10’ frontage x 20’ depth per outside space for the entire event. 

If you have any questions or need helping booking your space(s), give us a call at 717-243-7855. 

Reserve your Car Corral Space  More about Vending at Carlisle

Annually, the Carlisle Ford Nationals host a display dubbed the Ford Nationals Select. Launched in 2015, this display is positioned within Building Y and features 12-14 cars that are unique to the history of the Ford Brand. Each car will be numbered and receive a commemorative banner to mark their inclusion in the display. In addition, banners will hang from the rafters akin to what sports teams do, logging the history of the Ford Nationals Select.

Living by the phrase “Available to All, Not for Everyone”, the team at RTR Vehicles has produced some special cars for very special people. RTR knows not everyone is meant to be an RTR owner, but when you are, you're part of a unique & passionate group unlike any other. That said, RTR vehicles are cut from a different cloth and from here on out will be showcased as such on our NPD Showfield! TWO NEW classes have been added for RTR Vehicle owners. Class 190 is for all RTR Mustangs and Class 195 is for all RTR Vehicles (Non-Mustang). Now is the time to show off the raw emotion that is your RTR vehicle. Register today and stand out from the rest of the crowd.

Register for the NPD Showfield                     Visit RTR Online

The Downtown Carlisle Association presents the annual and always popular Ford Parade, Park and Party on Saturday, June 1 at 7 PM. 

Automotive enthusiasts, specifically those interested in the FOMOCO brands, will line the streets of downtown Carlisle to see a wide array of cars showcased during the Carlisle Ford Nationals. The parade field is limited to only 400 Ford, Lincoln and/or Mercury vehicles and is $30 to participate.  

The parade will once again be led by a select group of Ford officials showing off some of their hot new products! In addition to the parade, spectators will enjoy specialty vehicles, a wide variety of food and fanfare.

You must be registered for the Carlisle Ford Nationals to be eligible for the parade. Don't miss out on this great Saturday night attraction. All vehicles must be staged prior to 6:30 PM for departure.

NEW Route returns for 2024! With the planned implementation of a two-year road construction project which includes the installation of at least one roundabout, changes to the Carlisle Ford Nationals parade route are required. These changes are beyond the control of Carlisle Events and the DCA. The new route was carefully evaluated and crafted in a combined effort by the DCA, Carlisle Events, and local authorities. Participant vehicles will now stage at the Carlisle Expo Center and then proceed south on Pitt St. before turning left (and right) on High St. Cars that turn left will then cruise to the downtown square before either going straight and continuing on High St. or turning both left and right on North Hanover St. This route, while different from the standard path into downtown, gives even more of the Carlisle community a chance to see your wheels in motion AND gives those along High St. and North Hanover St. a chance to enjoy the festivities from a whole new angle. The map is linked below.

Day of Show/Onsite Registration:
• Thursday: 10 AM to 4 PM
• Friday: 8 AM to 4 PM
• Saturday: 8 AM to 4 PM (based on availability)
• Fee includes t-shirt, goody bag & special parade dash plaque (while supplies last)


Register for the Parade        View the NEW Parade Route Map

If you’re coming to the Carlisle Ford Nationals to look at the classic and collector cars on the NPD Showfield, don’t forget, not far from those rides are an amazing mix of automotive flea market (a.k.a. swap meet) and midway vendors.  

Mix in the Women’s Oasis, offering some non-automotive items for the ladies and a food court laced with some of the tastiest fare available and you get one of the largest vending footprints of its type anywhere.

Learn more about our event vendors and their location(s) today by downloading the Carlisle Events App or once available online (or in person), check out the vending pages and map of our event guide. Online, the guide and map are posted about one week prior to the event. At the event, it’s available at Guest Services or any main point of entry.

Check out the Event Guide/Vendors
Tips for Navigating the Swap Meet
Download the Carlisle Events App

In addition to the competition among the cars on the Ford Nationals NPD Showfield, there is a battle between clubs to see who has the most cars registered. Clubs that place 1st - 5th will receive a Hemmings Club Challenge banner and recognition on the Winner's List!

As a bonus, we offer the use of a 20’ X 20’ tent to those clubs who register 25 vehicles or more. These tents are a great place to take a break and they make a great club headquarters for the weekend. Larger clubs may be eligible for a bigger tent.
 
