Best Truck Meets and Car Shows in Tampa Bay for 2026

Tampa Bay's truck scene is one of the most active in the Southeast, and 2026 is shaping up to be a packed calendar. Whether you're trailering a show-quality build or rolling in a daily driver you just finished modding, knowing where and when to show up matters. Here's our roundup of the best truck meets Tampa Bay 2026 has to offer.

At Redline Auto Creations, we attend and sponsor events throughout the region. We've put together this list based on events we've participated in, events our customers rave about, and new shows on the calendar worth checking out.

Monthly and Recurring Meets

Cars and Coffee Tampa

The Tampa chapter of Cars and Coffee runs monthly at various locations around Hillsborough County. While it's not exclusively a truck event, the truck turnout has grown significantly over the past few years. Expect to see lifted Jeeps, custom Tacomas, built-out Raptors, and everything in between mixed in with the sports car and classic car crowd. Check their social media for updated locations and dates each month.

First Friday Truck Night — Brandon

A truck-specific meet that runs the first Friday of every month in the Brandon area. This one draws a solid mix of lifted trucks, lowered mini trucks, diesel builds, and overlanding rigs. The atmosphere is casual—no judging, no entry fees, just parking lot conversations about gear ratios and tire sizes. This is a great meet for newer builds and first-time show attendees.

Riverwalk Car Show

Held periodically along Tampa's Riverwalk, this show benefits from high foot traffic and a scenic waterfront backdrop. Trucks have been increasingly welcome, and the downtown setting makes for excellent photography opportunities. Registration usually opens a few weeks before each show date.

Major Annual Events

Florida Truck Meet — Tampa

One of the largest truck-specific events in the state, Florida Truck Meet draws hundreds of trucks from across the Southeast. The event typically takes place in the fall and includes a show-and-shine competition, vendor row with aftermarket parts companies, and an off-road demo area. If you're going to attend one major truck event this year, this is the one.

Southeast Overland Expo

Overlanding has exploded in popularity, and this expo caters to the adventure truck and SUV crowd. Expect roof-top tents, full camper builds, recovery gear demonstrations, and trail cooking competitions. It's less about show polish and more about functional builds designed to go places. If your truck is built for travel rather than trophies, this is your event. here

Tampa Bay Auto Show

The annual auto show at the Tampa Convention Center isn't a truck meet per se, but it's worth attending for the manufacturer displays and the aftermarket showcase area. You'll see the latest factory trucks and concept vehicles, which is useful research if you're planning your next build.

Daytona Truck Meet

A short drive across the state, the Daytona Truck Meet is worth the trip. Held at the Daytona International Speedway, the event includes a truck show, drag racing, sled pulls, and a massive vendor area. Many Tampa Bay truck owners make a weekend of it, caravanning across I-4.

Jeep-Specific Events

Jeep Beach — Daytona Beach

The largest Jeep event on the East Coast, Jeep Beach draws thousands of Wranglers, Gladiators, and Cherokees to Daytona Beach each spring. The multi-day event includes a beach cruise, obstacle course, vendor expo, and charity auction. If you own a Jeep and haven't been to Jeep Beach, put it on your calendar. here

Tampa Jeep Fest

A local Jeep-focused gathering that typically includes a trail ride to nearby off-road parks followed by a cookout and social event. The community is welcoming to all Jeep models and modification levels.

How to Prep Your Truck for Show Season

Showing up with a clean, well-presented truck makes a difference even at casual meets. Here are the basics:

  • Detail the exterior. Wash, clay bar, polish, and wax or ceramic coat before the event. Clean wheel wells and undercarriage if your truck is lowered or has visible suspension components.
  • Clean the engine bay. People will look. A dressed engine bay with clean covers, organized wiring, and no grease buildup shows attention to detail.
  • Print a build sheet. A simple card listing your modifications helps visitors understand what they're looking at and opens conversations.
  • Bring business cards. If you're connected to the truck community, networking at meets leads to referrals, group buys, and trail ride invitations.

Redline Auto Creations at Tampa Bay Events

You'll find the Redline crew at many of these events throughout 2026. We attend as both participants and sponsors, and we always enjoy seeing our customers' builds in the wild. If you're prepping a truck for show season and want to add that finishing touch—whether it's a wheel upgrade, lighting package, or full build—stop by our shop at 11626 N Florida Ave in Tampa or call (813) 544-4009. Let's get your truck show-ready.