Back to the 50's Weekend

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Arts & CultureSaint Paul
DatesDates TBA · Usually JuneCheck locally before booking
Duration3 daysListed event span
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forPerformance, exhibitionsWhat distinguishes this show is that a
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: USD
CategoryArts & CultureFestival type
The story

Back to the 50's Weekend in Saint Paul

Back to the 50's Weekend is a three-day classic car show held each June at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in Falcon Heights, organized entirely by volunteers of the Minnesota Street Rod Association. It began in 1974 as a small gathering, First Back to the 50's and Cruise to Porky's, that drew 125 to 150 cars, and has grown into one of the largest street rod and classic car shows in the country.

This car show traces back to 1974, when a small group calling itself the First Back to the 50's and Cruise to Porky's drew somewhere between 125 and 150 cars, a modest gathering built on a shared love of pre-1965 American automobiles.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

What distinguishes this show is that a single all-volunteer association, not a commercial promoter, has run it continuously since 1974, and it has grown from roughly 150 cars at a drive-in to thousands of pre-1965 street rods, customs, and classics filling the entire Minnesota State Fairgrounds

02

The mystery stays covered

Because the fairgrounds double as a self-contained small city, with campgrounds, an information booth, mobility scooter rentals, and free shuttle buses, the event functions less like a car show and more like a multi-day car culture gathering

03

The city starts moving

The association also runs a Car of the Year program judged by category, including Street Rod, Custom, and Collector honors, and funds a scholarship foundation from the show's proceeds, tying the hobby directly back into the community that sustains it

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

Long-running traditions include the Car of the Year awards for Street Rod

Water and renewal

Living ritual

and Collector categories

The sacred route

Living ritual

the Ladies Showcase spotlighting women car owners

The local code

Living ritual

a scholarship foundation funded through the event

Tradition 5

Living ritual

and campground gatherings where out-of-town owners park and stay for the whole weekend

Tradition 6

Living ritual

Many families return with the same cars year after year

Tradition 7

Living ritual

building multi-generational participation in the hobby

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually June

Getting around

Use the city as a planning base, then confirm the exact venue, route, or meeting point close to the date.

What to wear

Casual outdoor clothing works best: comfortable walking shoes, shorts or jeans, and a hat for sun protection, since the show is spread across large paved and grass lots at the fairgrounds...

Safety

Keep valuables light, follow local instructions, and watch how residents use the space before joining in.

Where to stay

Choose lodging by the part of Saint Paul you will actually use, not only by the cheapest room.

Tickets/cost

Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.

Language/currency

USD

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map44.94 N, 93.09 WOpen in Google Maps

Saint Paul, MN

Nearest airportMSP — Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport / Wold–Chamberlain Field
TransportUse the city as a planning base, then confirm the exact venue, route, or meeting point close to the date.
Stay areaChoose lodging by the part of Saint Paul you will actually use, not only by the cheapest room.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Saint Paul via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Saint Paul, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for June.Compare faresFestival gearCasual outdoor clothing works best: comfortable walking shoes, shorts or jeans, and a hat for sun protection, since the show is spread across large paved and grass lots at the fairgrounds with little shade. Many attendees wear vintage-inspired 1950s style for fun, but it is entirely optional.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for United States and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Back to the 50's Weekend?

Back to the 50's Weekend is listed for Past edition: 19–21 June 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Back to the 50's Weekend take place?

The festival is listed in Saint Paul, United States. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

3 days is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Saint Paul, MN

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLmsrabacktothe50s.com
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually June
Source statusOfficial source linked
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