Apply to be an Officially Recognized Club     Learn More about the Club Program 

Ford Performance Club Connect is expanding its outreach efforts with its registered clubs this year with more communications and opportunities for involvement in Ford activities. Join John Clor of Ford Performance, for a full review of how they’re improving the program and using the platform to share important club info. Each attendee will get a free Ford Performance branded keepsake for attending.

Learn More About Club Connect

The Coolest Club award is based on the premise of your club tent being THE PLACE to be. Plan your theme and your decorations well for the show because there are a host of clubs vying for the honor.

At the Ford Nationals, the Coolest Club Hangout is sponsored by the Ford Performance Group and the winner is chosen by John Clor.

Apply to be an Officially Recognized Club     Learn More about the Club Program

We believe that one of the most honorable awards you can get at the Carlisle Ford Nationals is a Celebrity Choice Award. But do you really know what a Celebrity Choice award means? The deemed "celebrities" are notable people in our hobby, such as special guest, engineers who were the visionaries on the cars you love, to club leaders who make it their mission to bring people to the event each year. Getting a Celebrity Choice award is a true honor because that celebrity is picking one car out of the whole Showfield that means something to them. It's not the traditional judging, as there is no point scoring, but a personal reason behind why someone likes your car. 

Celebrity Choice selections takes place on Saturday of the show. Celebrities will walk the grounds to find that one car that gets their pick. You will know you are a winner right away, because there will be a special sticker on your car, as well as a document that notifies you that you won. Your autographed award will be available for pickup on Sunday!

Register for the NPD Showfield

With the popularity of many Ford products from the likes of Roush, Saleen and Shelby it only makes sense that other companies would get in on the action as well! The likes of Hurst, Pettys Garage, Tuscany, Hennessey and more are specialty builders set on providing you, the enthusiast, an awesome vehicle. So why not show them off at the Ford Nationals? Class 140 is home to those specialty built enthusiast vehicles. We are excited to see this class continues to grow!

Have a Hurst, Pettys Garage, Tuscany, Hennessey, or other specialty builder produced Ford vehicle? Register it for the Showfield in Class 140! 

Register for the NPD Showfield

There is a NEW day and time for the Autocross Real Street Shootout in 2024! The contest will be taking place SUNDAY at 9AM. It will begin with check-in followed by a driver's meeting and tech inspection. This FREE activity is being supported by Gateway Classic Mustang. It's fast, it's furious and it's fun! 

If you think you and your car have what it takes to compete in the shootout, signup for the contest at Guest Services starting on Friday. This activity is a first come, first serve basis, so be sure to sign-up when you get here! The top three finishers will receive a trophy and will each get a cash payout! If you want to have some fun on the track, this is your chance…and it’s FREE!!

Participants must have a registered (and street legal) car on the Ford Nationals NPD Showfield, be 18 years of age or older and have a valid license and insurance. Refer to the Event Guide for the official time (published two weeks prior to the event). Participants are REQUIRED to bring their own helmets for safety. You will be unable to participate if you don't have one. 

Approved helmets are REQUIRED. Helmets must have one of the following SNELL FOUNDATION certifications: “SA2020, SA2015, SA2010* & SAH2010*; or M2020, M2015, M2010*; or EA2016. Helmets must have the original Snell certification labels affixed. A SNELL foundation rating of “K” (karting) is NOT allowed at this event. A helmet with DOT approval is NOT sufficient without also having one of the SNELL certifications listed above. *NOTE: Helmets with Snell “SA2010”, SAH2010”, or “M2010” certification must have an original manufacture date sticker affixed with a manufacture date less than ten (10) years old.

*Due to safety concerns, stock height SUVS and trucks may be excluded from the contest.

View the Past Winner's List    View the Event Guide

Car owners have the chance to showcase just what their car sounds like in a standalone environment during the Exhaust Contest! On Saturday of Ford Nationals all eyes will be on you and your car. Don't miss this cool competition as cars will start in a line on the track and roar as they accelerate. This will also be judged but take note, the best overall sound will take home the prize, not necessarily the loudest.

The contest consists of one round, hosting 20 cars. The Exhaust Contest is FREE but you MUST be registered on the NPD Showfield to be eligible to participate! Sign up in Guest Services starting on Friday at 7AM. This is a first-come, first-served basis and we do expect the round to be filled so please sign-up early! 

