More than JUST a car show: a Town-Wide TWO day immersive 1800's experience!
Where the entire town becomes the show
Saturday, July 3rd & Sunday, july 4th 2027
Chuckwagon Supper
Movie on A Street and DJ Dance Party for the Youth
Chuckwagon Supper
Those who pre-register their car in the car show are invited to attend our Chuckwagon Supper and their meal is included.
Those who are not pre-registering their car or just want a great dinner and to rub elbows with the car greats of the area only pay $15.
This supper is limited to the first 500 people, and if you pre-registered your car,
Those who pre-register their car in the car show are invited to attend our Chuckwagon Supper and their meal is included.
Those who are not pre-registering their car or just want a great dinner and to rub elbows with the car greats of the area only pay $15.
This supper is limited to the first 500 people, and if you pre-registered your car, you have a guaranteed spot.
MENU: Slow smoked BBQ Pulled Pork, sweet Pork and Beans, Cornbread with butter and honey, and a delicious desert cobbler. Menu subject to change.
Night Market
Movie on A Street and DJ Dance Party for the Youth
Chuckwagon Supper
At 4pm the Night Market opens and you can peruse your favorite things before supper.
Movie on A Street and DJ Dance Party for the Youth
Movie on A Street and DJ Dance Party for the Youth
Movie on A Street and DJ Dance Party for the Youth
At 7pm, park your car and have an old-fashioned drive-in theater experience, or bring a chair or blanket and set up in front of the big screen. Parwell Farms is hosting this movie experience because they nailed their annual event "Movie in the Meadow" and know how to put on an amazing outdoor movie experience. At 9pm the stage comes al
At 7pm, park your car and have an old-fashioned drive-in theater experience, or bring a chair or blanket and set up in front of the big screen. Parwell Farms is hosting this movie experience because they nailed their annual event "Movie in the Meadow" and know how to put on an amazing outdoor movie experience. At 9pm the stage comes alive for a live DJ Dance Party from 9pm to 10pm. DJ Harlen knows how to throw a party, complete with glow sticks and foam fun.
Here is what's happening Sunday July 4th
8 AM Rolling Thunder
8 AM Rolling Thunder
If you preregister for the show you can participate in our 8 am, 4th of July cruise beginning at Castle Rock High School and ending in Vader, just 13 miles away. There is no charge to cruise. It is a nice relaxing way to start the day, but will get the attention of people everywhere.
Mechanical Marvels
8 AM Rolling Thunder
Come see more than cars, bikes, and trucks. See a collection of rare and operational mechanical miracles; the contraptions that changed how we do things.
Car Show Starts at 8 am
Car Show Starts at 8 am
Super easy registration process. No waiting in line. Just roll in and park. Pre-registered people will be able to pick up their registration packet, shirt, and other things BEFORE the day of the show if they want at Little Falls Coffee in Vader weeks in advance up to July 3rd. This eliminates long registration and check-in lines. Let's fa
Super easy registration process. No waiting in line. Just roll in and park. Pre-registered people will be able to pick up their registration packet, shirt, and other things BEFORE the day of the show if they want at Little Falls Coffee in Vader weeks in advance up to July 3rd. This eliminates long registration and check-in lines. Let's face it, we have all had to put up with registration processes that leave us wondering if our vehicle is going to overheat. What about those that have their registration in a weird location? Hell, we totally admit that our registration process last year was okay, but not as easy as it should have been. This left us designing a better way. We listen to you and change for the better. Now, all you need to do is park and we will come to you sometime that morning to make sure you are all taken care of. If you are one of the few who do not pre-register, we will come register you at your vehicle. We also are cool with late arrivals. We're just glad to see you come. Come early or come late. Just come.
July 4th
A Street Live Action Wild West Shootout with Doctor Who, Darth Vader, Sheriff Joe Little, and Outlaw Deadeye Rob
Yeah, we know... it sounds bazaar, but you will laugh till your side aches, and be startled a moment later with the antics of these four misfits. Please note: This performance involves loud sudden noises. If you are sensitive to sound, please consider a different activity in a different experience zone during this performance.
