Stroll among nearly 100 impeccably maintained classic cars and motorcycles from the early to mid-20th century at Cheekwood on June 28 and 29 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Tour d’Elegance through the city streets of Belle Meade will begin at 4 p.m. on Sunday.
Enjoy era-specific tunes, tasty bites from the city’s favorite food trucks, a drink from the bar stations, hands-on activities for kids and the Enchanted Castles exhibition.
About Exposition of Elegance
From convertibles to roadsters, elegant automobiles from a bygone era shine against the backdrop of Cheekwood’s beautiful gardens. The event showcases vehicles spanning seven decades of automotive design and innovation including a 1915 Ford Model T, 1931 Studebaker President and 1941 Cadillac Series 62 Sedan Convertible.
For the third consecutive year, journey through time as you marvel at classic pre- and post-war motorcycles from iconic manufacturers across the globe. Celebrate the legacy of these timeless treasures at the Classic Motorcycle Exhibition in Massey Auditorium inside Botanic Hall. This curated collection highlights the evolution of motorcycles from the early days to modern innovations and offers a fascinating look at design, engineering, and culture throughout the years.
Also, step inside the Frist Learning Center and discover a fascinating chapter of transportation history as Lane Motor Museum Presents: Propeller-Driven Vehicles. This special exhibition showcases two rare propeller-driven cars and three propeller-driven bicycles — ingenious machines designed to harness aviation-style propulsion on land.
“The beautiful historic grounds of Cheekwood are the perfect backdrop to showcase such an exquisite selection of classic cars that pay tribute to the era in which the Cheek family resided at this magnificent estate,” said Barry Stowe, Cheekwood Trustee Emeritus and Founding Chair of Exposition of Elegance. “Visitors to the Exposition of Elegance will marvel at the craftsmanship of these truly extraordinary cars while they celebrate Father’s Day with activities designed for the entire family.”
Classic Car Chronicles
10 a.m. and 2 p.m. | Saturday and Sunday
Take a stroll through decades of design and innovation. Classic Car Chronicles is a curated showcase of iconic automobiles, each with its own story to tell. From sleek sports cars to vintage cruisers, meet the collectors, hear their stories, and celebrate the enduring beauty of the automobile.
Two Wheel Tales
11 a.m. and 3 p.m. | Saturday and Sunday
Step into the world of legendary motorcycles. In these 15-minute talks, passionate owners share the history, craftsmanship, and character of their classic bikes. The conversations offer a rare glimpse into the soul of the two-wheeled engineering followed by question-and-answer sessions with fellow enthusiasts.
Musical Performance Schedule
The Nashville Jazz Orchestra will perform on the Arboretum Lawn Stage from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Featuring saxophones, trumpets, trombones, and a robust rhythm section, the group channels the big band heyday that defined the 1910s through the 1940s.
The Classic Cruisers will be in the spotlight on the Arboretum Lawn Stage from noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. They will rev up the day with hits from the 1950s to the 1970s and perform crowd-pleasing car themed tunes that will have you singing along as you cruise down memory lane.
Family Car Activity
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Arboretum Lawn | Saturday and Sunday
Draw inspiration from the classic cars on display at Cheekwood and design your own paper version with the help of popsicle sticks.
Cheekwood is located eight miles southwest of downtown Nashville at 1200 Forrest Park Drive. It is open Tuesday through Sunday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., with extended days and hours of operation depending on the season. Visit cheekwood.org for current hours and to purchase advance tickets required for admission.
Photos from 2024