Refer to the Event Guide for the official time & location (published two weeks prior to the event).

View the Past Winner's List    View the Event Guide

On Saturday of Carlisle Ford Nationals, visit the track to get your fix for tire burning excitement during the Rolling Burnout and Donut Contest presented by RTR Vehicles!

This contest will feature multiple ways to get your burnout going! Participants can chose from the following:

1. Do a rolling burnout down the track!
2. Do a donut on the fresh donut pad!
3. Do a wicked rolling burnout into a donut onto the pad! 

The contest is limited to 10 contestants and sign-ups will begin Friday at Guest Services. You must be a registered participant at the show and provide your driver’s license & insurance card when signing up. 

Refer to the Event Guide for the official time (published two weeks prior to the event). 

View the Past Winner's List      View the Event Guide     

VMP Performance has been in the Ford performance market for over 20 years. VMP was started by Justin Starkey in 1999 when he bought his first Mustang. VMP Performance has grown to include many different parts and accessories. VMP's main focus is EFI tuning, both mail-order tuning and dyno-tuning. VMP uses the most up to date SCT, HP Tuners and COBB software / hardware and the highest quality equipment on their mobile dyno to provide you with the best possible tune. VMP has nearly $100,000 invested in our dyno-tuning operation, between dyno equipment, computers, and software. VMP has mail order tuned over 1000 vehicles and dynotuned over 1000 vehicles on our Mobile Dyno-Jet 224x Mobile Dyno. Justin Starkey, VMP's tuner and owner, worked at SCT for nearly a year as part of the technical support staff. He still enjoys a close relationship with SCT. Justin's extensive knowledge base and industry contacts, coupled with many thousands of hours of research and development on our dyno allows us to give you the best possible mail order and dyno tunes. VMP specializes in custom tuning for the Ford family of vehicles. They custom tune all OBD2 Ford vehicles. Get your Ford tuned at this year’s Carlisle Ford Nationals.



Visit VMP Performance online today!

When you bring your kids to this year's Ford Nationals, there will be different things they can participate in at the show! Check them out below: 

Kid's Goody Bag- Available for pickup at Guest Services for kids 12 and under! Parents will receive a goody bag coupon for each kid when they pick up their Showfield Goody Bag or when coming in with a spectator admission ticket. Some goodies within the bag are a coloring book, free cup with a coupon for a free drink at the food court and much more! Limit one per child, child must be present. 

RC Car Giveaway & Kids Cash Grab- Kids 12 and under can sign-up to potentially win an RC Car! When signing up for the giveaway, they are also eligible to be chosen for the Kid's Cash Grab. The Giveaway sign-up is located in Guest Services. Winners of the RC Car & kids selected for the Cash Grab will be contacted via phone!

Kids Bingo- Kids 12 and under can participate in Kid's Bingo and potentially win some cool prizes! Check out the event guide for the time and location.

Kids Choice Award- Kids can cast a vote for their favorite car within Building T and the owner of the car will get an award!

Ride a Real Monster Truck- Climb aboard the Virginia Giant ride truck for a ride that will have you on the edge of your seat as you crush cars near the autocross track. The Virginia Giant is suitable for guests of all ages, and makes a great activity for the whole family! Fees apply. 

We hope to see your whole family at the show!

More Kids at Carlisle Information

Did you find your name on this year's winners list? If so, you are invited to participate in the Awards Presentation in front of the stage on Sunday. The first step is to go to Guest Services starting at 9AM on Sunday to pick up your award. Those that win and wish to participate in the Awards Presentation will parade their car in front of the Grandstand to be announced and to get photos.

Professional photography is available at the Awards Presentation and pictures are available for purchase under the Grandstand. Please refer to the Event Guide for the official time (published two weeks prior to the event).

If you cannot attend the presentation, your award can be picked up Sunday between 9AM-12PM at Guest Services. After the show you may pick up your award during regular business hours at the fairgrounds, request to have your award shipped for a fee, or pick it up at any Carlisle Events Show up until one year after the event. 

View the Event Guide   Ship your Award   View the Winners List

Ford Nationals welcomes our sponsors and partners, where the industries best companies share their passion for automobiles with enthusiasts. Learn more about our sponsors and how they can help you!

JJ Best Banc & Company - Offering financing opportunities for your next collector car. 

