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Family Fun Powers the 2025 Carlisle Truck Nationals – Fun for All Ages Daily in Carlisle
Annual Showcase of All Things Truck Starts August 1 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds
Carlisle, PA – The automotive event season in Carlisle spans from April through October, and while each event provides unmatched automotive excitement and family fun, there isn’t a more family-friendly event on the Carlisle Events schedule than the Carlisle Truck Nationals. This year’s event takes place August 1–3 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds and once again promises to wow attendees of all ages.
Gates open at 7 AM daily, and from the moment the first truck rolls onto the grounds until the final award is handed out on Sunday, there is no shortage of action and incredible sights. Trucks of all sizes populate the Showfield, and with this being Carlisle’s fastest-growing event over the past five years, showgoers can expect more than 2,500 trucks of all shapes, sizes, styles, and eras. You'll see antique firetrucks, cool custom vans, big rigs, heavy equipment and machinery, lowered trucks, lifted trucks—and a few creations that can only be described with one word: Wow!
With two great indoor displays, guests can choose between a gallery of Syclones and Typhoons in Building Y, or a “best of the best” gallery of trucks within Building T. Additionally, the pavilion on the east side of the grounds welcomes Vanarama, while the south side hosts the Big Rig Show & Shine. Numerous clubs showcase their own unique features, including Sky High Rides, Old Body Styles, International Harvester, the Antique Truck Historical Society, and more. Of course, the trucks themselves and truck clubs are just the beginning. Event highlights include the following:
Rolling Exhaust Contest
Rolling Burnout & Donut Contest
Low Truck Limbo
High Truck Challenge
Drop & Drag Contest
Big Rig Glow Show
Monster Truck Shows featuring AXE and Avenger Retro
Monster Truck Rides with Virginia Giant
Freestyle Motocross Stunt Jumps
RED 102.3’s Annual Redneck Games Competition
Kids are in for a treat too! They can see real-life versions of the toy trucks they love, receive a free kids' goodie bag, enter to win an RC truck, help pick a winner in Building T, or take part in a fun Kids' Cash Grab. Best of all, kids 12 and under are admitted free!
The show also includes the National Parts Depot judged Showfield powered by eJudged.com, plus a massive automotive flea market offering truck parts, accessories, merchandise, and more. Looking to buy or sell? The Truck Corral is your place to do just that.
Whether you’re there to show, shop, spectate—or do all three—the 2025 Carlisle Truck Nationals is the ultimate one-stop destination for truck lovers and families alike. Spectator admission starts at just $15, and kids 12 and under get in free. Student and military discounts are available at the gate with valid ID. Discount tickets and Showfield registration are available online now through July 28. On-site registration opens July 31. For complete event details, to register, become a vendor, or purchase tickets, visit CarlisleEvents.com.
I've always had fun at this event and recommend any truck fan going if only for the day on Saturday especially. Been going for 15 years straight in some capacity- with a club, with a truck in judged showing, or just as a spectator.
I went again...4th year as a 'spectator' after decades of vending. the swap meet is getting THIN, and sheet metal is getting hard to find. no engines at all, very few if any trannys. But I still found parts for both trucks and the suburban will FINALLY be there in the showfield next year. I did note that whatever OBS body parts are there, are way down in price. usable tailgates for under 150. Still own zero fords since we sold the camper in '21. does not mean i dont look...just nothing hit my interest....
