Father's Day Car Show in Mission

Benefiting the Mission Firefighter’s Charitable Society, Old Car Sunday is a giant car show at Fraser River Heritage Park on Father’s Day Sunday each year.

In 2023 the event happened on Sunday, June 18th and ran from 10:00 am to 3:30 pm. 2024 details are to be confirmed.

Other events that happen around Father’s Day include ScotFestBC (which is a great Scottish-themed festival in Coquitlam) and Langley Community Day. There’s also Sasquatch Days in Harrison Hot Springs and the Father’s Day Rendezvous at Kilby Historic Site most years.

To learn more about all of these events see our article about Father’s Day Weekend in Vancouver.

Father’s Day Old Car Sunday

The Old Car show at Fraser River Heritage Park was cancelled in 2020 because of COVID-19 and it didn’t happen in 2021 either. There was, however, a parade on June 20th, 2021, with classic and collectible vehicles.

In 2023 the car show returned to its normal format and took place on Sunday, June 18th. The event likely takes place again on June 16th, 2024.

It usually costs between $10 and $20 to enter a vehicle as a participant in the car show. There is no charge to simply attend the event and look at the cars though. Admission for the public is by donation.

Revenues raised by car entrance fees and donations benefit the Mission Hospice Society, BC Professional Firefighters’ Burn Fund and other great causes.

Where Does the Car Show Take Place?

Old Car Sunday is held at Fraser River Heritage Park which is located at 7494 Mary Street in Mission. The park is about a six-minute drive east of downtown Mission and a seven-minute drive from Mission Raceway Park.

Mission itself is a rural community of about 40,000 people. It’s located in the Fraser Valley on the north side of the Fraser River from Abbotsford. In good traffic, it’s between about a 60- and 90-minute drive from downtown Vancouver.

Coming from the Vancouver direction, you can get to Mission by taking the Trans-Canada Highway to Abbotsford and then heading north along Highway 11 and crossing the Fraser River via the Mission Bridge. Alternatively, you can also go via Lougheed Highway through places like Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge.

The other major Lower Mainland event that takes place at Fraser River Heritage Park is the Mission Folk Music Festival which happens in July.

Old Car Sunday at Fraser River Heritage Park

What to Expect at the Car Show

At the Old Car Sunday event you can expect to see hundreds of collectible cars of all makes, styles and eras. You’ll also see hundreds of dads with their friends and families admiring the vehicles and having a fun time.

The Lower Mainland hosts a number of car shows throughout the year. Some of the events are larger and some are smaller. Some have a British, American, European or specific car-manufacturer theme. Others feature only antiques or ultra-modern and luxurious vehicles. Some Metro Vancouver car shows are free to attend and others are ticketed.

In the case of Mission’s Old Car Sunday event, there are vehicles of all makes and eras, and there are hundreds of them! Not only is the event free to attend (or at least by donation), but it’s also one of (if not the) largest event of its kind in the region.

At Old Car Sunday you’ll see muscle cars, antiques, convertibles and vintage trucks. American-made cars make up the majority with many from the 1950s to ’70s, but there are other generations too. There are Chevrolets, Corvettes, Impalas, Plymouths and Buicks. There are also Ford Mustangs and sometimes even a Model T.

In addition to the American brands, there are also collectible MGs and Jaguars from Britain, Toyota Celicas from Japan, and numerous other vehicles from Germany, France, Italy and other countries. Again, the majority of vehicles on display are North American-made, but there are lots of international brands too. The variety is amazing!

Old Car Sunday Car Show

Tips & Advice

Below are some suggestions and extra things to keep in mind to help you make the most of your Old Car Sunday experience.

TIP #1: If it’s a nice day with good weather and you like collectible vehicles, especially muscle cars, then definitely check out this event. It’s both impressive and free!

TIP #2: Old Car Sunday is a fundraising event for the Mission Firefighter’s Charitable Society. Admission is by donation. Give generously! It’s a fabulous event and for a worthwhile cause.

TIP #3: There is a lot of parking on-site and along surrounding streets. Thousands of people attend, however, so be prepared to walk a ways if using on-street parking. And if parking at the park, be patient when trying to get in and out of the area.

TIP #4: Arrive near the beginning of the event to get the best parking.

TIP #5: If the forecast is for hot weather, don’t forget to take a water bottle, hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. The cars are in a big open field so there isn’t a lot of shade.

TIP #6: Don’t forget to fill up your car while in the area. Gas in Mission, Abbotsford and other parts of the Fraser Valley is typically at least 10 cents a litre less than in Metro Vancouver.

TIP #7: Unless you live in Mission or somewhere close by, consider combining your trip to the car show with a visit to other places of interest in the area too. See our article about the Fraser Valley for ideas on where else to go and what to see.