Air-Cooled Volkswagen Event Coverage

The Event Coverage section highlights air-cooled Volkswagen shows, cruises, campouts, and gatherings from across North America and beyond. Each report captures the atmosphere, the cars, and the community that make these events a cornerstone of vintage VW culture. Explore recent coverage below and revisit some of the most memorable moments from the air-cooled scene.

El Prado Show & Shine - Article and Photos by Sonny

The El Prado VW Show & Shine once again delivered the atmosphere that defines Southern California’s air cooled culture. Riverside’s June sun set the tone early and gave the entire event the warm, familiar feel people look forward to each year. It felt like the kind of day that brings out the best in the community.

Lineup of classic VW Buses in mixed colors under the trees at the El Prado VW Show & Shine

Families, longtime owners, and new enthusiasts filled the park from the moment the gates opened. The day felt more like a community gathering than a formal show, with people moving easily from one row of cars to the next. Everywhere you looked, someone was catching up with an old friend or meeting someone new.

Customized two tone Volkswagen Beetle with open hood parked under a large tree at the El Prado VW Show & Shine

Kids wandered through lines of Beetles and Buses with the same excitement as the adults. Parents pointed out details, shared stories, and passed along the kind of knowledge only Volkswagen people truly appreciate. It was the kind of scene that shows how the hobby continues from one generation to the next.

Patina Volkswagen Karmann Ghia with open door and custom interior panel at the El Prado VW Show & Shine

The relaxed energy made the event feel welcoming for everyone. Conversations started naturally, and it was easy to see how the culture grows through simple moments like these. Even first-time visitors blended right in with the regulars.

Red Volkswagen Type 3 Fastback parked by the lake during the El Prado VW Show & Shine

Hosted by the VTO Bus Club and supported by major sponsors like EMPI, the show has been running for more than a decade. Its longevity shows in the turnout and the consistency of the experience. The organizers clearly understand what people want from a VW event.

Two tone Volkswagen Bus with open engine and side door parked on the grass at the El Prado VW Show & Shine

Hundreds of vintage Volkswagens filled the park, creating a sea of color, chrome, and character. Awards were part of the day, but most attendees were more focused on enjoying the cars and the atmosphere. The emphasis stayed on participation rather than competition.

Brightly colored VW Thing lineup with hoods open at the El Prado VW Show & Shine

Vintage Volkswagens stood out in every direction. It was not just one or two special examples catching attention. Almost every car had something worth stopping for, whether it was a rare detail or a clever personal touch.

Classic Volkswagen Beetles with open hoods parked on the grass under trees at the El Prado VW Show & Shine

Some cars wore decades of history with grace, showing the kind of patina that tells a story. Others showcased fresh restorations that looked ready for another lifetime on the road. The contrast between old and new made the show field even more interesting.

Red Volkswagen Beetle parked by the water at he El Prado VW Show & Shine.

Walking the rows became a moving timeline of Volkswagen design and creativity. Each car represented a different chapter in the air cooled world, and together they created a complete picture of the culture. It was easy to lose track of time while taking it all in.

Light blue Volkswagen Type 3 Squareback parked on the grass with other classic VWs at the El Prado VW Show & Shine

For many people, the highlight was simply checking out the Bugs. Seeing so many Beetles gathered in one place never loses its appeal, and each one brought its own personality to the show field. The variety made every row worth exploring.

Classic Volkswagen Buses parked under a large tree at the El Prado VW Show & Shine

Stock, modified, subtle, bold. Every style was represented, and every car added to the energy of the day. It reminded people why they fell in love with Volkswagens in the first place, and why the Beetle remains such an iconic part of the scene.

Close up of a patina Karmann Ghia with chrome bumper and a red Beetle in the background at the El Prado VW Show & Shine

The event’s reach extended far beyond California. While the farthest car was not confirmed, Texas seemed like a strong possibility, showing the dedication within the community. Long-distance travelers always add something special to the mix.

Weathered blue Volkswagen Beetle with open engine parked near two VW Buses and a vendor tent at the El Prado VW Show & Shine

That level of commitment says everything about the passion behind the air cooled world. When someone is willing to cross states just to be part of a show, it reinforces how meaningful these gatherings truly are. It also shows how far the reputation of El Prado has spread.