Coker Tire - Coker Tire is known around the world for manufacturing wide whitewall tires for classic cars.

Visit all our Sponsors and Partners

We are happy to introduce CarShowGear.com—your go-to spot for year-round Carlisle Events merchandise! Brought to you by our exclusive Merchandise Partner, Green Mountain Monogram. Dive into a collection of premium gear celebrating all things Carlisle Events! From comfy apparel to past event t-shirts to must-have collectibles, it's the perfect way to stay connected to Carlisle Events all year. As always, you can still buy your exclusive Carlisle Gear at any show this season in the Carlisle Store within Building T. 

Shop Now

For decades, buying a ticket to a car show at Carlisle meant arriving the day of, pulling out your wallet and paying cash at the gate. While that still is an option, you can plan ahead and purchase your admission ONLINE! When you purchase tickets online, you’ll receive a confirmation e-mail with a bar code. This code will be scanned at the gate for access. It’s that simple! Oh, did we mention that tickets are cheaper online and that means the money you save can be used in the automotive flea market or can help you buy a car within the car corral. Buy now with total confidence and enjoy the show! 

ALL NEW for 2024, you have a chance to win a 50^th Anniversary Prize Pack.  Visit our contest page to learn how you can pick up a gift bag of goodies, including a commemorative coin, draw string bag, hat, collectible ticket (#1 or #50), and more.  Contest deadline varies per show, no purchase necessary, ability to purchase tickets online continues after contest deadline.  Read contest rules specific to your show of choice for deadline and entry details.  

Buy Tickets, Event Passes or a Season Pass     Read the Spectator Rules

     Carlisle Events 50th Anniversary Sweepstakes

 

Thanks to Scootaround, the exclusive scooter and wheelchair rental service for Carlisle Events, you can rent mobility scooters & wheelchairs for the event. Scootaround allows you to reserve your scooter in advance online or by calling 1-888-441-7575. The only way to guarantee scooter availability is to reserve online prior to the event! 

Please Note: Online reservations are closed. You can visit Scootaround outside of Gate 3 and Gate 5.

A $5 off discount will be applied for active, reserve or retired military members who purchase a single day spectator admission ticket in person at the Fairgrounds. The $5 off savings is offered for service members who show a valid military ID when purchasing and is for only the ID holder and their single day admission. This discount is available for in person purchase only to any Carlisle Events hosted show during the current season.

We truly thank those that are currently serving and for those that have served for us!

Read the Spectator Rules

Have you ever walked the grounds at Carlisle, lost beyond belief and wondering where your favorite show cars are, or how to find that vendor you’re looking for? Carlisle Events has figured out a way to solve your navigational challenges via the Carlisle Events app. Available for FREE download on the iTunes store AND Google Play store, the app is your on the go tool kit for all things Carlisle Events! Find vendors, check out the event schedule, interact on social media, buy tickets, get directions and review the event guide! Know before you go and with this app, you’ll never be lost at your car show of choice again! 

Carlisle Events App (Apple Devices)  Carlisle Events App (Android Devices)

Also available, the Carlisle Auctions app. This app allows you to stay current with Carlisle Auctions! View consignments, search for cars and get the details on all the great vehicles being offered at Carlisle Auctions. Plus, during live auction hours, you can review the run list and even watch a LIVE web stream of the fun. Download the Carlisle Events and Carlisle Auctions apps today and we’ll see you at the show!

Carlisle Auctions App (Apple Devices)

Carlisle Events hasn’t forgotten that sometimes it’s nice to take a break from automotive shopping. Join our amazing vendors and artisans selling items such as handmade crafts, jewelry and accessories, kitchen must-haves, unique clothing, treats to temp you, scents to relax you, beauty products and so much more! Done shopping? The tent is also home to some incredibly, and often tasty, seminars and special services offered by the vendors. Refer to the Event Guide for the official location (published two weeks prior to the event).

View the Event Guide     

The Carlisle PA Fairgrounds is a large footprint that can be a challenge at times, even for the most experienced attendee. 82 acres, 16+ miles of paved roadway, vendors and cars everywhere…it’s easy to understand how you may start wondering to yourself “where did I see that part or car I want to buy?” “How do I get my purchase from its space to my truck?” “How am I going to do this?” 