Activities at McMurphy Park
Activities at McMurphy Park
11 AM to 3pm: Field Games and 1800's games for children (adults can play too). This includes potato sack races, hoop and stick skill challenge, and an Egg Toss competition.
Ride in Style to and from Parking and Experience Zones
There is plenty of parking available at McMurphy Park, on Main Street, and throughout town. Hop on the free, air-conditioned shuttle bus and go to any of the free experience zones in town. Shuttle runs from 8 am to 3 pm, and from 5:30 pm to 11 pm.
Heck on Wheels - Kids Car Show and Races
11:00 am: on A Street - Kids Power Races begin. Stock Division goes first, then modified. All cars must be electric to race this year, but if you have a tot-rod that is gas powered come show it off and show people how children and combustion engines can mix well.
1800s Style Gaming
1800s Style Gaming
Try your hand and luck at the many 1800s midway style games located on A street and at McMurphy Park.
Fun from morning till night on july 4th
Story Telling Stage
Listen to some incredible stories you wont believe, and one's you shouldn't about cars from their owners right there at the show.
Concert and Comedy on D Street
6:00 PM: DJ Show with Harlyn
7:00 PM : Comedy Show
8:30 PM: Three Hole Punch Concert
Fireworks on D Street
Fireworks on D Street
10 PM: Cap off this spectacular day with one of the greatest professional fireworks shows in the PNW.
Check out our 2027 valuable and talented sponsors
Be A Sponsor
Your Business Could Be Here!
Being a sponsor costs much less than you thought. It's a HUGE BANG for your buck!
Your Business Could Be Here!
Your Business Could Be Here!
Get your name in front of thousands when you become a sponsor.
Little Falls Coffee (now booking special event rentals)
It's a truly amazing coffee shop, and they are now booking exclusive evenings for your event. This brand-new coffee shop has been described as the "best organic coffee in the county" by coffee afficionados. If java isn't your jive, they also serve amazing organic teas, dirty sodas, energy drinks, fresh squeezed lemonade, donuts, breakfast burritos, and more. www.littlefallscoffee.com
Wild West Space in Vader
If you dig the Wild West theme, check out this Airbnb in the heart of Vader, WA that will sling you right back to 1895 so fast your spurs will spin. The 1895 building is one of the oldest in town and most everything inside is from that era as well. But hold on to your hats, cowboys, and cowgirls... it also boasts a full game room, a hot
If you dig the Wild West theme, check out this Airbnb in the heart of Vader, WA that will sling you right back to 1895 so fast your spurs will spin. The 1895 building is one of the oldest in town and most everything inside is from that era as well. But hold on to your hats, cowboys, and cowgirls... it also boasts a full game room, a hot tub, a full saloon bar with poker table and working old time player piano, as well as other surprises, and you can usually book it for less than a cheap smelly single motel room. Wild West Saloon w/Hot Tub, Arcades, Firepit &More in Vader, Washington, United States - Airbnb
“Ferris, He never drives it! He just rubs it with a diaper!”
What is it all about?
HELL ON WHEELS 2027
Not Just a Car Show. An Experience Unlike Any Other.
There are thousands of car shows held across America every year, from small-town gatherings to massive automotive exhibitions that attract enthusiasts from around the world. Most follow a familiar format, bringing together beautiful vehicles, proud owners, spectators, music, food, and awards. That is great, but we believe there is an opportunity to create something much more exciting, something that would appeal just as much to families looking for an unforgettable weekend as it would to the most dedicated automotive enthusiast.
That's the idea behind the 2027 Hell on Wheels Car Show Experience, returning to Vader, Washington, for Independence Day Weekend with an ambitious vision: to create one of the most unique and entertaining automotive experiences anywhere in the country, combining an extraordinary collection of vehicles with the atmosphere, characters, history, and excitement of an 1800s American railroad town.
