The Shadow
RICHMOND, VA (VR) — More than 300 vehicles, from classic cruisers and vintage muscle cars to custom builds and modern favorites, will roll into downtown Roanoke for the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles’ (DMV) Star City Motor Madness, presented by Berglund Automotive. The free event, taking place Saturday, June 27, is one of the Mid-Atlantic’s premier automotive celebrations. Centered along Jefferson Street, it will transform the heart of downtown Roanoke into a daylong showcase of horsepower, nostalgia, and community fun for car enthusiasts, families, and visitors. DMV Commissioner Saundra M. Jack will be on hand to present the Commissioner’s Trophy, one of the event’s top honors, to an exceptional vehicle selected from this year’s entries.
“This is what it’s all about—serving the motoring public and being part of the communities we serve,” said Jack. “Virgina DMV’s Star City Motor Madness is more than a car show. It’s a celebration of community, history, and the shared passion so many Virginians have for cars and cruising culture.”
Founded in 2002 as a fundraiser for the Virginia Museum of Transportation, Star City Motor Madness was created as a way to combine a love of cars with community involvement. Since its beginning, the event has grown into one of Virginia’s largest automotive gatherings, attracting thousands of spectators and participants from across the East Coast.
“We could not be happier to kick off our 25th anniversary with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles as a top sponsor,” said Tom Cox, co-founder of Star City Motor Madness car show. “The Virginia DMV is a great fit and provides us the opportunity to showcase and preserve Virginias rich motor vehicle history alongside the organization whose roots reach back to the earliest days of automotive history. Automotive enthusiasts and the Virginia DMV have been moving Virginians forward for over 100 years!”
The event’s name pays tribute to Roanoke’s nickname, the “Star City of the South,” inspired by the iconic illuminated star overlooking the city since 1949. For many years, the event featured a cruise-in along Williamson Road, a popular cruising destination during the 1950s and 1960s. Today, the event continues that tradition while transforming downtown Roanoke into a showcase of automotive history and culture.
Visitors can explore downtown Roanoke throughout the day, with local restaurants, shops, entertainment, and activities adding to the experience. Admission and parking are free, and basic vehicle registration is $30.
The weekend kicks off Friday night with live music and food trucks at the Virginia Museum of Transportation. The event is included with regular museum admission and proceeds from this weekend will support the museum’s mission to preserve Virginia’s transportation history for future generations.
Friday June 26 | Virginia Museum of Transportation | 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. |
Saturday June 27 | Downtown Roanoke | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. |
