DETAILS FOR

CAR OWNERS

FESTIVAL NEED TO KNOW INFORMATION

Welcome, car owners!

We’re thrilled to welcome you to the Rockin’ River Festival—where classic cars and rock 'n roll meet on the riverfront! Whether you’re a longtime participant or cruising in for the first time, we’re excited to have your wheels on display and your energy in the mix.

This page is your go-to resource hub for everything you need to know about the car show experience. From schedules and locations to check-in details and prize info, you’ll find everything right here.

Here’s what’s happening for car enthusiasts all weekend long:

Early Check-In
Friday at 5PM - 9PM
– Festival Headquarters Tent- Main Stage Area Downtown Newcastle Waterfront.
Beat the rush and get settled in early!

The Car Cruise(Free – No Registration Required)
Friday at 1PM - 5pm – Cruise the River at your leisure!
Fuel up, roll out, and cruise the streets with fellow car lovers.
Open to anyone who would like to attend!

Show Off Your Ride(Open Show – Just Show Up!)
Saturday, 8AM – 4PM – Queen Elizabeth Park
Park it, pop the hood, and let the community enjoy your ride. No registration required; simply pull up to the barricades in front of City Hall to gain access. Open to anyone who would like to attend!

The Miramichi Dream Drive Car Show(Registration Required)
Sunday, 10AM – 5PM – Riverfront Parking Lot (Doors open at 10AM)
Join us for a nostalgic wrap-up to the weekend, with prizes awarded at 4PM.

Not registered yet?

The Car Cruise

FRIDAY, JULY 24th

1PM - 5PM – Cruise the river at your leisure!

Don’t miss our featured Cruise Day hotspots, where the action will be happening all afternoon:

HOT SPOTS TO BE POSTED SOON!

Make your rounds, show off your ride, and enjoy as cruisers keep the cruise going by making your way through each featured stop along the river.

SATURDAY, JULY 25th

8AM - 4PM | Queen Elizabeth Park

SUNDAY, JULY 26th

10 AM - 5 PM |Riverfront Parking Lot

Miramichi Dream Drive Car Show 

FAQ’S

GENERAL INFORMATION

    • Friday Cruise: No registration required – just drive!

    • Saturday Show at Queen Elizabeth Park: No registration required - pull up to the barricades around Town Square in front of City Hall.

    • Sunday Miramihci Dream Drive Car Show: Pre-registration is required you can do that ONLINE HERE

  • You can do this online - CLICK HERE

    • Friday and Saturday shows are free to participate.

    • Sunday’s pre-registered show has a participation fee of $40

    • You can also register your car for Sunday’s Pre-registered show and get a ticket to see Brett Kissel Saturday night for $99.99

  • Absolutely! You’re encouraged to join in for all three days of the event.

  • Eligible vehicles include all makes and models that are 25 years or older, as well as special interest vehicles. This may include custom builds, unique or rare models, and vehicles of notable historical or collector value. If you're unsure whether your vehicle qualifies, feel free to reach out to the event team for clarification.

  • Yes. Sunday’s Miramichi Dream Drive Car Show prize draws will begin on the car show stage, beginning at 4:00 PM.

    We have over $5000 in prizes, including a $1000 cash draw prize for all registered participants!

    The Grande Prize will also be announced during this prize show, as well.

  • The grand prize for this year’s Miramichi Dream Drive Car Show is a Carlyle 40.5 Inch 9 Drawer Flip-Top Rolling Utility Service Tool Cart, Black ($2000 value)

    This professional-grade tool cart is generously sponsored by NAPA Auto Parts and will be awarded to the standout entry in celebration of automotive craftsmanship and originality. Only vehicles 40 years or older are eligible for this prize.

JUNIOR JUDGE PROGRAM

  • During Sunday’s car show event, children can participate in the Junior Judge Contest by voting for their favourite car.

    This contest is sponsored by Canadian Tire - the winner will be awarded a Brand New Kids Bike!

  • Any child attending the Sunday car show can submit a vote.

  • Votes are collected, and one Junior Judge winner is randomly selected to receive a brand-new bike.

  • Look for the Junior Judge voting station in the Goodie Shop Restaurant Parking lot on Sunday between 8AM and 4PM.

OTHER DETAILS

  • Spectators are welcome all weekend long. This event is open to the public and FREE to attend!

  • The car show will proceed rain or shine. All scheduled events will continue as planned, regardless of weather conditions. We encourage participants and spectators to come prepared and enjoy the festivities no matter what the forecast brings.

  • Atlantic Avenue will be playing on-stage the entire car show from 1pm - 4pm.

    BBQ and Food Truck will be on-site, as well the market in Queen Elizabeth park all be open all weekend.

  • CLICK HERE to view the schedule of events.

CAR SHOW PRIZES

Sunday 26th, 4PM

HAPPENING ON THE GOODIE SHOP PARKING LOT STAGE

Miramichi Dream Drive Car Show Prize Show

Sunday, July 26 | 4:00 PM | Goodie Shop Parking Lot

The excitement wraps up with the Miramichi Dream Drive

Car Show Prize Show, taking place on the car show stage at 4:00 PM. This celebratory event marks the grand finale of the weekend and recognizes the standout vehicles and proud owners who make the car show so memorable.

A variety of prizes and recognitions will be awarded during this presentation—including the much-anticipated Grand Prize.

List of Prizes

  • $1000 CASH DOOR PRIZE

  • $1500 Tool Box + Tool Kit

  • Battery Pack X2

  • Napa Shop Stool

  • Mobile Tire Changeover

  • BBQ and Grill Kit

  • 50'’ Big Screen TV

  • Mooshead 45L-Cooler Prize Pack

  • $1500 in gift card prizes