Imagine arriving in a small historic community, Vader, where hundreds of classic cars, hot rods, custom builds, motorcycles, muscle cars, rat rods, and unusual mechanical creations line the streets, while the town around them is alive with music, entertainment, and activity. Old West characters interact with visitors, performers entertain crowds, musicians take the stage, and families explore old-fashioned carnival games, historical demonstrations, pan for gold, contests, food vendors, and attractions inspired by another era. Around the next corner might be a gunfighter, a storyteller, an unusual invention, or a performance you never expected to encounter at a car show. Even the night before, on July 3rd, will be extraordinary with a night market, a movie under the stars, and a DJ dance party. The weekend ends with an incredible Independence Day fireworks show. With so much happening throughout town, visitors will have plenty of reasons to stay, explore, and enjoy the entire weekend.
The vehicles may bring you to Hell on Wheels, but everything happening around them is what will make it a memorable experience.
A Different Kind of Car Show
One of the things that makes Hell on Wheels special is our belief that automotive culture should be celebrated for much more than expensive restorations, flawless paint, and horsepower. Those things certainly have their place, and we love seeing a beautifully restored classic or an incredible custom build as much as anyone, but some of the most fascinating vehicles you'll ever encounter aren't necessarily the ones that win trophies at traditional shows.
They might be cars that have been in the same family for 100 years, home-built creations that represent thousands of hours of ingenuity, survivors that have somehow escaped the passage of time, or unusual mechanical contraptions that leave people wondering how anyone dreamed them up in the first place. Sometimes the most interesting thing about a vehicle isn't what it looks like or how much it cost, but the story of the vehicle and person standing beside it.
That's why Hell on Wheels welcomes an exceptionally broad range of vehicles, from pristine classics and professionally built customs to motorcycles, rat rods, daily drivers, unusual inventions, and even children's Power Wheels creations. We want the experienced collector who owns a museum-quality automobile to feel just as welcome as the teenager who has spent every spare dollar fixing up a first car, like the cool 80's station wagon at last year's show.
Our approach to awards reflects that same philosophy. While craftsmanship, creativity, and presentation will always be appreciated, we're also interested in the history, passion, perseverance, and personal stories behind the vehicles. A car lovingly restored by three generations of a family can be every bit as remarkable as a six-figure custom, and we believe those stories deserve to be recognized as well.
At Hell on Wheels, you don't have to own the most expensive vehicle to have one of the most interesting entries in the show.
Where Automotive Culture Meets the American Frontier
The setting for Hell on Wheels is every bit as important as the vehicles themselves.
Vader, Washington, is a small railroad town with a history dating back to 1870, and that heritage provides the inspiration for an event that we believe has the potential to become something truly extraordinary. Rather than simply using the town as a location for a car show, our goal is to make the town itself an essential part of the attraction. The entire town is the show.
For Independence Day Weekend 2027, we're bringing together the excitement of American automotive culture and the colorful atmosphere of the nineteenth-century frontier, creating an immersive celebration where visitors can move between two very different periods of American history.
Throughout the event, guests will encounter entertainers, historical characters, musicians, storytellers, craftsmen, and a variety of interactive attractions designed to make the experience engaging for people of all ages. We're incorporating 1800s-inspired carnival and field games, live demonstrations, family activities, performances, contests, and unique attractions, along with plenty of opportunities to discover something unexpected.
We want visitors to feel that there's always something interesting happening just beyond the next corner, whether that's an extraordinary automobile, a lively performance, a fascinating piece of history, or an activity the entire family can enjoy.
There's a certain magic that happens when an event becomes more than a collection of scheduled activities and starts to feel like a place you can explore. That's what we're working toward with Hell on Wheels. We want people to become immersed in the atmosphere, spend time discovering everything the town has to offer, and find themselves enjoying experiences they never imagined would be part of a car show.
