Motors & Movies at America’s Car Museum in July — Pixar’s Cars Under the Stars!
Jun 25, 2026, 1:22 PM | Updated: Jul 17, 2026, 9:21 am
Friday, July 24th | 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Windows down, snacks packed, and Lightning McQueen lighting up the summer sky.
Summer nights in Tacoma keep getting better. America’s Car Museum (ACM) brings back its Drive-In Movie Night on Friday, July 24th, inviting the community to gather for an unforgettable evening of cars, connection, and cinema—this time with a family favorite taking center stage.
A Night Built for Car Lovers (and Everyone Else)
Drive-In Movie Night isn’t just about the film—it’s about the atmosphere. Guests are encouraged to arrive early, find their perfect viewing spot, and set up camp for a relaxed evening surrounded by fellow car enthusiasts and community members. Expect a vibrant mix of vehicles, from modern SUVs and trucks to vintage rides and passion projects, all sharing the same space.
As the sun dips below the horizon, the energy shifts. Music, conversation, and the hum of engines set the tone before the main event begins.
The Feature Film: Pixar’s Cars
Taking center stage after sunset is Pixar’s beloved Cars, the animated classic that follows hotshot rookie Lightning McQueen as he discovers what really matters on the road to Radiator Springs. With humor, heart, and a deep love of car culture, it’s a film that delights kids and lifelong gearheads alike—making it the perfect pick for a night out with the whole family.
It’s the kind of film that feels right at home at ACM, a place dedicated to preserving and celebrating car culture.
Food, Friends, and Summer Vibes
No movie night is complete without great food and good company. Bring snacks, pack a picnic, and make an evening of it. Whether you’re sharing laughs with friends, spending time with family, or enjoying a night under the stars, the event offers a relaxed, welcoming environment for everyone.
More to Explore This July at ACM
Drive-In Night is just one stop on a packed summer calendar. Here’s everything else rolling out this month in Tacoma:
July 18: If Cars Could Talk: The Kansal Clunker | 11 AM–12 PM
A heartfelt conversation about The Kansal Clunker, a father-son memoir tracing the restoration of a worn 1998 Acura Integra and its 5,000-mile journey to the summit of Mt. Evans, Colorado. Watch via Zoom or join us in the State Farm Theater. RSVP to attend.
July 25: Family STEAM Day: Superhighway 71 | 10 AM–4 PM
Hot Wheels fans, this one’s for you. PNW YouTube duo Superhighway 71 takes over The Shop to film a new video and run a Creative Zone where all ages can tinker with their legendary 1:64-scale track. Bring your favorite cars and your imagination.
July 27–31: Summer STEM Intensive Camp | 9 AM–4 PM
Rising 5th–8th graders dive into a full week of hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math—building pinewood derby cars, taking on a turbocharged crash-test challenge, riding in early-1900s vehicles, rebuilding engines, and learning real-world car maintenance. All materials and a daily snack included. Registration required.
July 30: Cruise-In at ACM | 5–7:30 PM
Summer nights, great builds, food vendors, and a parking lot full of people who just get it. This free community event is open to all—bring friends, family, or just yourself and make some new connections. Showing a car? Register your vehicle online.
Plan your visit and find the full events calendar at americascarmuseum.org. We’ll see you behind the wheel.