Light blue Volkswagen Beetle with chrome bumpers and roof rack parked on the grass at the El Prado VW Show & Shine

El Prado is not built on gimmicks or side attractions. Aside from the VTO Blackstar Campout leading into the show, the format stays simple. Volkswagens, owners, families, vendors, cruising, and a few food trucks to keep everyone going.

Two tone Volkswagen Kombi parked by the pond with two Type 3 VWs in the foreground at the El Prado VW Show & Shine

That simplicity is part of its charm. Sometimes the best shows are the ones that focus on people and cars without trying to be anything more. El Prado proves that year after year.

Lineup of classic Volkswagen Beetles in multiple colors parked on the grass under trees at the El Prado VW Show & Shine

In the end, the El Prado VW Show & Shine summed itself up perfectly. It was a great day for air cooled enthusiasts, especially Volkswagen owners who value the culture as much as the cars. The event delivered exactly what people hoped for.

Sonny W posing with his cream Beetle numbered 73 at the El Prado VW Show & Shine

With confirmation that the show will return next year, the community already has something to look forward to. Events like this keep the spirit alive and prove why El Prado remains one of the most beloved gatherings in the scene. The countdown has already started for many.

Kelley Park Spring Meet 2026 - Article by Rick Spohn

The 41st Annual Kelley Park Spring Meet took place on April 19th at History San Jose in Kelley Park, bringing hundreds of air cooled Volkswagen enthusiasts together for one of Northern California's most beloved VW traditions. Hosted by the Golden Gate Chapter of the Vintage Volkswagen Club of America, the event once again delivered a relaxed, family friendly atmosphere in one of the most scenic venues in the region. With perfect weather that started overcast and turned sunny by midday, the park filled quickly with 260 vintage Volkswagens of every style and era.

Vintage VW buses lined up along the road at the Kelley Park Spring Meet.

Although the main show is held on Sunday, the weekend has grown into a full three day gathering for many attendees. Friday featured an open house at Mark Merrill's museum in Mountain View, giving visitors a chance to explore rare VW history up close. Saturday brought the Red Barn VW Bus Swap Meet in Aromas, a long running favorite for parts hunters. Later that day, Ray Schubert led a VW cruise from Mountain View to San Martin, adding a rolling highlight to the weekend.

Vintage VW buses parked in front of the Empire building at the Kelley Park Spring Meet.

Inside Kelley Park, the show offered plenty to enjoy. Two food trucks kept everyone fed, one serving BBQ and the other Mexican food, while KFJC radio broadcast music from the gazebo at the center of the grounds. Families, longtime club members, and first time visitors all mixed together as they walked the tree lined paths and explored the wide range of cars on display. With 16 judged car classes and one toy class, there was something for every type of VW fan.

Vintage Karmann Ghias at the Kelley Park Spring Meet in San Jose.

The show field was packed with standout cars, from early Beetles and Buses to beautifully restored Ghias and clean daily drivers. While it was hard to pick a single favorite, the overall quality of the cars made this year's meet especially memorable. Many attendees commented on how enjoyable the event becomes once everyone is inside the park and settled in. The relaxed pace and friendly atmosphere are a big part of what makes Kelley Park special.

Air-cooled Volkswagen Beetles on display at the Kelley Park Spring Meet in San Jose.

Participants traveled from all over California and beyond. The farthest cars came from Southern California, with additional visitors making the trip from Reno, Nevada. Before the awards ceremony, the club held its traditional raffle, with prizes donated by the event's 19 sponsors and supporting vendors. Their contributions helped make the day possible and added excitement for everyone in attendance.

Air-cooled VW buses lined up at the Kelley Park Spring Meet in San Jose.

In the end, the 41st Annual Kelley Park Spring Meet was another success, continuing a tradition that has lasted more than four decades. The positive comments online reflect how much people appreciate both the show and the venue. Planning is already underway for next year's event, which will return on Sunday, April 18th, with the open house and Red Barn swap meet once again scheduled for the days leading up to the show.

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