For the serious automotive enthusiast, there will be an incredible variety of vehicles and the opportunity to meet the people behind them. For families, there will be entertainment and activities throughout the day and into the evening. For visitors who simply love discovering unusual places and memorable experiences, we're creating an Independence Day destination that will be worth the drive.
How a Small-Town Dream Became Something Much Bigger
Hell on Wheels began in 2024 with Anson and Angela Service, a husband-and-wife team of more than 30 years whose shared passion for automobiles inspired them to bring a car show back to their small Washington community.
The original goal was fairly modest. They wanted to revive a local tradition, bring people together, support area businesses, and create something enjoyable that families could attend without having to pay an admission fee. With Vader's long railroad history and small-town character, it seemed like the perfect setting for a celebration of cars and community.
They hoped a few dozen vehicles might participate in that first event.
Instead, more than 80 vehicles arrived, filling the available space and eventually forcing organizers to turn additional entries away. Thousands of visitors came to town, far exceeding expectations and demonstrating just how much enthusiasm existed for an event of this kind.
What made the experience memorable, however, wasn't simply the number of vehicles or spectators. It was watching the community come alive as families explored, musicians performed, local businesses welcomed visitors, and people who had never met found themselves sharing stories and conversations. Visitors stayed longer than expected, children found new things to enjoy, and the entire town seemed to take on an energy that was difficult to describe unless you were there.
The response raised an exciting question: If a relatively simple car show could bring that much excitement to a small town, what might be possible if we created an entire experience around it?
That question has guided the evolution of Hell on Wheels and inspired the plans now taking shape for 2027.
Creating an Event Worth Traveling For
Our ambitions for Hell on Wheels go well beyond attracting a large number of show vehicles. We want to establish an Independence Day celebration that people will recognize as a destination in its own right, an event that draws visitors from throughout the Pacific Northwest and eventually from across the country because there simply isn't anything quite like it.
We believe there is something especially appealing about combining the excitement of an extraordinary car show with the charm of a historic railroad town, the imagination of an Old West adventure, and the atmosphere of a traditional American Independence Day celebration.
We're bringing together elements that people might ordinarily have to visit several different festivals, attractions, and events to experience, and presenting them as one connected weekend filled with entertainment and discovery.
Just as importantly, we want to preserve the welcoming, accessible atmosphere that made the original Hell on Wheels so special.
General admission will remain free, because we believe everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy an amazing community celebration without worrying about the cost of getting through the gate. While some attractions, activities, and vendors will naturally have associated costs, we're committed to keeping the overall experience as affordable as possible so that families can spend the day enjoying themselves without feeling pressured to spend money at every turn.
That commitment is an important part of what Hell on Wheels represents. We want an event that brings people together, celebrates the creativity and history of our country, supports local businesses, introduces visitors to our community, and gives families the opportunity to make lasting memories.
Make Independence Day Weekend 2027 One to Remember
Whatever brings you here, our hope is that you'll discover far more than you expected and leave with memories that make you want to return year after year.
We've set ourselves a pretty ambitious challenge with Hell on Wheels 2027. We don't simply want to organize another successful car show, and we're not particularly interested in doing things the way they've always been done.
We want you to spend the weekend exploring Vader, meeting interesting people, experiencing things you've never encountered at a car show, and enjoying the kind of atmosphere that makes you forget about the clock.
Most of all, we want you to head home on Sunday evening already making plans to come back for 2028.
Hell on Wheels 2027
Independence Day Weekend | Vader, Washington
Hundreds of incredible vehicles. Live music and entertainment. Old West characters and adventures. Carnival games. Family activities. Night market. Dancing. Movies. Fireworks. And an entire town full of surprises.
Free Admission. Everyone Welcome.
Come for the cars. Stay for the experience.