Never fear, because we’ve compiled a helpful list of ways that enhance your on-site experience at Carlisle! Thanks for joining us and enjoy your time at the show!

1. BRING CASH - The more the better. It’s hard to negotiate a deal without being able to pay.
2. WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES - It’s a lot of walking.
3. SUN BLOCK/DRINK LIQUIDS - You’ll be in the sun all day. It’s important to protect yourself and stay hydrated, especially if your weekend outdoors is your first prolonged exposure to the sun for the year.
4. REMEMBER THE SPACE - Take a picture of the space location or write it down. Every space at Carlisle has a disk to designate the space. Look down and you’ll see the space marker. Write down the letter and number. Don’t try to remember the space or the surrounding area. You’ll spend the rest of the day looking for it.
5. COME EARLY - Rare parts and great deals typically happen for the first person to find them. Set up day(s) and the first day of the event are for the serious shoppers.
6. ACT FAST - If you see a great deal, grab it. If you plan to come back later, it will probably be gone.
7. NEGOTIATE - It’s a flea market so don’t be afraid to make a REASONABLE offer.
8. EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED - Chances are good that you will find something you weren’t planning to find, so keep your eyes open.
9. LOOK EVERYWHERE - Even if you are looking for parts for your brand of vehicle, don’t walk past the vendor selling parts for other models or generations just because you assume there’s no way the vendor has what you want. Give their space a look too. They might not only have it, it may be cheap since it’s not what they typically sell.
10. USE THE CARLISLE EVENTS APP - Use the FREE Carlisle Events app to easily find your way back to a vendor (if you know the row and space). You can also use it to check activity schedules, register for other events, connect with fellow enthusiasts via social media, browse a digital copy of the event guide and more.
11. STAY LATE – There are always deals at Carlisle, but sometimes the best ones happen early on day 1 of a show, or late on its final day. Vendors are typically more willing to negotiate when they are packing up – especially large items.
12. BRING A SHOPPING LIST - Our memories aren’t as good as we think. Write it down. You can even make a list on your phone. Take pictures of what you need.
13. BRING A BAG, CART, ETC. - Parts will get heavy so have a way to carry your purchases. Ask the seller if you can leave heavy parts until later.
14. HAVE IT HAULED - Carlisle Events offers FREE* parts hauling. Keep that in mind if you’re looking at an engine, transmission, truck bed, etc.
15. FREE TAXI SERVICE – Need to get from point A to point B but don’t feel like walking it? Carlisle Events offers a FREE* taxi service. Dial 717-960-6429 to secure a ride. 
16. ASK! - If someone has parts for a vehicle but not the ones you need, ask if the seller has it. It might still be in his truck or at home. Even if he doesn’t, he might know someone who does.
17. KNOW THE VALUE - Do some homework on the parts you’re looking for so you know if the price is a good deal.
18. AVOID THE CROWDS - When you arrive, go to an out-of-the-way area to start rather than following the herd.
19. WALK IT ALL - Don’t miss any rows. The Carlisle Fairgrounds isn’t a perfect grid so make sure you hit every row and space.
20. ADVERTISE - Wear a hat, shirt or signboard that spotlights what you’re looking for.  It just might create a conversation, especially if what you’re searching for is obscure and/or rare. 

*While parts hauling and taxi service are free, donations are graciously accepted.  Donated money goes directly to the Chip Miller Amyloidosis Foundation. 

 

Enjoy the final moments and aspects of what surely was an amazing event weekend.  Gates open at 7AM to start shopping for last minute deals from remaining vendors. 

Sunday at Carlisle offers FREE parking in any Carlisle operated parking lot. Additionally, if you had purchased an event ticket from a prior day, bring it back in on Sunday and get in for FREE (or pay regular admission without an event ticket from prior day)!

A non-denominational worship service is held at 9:00AM Sunday morning. We welcome you to join us for the service led by the Salvation Army and our partners-in-faith. Coffee and donuts available. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend! We hope to see you there. Refer to the Event Guide for the location (published two weeks prior to the event).

View the Event Guide 

Are you looking for some items that you may have seen at the event? Well, we may have you covered on our eBay store, Carlisle Overstock! Here we list any "extras" that were available at the events. Items range from special display banners and license plates to unique show diecast and stickers! You never know what you may find...

Carlisle Overstock eBay Store