October means fall colors, football and baseball's World Series. For area fans of cool cars and two-wheelers, however, October means bidding adieu to another car-show season. Before the closing bells rings, however, there are a few events taking place this week. And, for those traveling south this winter who'd like a "hit" of classics and street rods, we list some big car shows happening in our country's warmer climes. Auto fans staying put have the events below to keep them warm until the World of Wheels fills St. Paul's RiverCentre Feb. 26-28 and the annual Auto Show fills the Minneapolis Convention Center March 6-14. (Note: Spectators are admitted free at events listed here unless noted).
Saturday
Cycles and Coffee, AutoMotorPlex, Chanhassen (8-11 am, carsandcafe@gmail.com, www.automotorplex.com, 612-850-8398). This is the final motorcycle event. The last Cars & Cafe is here on Nov. 7. Both are weather permitting.
Vintage Vehicle Auction, AutoMotorPlex (9:30 am – 4 pm; 651-633-9655, www.midamericaauctions.com). Auction of vintage cars & cycles, memorabilia and automotive fine art.
Saturday/Sunday
Elmer's Auto & Toy Museum, Fountain City, Wis. ($7, $6 seniors, $3 children; 9 am - 5 pm; lmerstoys@yahoo.com, www.elmersautoandtoymuseum.com). See hundreds of antique cars, motorcycles and bicycles, thousands of antique toys; also antique doll and tool collections and the nation's largest pedal car display.
Wild About Wheels Car and Bike Show, Downtown Convention Center, Sioux City, Iowa ($6, $3 ages 12-15, under 11 free; 10 am – 9 pm Sat., 10 am – 4 pm Sun.; 712-239-6199).
Sunday
39th Annual Twin Cities Roadsters' Swap Meet, State Fairgrounds NE parking lot ($5, under 12 free with paid adult; gates open 6 am, event is rain or shine, 651-322-8338, 612-940-1071, www.roadsterstwincities.org). One of the few remaining traditional swap meets where restorers/builders can find parts at reasonable prices from hundreds of vendors. People driving 1949s and earlier get in free; special parking area for pre-1975 rods, customs and classics.
Monday
Culver's, Eagan (5-9 pm, 612-747-1546, 612-685-1272, 63galaxieman@jmknowlton.com). A "weather permitting" informal gathering.
Thursday
Minnetonka Drive-In, Spring Park (5 pm-dusk, 952-471-9383). Another informal event with few cars in poor weather. This place doesn't "pretend" to be a 1960s' drive-in - it is one.
Here are three shows in warm-weather areas featuring lots of street rods, customs, classics and muscle cars (for details, visit www.autoswalk.com):
Nov. 9-14 - Emerald Coast Cruizin', Panama City Beach, Fla.
Nov. 14-15 - 20th Autumn Get Together, Pleasanton, Calif.
Nov. 20-22 - 12th Southwest Nationals, Scottsdale, Ariz.