2027 Schedule of Events
SATURDAY JULY 3rd
4 PM: Chuckwagon Dinner
7 PM: Movie on A Street
9 PM: DJ Dance Party on A Street - By DJ Harlyn Jenkins
SUNDAY JULY 4th
8 AM: Car Registration and Check-In at McMurphy Park, Parwell Farms, A Street for vehicles NOT participating in the Rolling Thunder Cruise
8 AM: Shuttle Bus begins running between zones
8 AM: Those participating in Rolling Thunder meet at Castle Rock High School
8:45 AM: Rolling Thunder departs - tentatively at Castle Rock High School and rolls to Vader
9 AM: Car Show Begins
10 AM: Live Music on A Street - Arthur Buezo
10 AM: Live characters interacting throughout all zones
11 AM: McMurphy Park Field Games and 1800's games for children (adults can play too)
Noon: Showdown on A street with Sheriff Little, Deadeye Rob, Doctor Who, and Darth Vader
12:30 PM: Car Show Awards on A Street
1 PM: Live Music at McMurphy Park - Arthur Buezo
2:30: Live Auction begins on A Street
12:30: Street theater performances
6 PM: D street DJ
7 PM: Live comedic performance on D street
8:30 PM: Concert on D Street - Three Hole Punch (Hits from the 50s to Today)
10 PM: Incredible fireworks - the most impressive fireworks show this side of the Mississippi, in our opinion.
Our Promise
We’re Anson and Angela Service, and we are working hard to make Hell on Wheels one of the greatest car show experiences ever created.
We don’t want anyone standing around wondering what to do next. We want something happening around every corner. We want great cars, live music, entertainment, unexpected experiences, things for families and kids, and moments you will still be talking about long after Independence Day is over.
We’re committed to keeping vehicle registration so simple that it becomes the norm going forward. We feel a need to keep registration and vendor costs low while giving you incredible benefits for being part of this monumental event. Were committed to keeping the event free to attend and offering as many unique activities and experiences as possible. We want Hell on Wheels to be accessible, exciting, and worth the trip no matter how far you come or how you choose to be part of it.
Just as importantly, this event is about Vader. We want Hell on Wheels to help our community grow, support our local businesses and organizations, bring new people to town, and give Vader something truly special to be proud of.
At the end of the day, we’re just people who love cool vehicles, community, creativity, and bringing people together. We want you to feel like you’re spending the day with friends, not attending something built around squeezing every dollar out of you.
We’re honored that you choose to spend part of your Independence Day with us, and we don’t take that lightly.
So, we’ll keep listening, keep improving, keep dreaming bigger, and keep asking ourselves one question: How do we make this the best car show experience we've ever been part of?
— Anson & Angela Service
MEET OUR ROCKIN' LIVE MUSICIANS
Maggie Rona
Playing from 1pm at McMurphy Park, the Maggie Rona Band brings all the live full band energy to the day. Classic rock tunes and some modern as well will have you dancing all afternoon.
Arthur Buezo
Playing both on the A street stage at 10 am and McMurphy Park stage at 1 pm on July 4th. The moment we heard Arthur, we knew we had to bring him all the way to Vader for you all to experience. Arthur Buezo is an incredible solo one‑man‑band artist known for his genre‑defying style called Savage Folk; a self‑branded fusion of raw, percussive, and atmospheric sounds. Originally from upstate New York, he has since moved to the Klamath area and is now based in the Pacific Northwest, where he has built a strong following.
Buezo describes Savage Folk as a philosophy of passion over perfection and a rejection of genre boundaries. His sound blends gritty desert‑rock energy with Middle Eastern mysticism, gypsy influences, and contemplative textures, often inspired by the landscapes that shaped his songs. He incorporates foot percussion, sound effects, and experimental instrumentation, pushing the limits of what a one‑man band can achieve
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Three Hole Punch
Performing at 8:30pm on July 4th on the D street stage, Three Hole Punch is a high energy band who played hundreds of shows around the PNW for 13 years. They are now coming back together for this amazing show from all over the U.S.. Rocking a mix of hit songs from the 1950s through today with a crowd-pleasing set that spans classic rock, pop, country, and modern favorites, they’re bringing decades of great music to Hell on Wheels 2027 and setting the stage for the fireworks finale in Vader.
