The 2026 show
Everything you need to know about the day β schedule, classes, registration, where to park, what to bring. If we missed something, message us and we'll add it.
The annual show
Once a year, the Great Plains VW Show is the all-day, VW-only event we build everything around. Pre-registration, classes, swap meet, vendor market, raffle β the whole deal.
Day-of
Times are tentative β final schedule will lock by August. Check back, follow us on Facebook, or sign up for our updates list.
Pre-registered show entrants pull in, park their cars in their class area, and get their dash plaques.
General admission, swap meet opens, Kids Korner kicks off.
Vendors set up and selling, food trucks rolling, the grounds are full.
Last call to enter your car in the show. Judges walk the field through each class.
Live drawing for the headline raffle and consolation prizes from BFI and other sponsors. Tickets available at the gate all day.
Trophies for each class, Best of Show, and a few special-recognition awards.
Roll-out, post-show meetup, hang around if you want β that's up to you.
Bring your VW
Twelve classes for 2026 β built so similar cars compete with similar cars. From '38 Beetles to brand-new ID.4s, plus dedicated brackets for high-school and college owners. Top finishers awarded in each class.
Air-cooled Beetle
1938β2003 Β· Top 5 awarded
Air cooled Bus models
1950β1979 Β· Top 5 awarded
Ghias, Notchbacks, Squarebacks, Fastbacksβ¦
1961β1973 Β· Top 5 awarded
Chopped, turbo'd, (performance or heavy body modifications), what have you. All modified Beetles, Buses, Ghias, etc. will shoot it out in this class to see who is the King of the Plains.
1938β2005 Β· Top 5 awarded
Water cooled Eurovan and the Vanagon
2003β2015 Β· Top 5 awarded
All water cooled VW models stock or modified before the year 2000
1974β1999 Β· Top 5 awarded
All Stock Golfs, GTI's, Beetles, Cabrios, etcβ¦
2001β2025 Β· Top 5 awarded
Modified Golf, GTI's, Beetles and Cabrios, etcβ¦
2001β2025 Β· Top 5 awarded
ID4, ID Buzz or any converted Electric VW
All years Β· Top 3 awarded
Any buggy, sand rail, trikes or anything else with a VW motor
All years Β· Top 3 awarded
Must be currently in High school. We want to encourage the next generation to continue these shows.
All years Β· Top 3 awarded
Must currently be in College. We want to encourage the next generation to continue these shows.
All years Β· Top 3 awarded
Beyond the classes
Six specialty awards handed out in addition to class winners β the trophies that recognize the cars and people that don't fit a single class.
The top prize. The single award everyone's chasing β chosen by the judging panel across all classes. The one trophy that defines the year.
Awarded to the most active car club at the show. To be eligible, your registered drivers need their club listed on their CarShowPro profile so we can count heads β bring your crew, rep your colors, take home the Cup.
Voted on by attendees throughout the day. The car that wins the crowd.
For the slammed, scraped, lowest-of-the-low. Static or bagged β if it's hugging the asphalt, it's in the running.
Best actual camping setup β awnings, build-outs, kitchen rigs, the whole package. Whatever you've turned into a home on wheels.
The patina survivor award. Honest rust, faded paint, period-correct wear β cars that earned every mark they're wearing.
Get your car in
Registration is $30 per car across the board β pre-register or pay at the gate. The reason to pre-register: every pre-registered driver gets a free show shirt, and the first 50 to pre-register get our top-shelf custom nylon swag bag stuffed with goodies from our sponsors. Day-of registration opens at 8 AM the morning of the show.
$30 per car β open through August 22, 2026.
Free show shirt for every pre-registered driver. First 50 pre-registered also get the official custom nylon swag bag β packed with goodies from our sponsors. Priority parking and move-in starts at 8 AM show day.
Pre-Register on CarShowPro β$30 per car β opens 8 AM, closes 11 AM on September 5, 2026.
Same class entry, dash plaque, and judging β but no shirt or swag bag, and you're parking wherever space is open. Plan on getting there early. Active duty & retired veterans register free β see below.
Free for all attendees.
No car, no ticket, no problem. Walk the show, hit the swap meet, buy raffle tickets. Kids Korner, the craft fair, and all kids activities are free β bring the whole family.
Thank you for your service. Active duty and retired veterans get free show registration. This offer is day-of only β register at the gate the morning of the show, head to the registration booth, and bring military ID (active or retired) for verification. We'll take care of the rest.
How to register: Pre-register through our CarShowPro event page. If you're competing for The Great Plains Cup, make sure your car club is listed on your CarShowPro profile. Trouble with the form, or have questions about merch, t-shirts, or anything else? Email Greatplainsvwshow@gmail.com and we'll get you sorted.
Buying, selling, hanging out
Got parts to move? Bring them. The swap meet is free to participate β no booth fee, no setup hassle. First come, first served on tailgate space. Cash, Venmo, PayPal, whatever works between buyer and seller.
Selling parts, gear, swag, food, services? Apply for a vendor space. Pricing varies by booth size β email us for the vendor packet.
Vendor InquiryOn-site food vendors all day. Bring water, especially in September Kansas heat.
Confirmed for 2026:
Where it goes down
Derby, Kansas β about 15 minutes south of Wichita. Easy interstate access, plenty of parking, big open lot for the show.
ICS Collision Center
920 River St
Derby, KS 67037
Address subject to change β we're working on a Wichita park venue. We'll update here and post on Facebook if it moves.
Free spectator parking on-site. Show car parking is in the designated show area β pre-registered move-in starts at 8 AM.
Several options 10β15 minutes away in Wichita and Derby. We'll post a recommended-hotel list closer to the show.
Quick answers
Nope. The show is VW-only for entries, but spectators are welcome regardless of what you drive. Come hang out, walk the show, hit the swap meet.
This is a VW-only show β only Volkswagens can register and be judged. Audis, Porsches, and other makes are welcome to attend as spectators. Bring whatever you drive, just don't expect a trophy if it isn't a VW.
Dogs on leash welcome. Kids absolutely welcome (we have a Kids Korner). Coolers β yes for non-alcoholic. Alcohol policy will be posted closer to event.
Show goes on in light rain. Severe weather (tornado warning, lightning) we'll postpone or cancel β announcements will go out on Facebook and via the email list.
Tickets sold at the gate all day. Drawing happens around 2 PM with announcements over the PA. You must be present to win β if your number gets called and you're not in the crowd, we'll redraw.
Yes β and we'd love it. Email us with your club name and approximate count and we'll save adjacent parking. Cruise-in coordination welcome.
Ready to roll in?
$30 to lock in your spot β plus a free show shirt for every pre-registered driver, and the official custom swag bag for the first 50 to register. Pre-registration closes August 22, 2026.
Pre-Register on CarShowPro βContact
Questions about registration, merch, t-shirts, vendor space, or anything else show-related β email the show address below. For sponsorship, head to the Sponsor page to reach Justin or Jonmark directly.