'You can do it!" Rob Schneider
Pre-registration OPENS NOVEMBER 1st for 2027
Pre-registration more important than ever. So much of your individualized experience is based on knowing you and your car this year and you'd be crazy NOT to pre-register as early as possible. Last year we completely filled up and those who pre-register will have a guaranteed spot and lots of exclusive perks.
WHAT IF WE TURNED THE AWARDS SYSTEM UP SIDE DOWN?
AN ENTIRELY DIFFERENT WAY TO JUDGE - A DIFFERENT AWARD
This year we have an exciting new type of award for winners: A custom jacket for the top 3 and Unique trophies for the rest.
Pictures coming soon.
Before You Arrive: Tell Us Your Story
When you preregister, we have an opportunity to learn about your vehicle before show day.
We want you to tell us the story of your car, truck, motorcycle, or special-interest vehicle. Tell us what makes it interesting, what it has been through, how it came to you, what was involved in building or restoring it, and why it matters to you.
But we also want you to tell us something else:
Which Hell on Wheels award category do YOU believe your vehicle is most deserving of?
You know your vehicle better than anyone.
Maybe you know it belongs in Best Survivor because you have photographs showing it has remained largely untouched for decades.
Maybe you believe it deserves Best Save because you have pictures of it when it was barely recognizable.
Maybe it is a Best Road Warrior because you have driven it across the country.
Maybe the craftsmanship is what makes it special.
Maybe it is an heirloom that has been in your family for generations.
Maybe it is simply one of the strangest vehicles we are going to see all weekend.
Tell us.
Your selection does not automatically determine which award you could receive, and our judges may discover that your vehicle is a strong contender for another category as well. But your preregistration gives us a starting point and helps our judging team know what they should be looking for.
If your category involves a story, we also encourage you to email or bring supporting information when possible:
- Old photographs
- Before-and-after photos
- Build photographs
- Ownership records
- Family photographs
- Restoration records
- Receipts or invoices
- Professional build documentation
- Newspaper clippings
- Original paperwork
- Historical information
- Photos of where the vehicle was discovered
- Anything else that helps tell the story
You do not need to write a novel.
But if there is something about your vehicle that we might never know just by looking at it, this preregistration is your chance to tell us. Come back soon to check out the categories. We are working on those details now.
We are PROUD to HOST THESE AMAZING Car Clubs and groups
No No's
Lewis County Cruisers
Just a group of car enthusiasts that are like minded and like to hang out. Absolutely no drama! The way it should be.
Lewis County Cruisers
Lewis County Cruisers
From old school to new cool, we are a group for all car and motorcycle enthusiasts! We are family friendly with a focus on community.
Blacklisted Society
Blacklisted Society is where car culture meets real life. We’re a community built for enthusiasts who still have families, responsibilities, and want a space that keeps things respectful, welcoming, and drama-free.
Cowlitz County Cars and Coffee
Cowlitz County Cars and Coffee
If you are a gearhead, car guy or car gal Cars & Coffee is for you. They are typically informal Saturday morning gatherings of hobbyists interested in all kinds of vehicles; cars, trucks or motorcycles; foreign, domestic; big or small.
Cowlitz County Cruisers
Cowlitz County Cars and Coffee
Pacific Northwest Corvettes
When everyone was tired of being stuck at home and we invited the town to cruise Commerce like the old days.
People from all walks of life showed up in everything from classic cars to minivans, packing every street leading to Commerce so much that we could only make one pass, and since then it became a monthly first-Friday gathering to bring out your favorite car, meet new people, and celebrate our shared love of cars.
Pacific Northwest Corvettes
Cowlitz County Cars and Coffee
Pacific Northwest Corvettes
This group is about connecting corvette enthusiasts around the Pacific Northwest.