Beaulieu Custom and American Show 2026

Treat your dad to an unforgettable, high-octane Father’s Day weekend as the spectacular Custom and American Show 2026 roars into life. Taking place at the iconic National Motor Museum, Beaulieu on Sunday 21 June 2026 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, this beloved annual extravaganza transforms the heart of the New Forest into a vibrant celebration of transatlantic automotive culture. Held in proud association with the Solent Renegades car club, the event draws hundreds of jaw-dropping custom builds, roaring V8 classic American muscle cars, and unique hot rods from all across the country, creating an unbeatable family-friendly atmosphere filled with live music and retro style.

Official 2026 Show Features and Attractions

The 2026 Custom and American Show features an incredible lineup of interactive entertainment, legendary television star cars, and family-focused activities spread across the museum fields:

Amazing Vehicles & Famous Film Cars

Marvel at a massive display of traditional American muscle cars, classic Camaros, modern Mustangs, rugged hot rods, custom motorbikes, and trikes. This year features an exclusive collection of iconic vehicles from television and film history, including:

• KITT from Knight Rider
• The DeLorean Time Machine from Back to the Future
• Herbie the Love Bug
• An authentic Austin Powers tribute cruiser
• The legendary Dodge Monaco 350 from The Blues Brothers

Note: If you own a famous star car and want to join the official lineup, contact the organizers directly at [email protected].

Andy Saunders Custom Creations

World-renowned custom car builder and official event ambassador Andy Saunders returns for 2026. Visitors can view his famous Metropolis build alongside his newest creation, Daroo 1/3 (originally unveiled last summer). Guests will also get an exclusive look at his ongoing updates to Tetanus, displayed directly alongside Maxime’s iconic Sundancer.

Transformers & Ghostbusters Displays

Back by popular demand, fans can interact with fully mobile, walking and talking Transformers! Get up close to Bumblebee, the vintage movie-version Bumblebee, and the menacing Decepticon police car, Barricade. A full-scale Optimus Prime truck will also be parked on-site.

Additionally, the Ghostbusters crew will be patrolling the grounds alongside the infamous Slimer and their legendary hotdog cart. Check out the iconic Ecto-1 vehicle, try out real ghost-hunting gear, and test your extra-sensory skills at the interactive ESP trap station.

Live Stage Entertainment & Cheerleading

Soak up the retro atmosphere or head to the dance floor with a packed line-up of live musical acts and high-energy performances:

• Route 66: A fantastic Dorset-based country and folk-infused live band.
• Craig Jefferson: A highly acclaimed, crowd-pleasing Elvis Presley tribute act.
• Carrie-Anne (New for 2026): Making her event debut with an energetic Dolly Parton tribute show.
• Resolution Dance Company: Returning to the arena with explosive, American-style cheerleading routines.

Photo Opportunities & Interactive Family Fun

Keep your cameras ready all day long! Tribute stars Elvis and Dolly Parton will be stepping off the stage to meet the crowds for personal photos. You can also hop right into the driver’s seat of The Flintmobile from The Flintstones or the heavily armored Batmobile 66. Don’t forget to take a family photo in the giant Beaulieu deckchair and share your memories online using the official hashtag #customandamerican.

Families can also enjoy the following completely free activities:

• Face Painting & Glitter Tattoos: Running from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM, professional face painters and glitter artists will be on hand to add a splash of sparkle to your day.
• Horseshoe & Lasso Workshops: Try your hand at a learner’s lasso, practice real trick roping to lasso a cactus, or challenge your family to a classic horseshoe toss.
• The UK Country Hat Bar*: A premium customization experience where you can select wraps, bands, and western accessories to design your own custom cowboy hat (*Optional paid activity).

Premium Activities & Fairground Rides

In addition to the main show fields, families can enjoy these exciting optional attractions. Please note that these specific features are subject to individual, additional on-site charges:

• Traditional Fairground Rides: Head over to the classic funfair zone to spin around on the vintage Dodgems or let younger children take the wheel on the gentle toy-set carousel. (Don’t forget, entry to the massive Little Beaulieu adventure play area is completely free and included with your main ticket!)
• Mini Monster Trucks: Experience a pocket-sized taste of true Americana! Take the controls of an authentic replica miniature monster truck and navigate your way around a dedicated driving course. This activity has no age restrictions, though any little drivers under 1.14 meters tall must be accompanied by an adult.
• The Mechanical Rodeo Bull: Channel your inner cowboy and test your balancing skills! Climb into the saddle of the high-energy mechanical bucking bull to see who in your family can hold on the longest. A minimum height restriction of 1.2 meters applies to all riders.

Official Prize-Giving Ceremony

A series of prestigious automotive awards will be presented live in the main arena at 3:30 PM. Sponsored by Vibrant Forest Brewery, the presentation includes The Solent Renegades Choice, the Brian Ackland Memorial Award, the Andy Saunders Award, and The People’s Best in Show—make sure to cast your individual vote for your favorite vehicle on the day! To celebrate Father’s Day, you can also register your dad on arrival for a special free prize draw.

Event Schedule and Timings

The show ground opens its gates early to allow display vehicles to settle before the main public crowds arrive, keeping the daytime flowing smoothly with non-stop automotive action:

• 08:30 AM: Participant Gates Open — Registered show cars, customs, and hot rods begin entering the display arenas via the dedicated participant lanes.
• 10:00 AM: Public Visitor Gates Open — Main public admission begins, offering families full access to the show grounds, live retro music stages, and ongoing field entertainment.
• 14:00 (2:00 PM): Participant Vehicle Entry Closes — Last call for display cars to arrive at the gates.
• 17:00 (5:00 PM): Main Show Concludes — The custom car displays end, though the general Beaulieu attractions and museum spaces remain accessible to guests until 18:00 (6:00 PM).

Ticket Options and Entry Fees

Beaulieu offers separate pricing tracks for general public visitors and those actively arriving in a qualifying display car. Because advanced online discounts have closed, the standard on-the-day rates apply:

Public Visitor Tickets

• Standard Adult: £31.50
• Standard Child (Ages 4 to 16): £19.50 (Children under 4 enter free but require a complimentary booking ticket)
• Standard Family Ticket: From £72.00 (Covers a flexible mix up to 2 adults and 6 children)
• Visitors with Disabilities: Adults £22.50 | Children £14.50 (Accompanying essential carers enter completely FREE)

Show Participant Tickets (Must arrive in a qualifying American, Custom, or Hot Rod vehicle)

• Participant Adult: £17.00
• Participant Child (Ages 4 to 16): £11.00

Note: Standard visitor annual passes, Gift Aid passes, and promotional donation vouchers cannot be redeemed for entry on this premium event day.

How to Get to Beaulieu

The National Motor Museum is situated in the scenic heart of the New Forest, making it a straightforward drive or commute from Southampton:

• By Car: From Southampton, head west out of the city toward the Totton bypass, join the A326 south, and follow the prominent brown tourist signs directing you straight through the forest to the main Beaulieu entrance. The postcode for your GPS unit is SO42 7ZN.
• By Public Transport: You can take a direct South Western Railway train from Southampton Central to Brockenhurst Station. From there, your best bet is a quick 10-to-15-minute local taxi ride directly to the museum gate. Alternatively, catch the seasonal New Forest Tour open-top bus which stops right at the main complex.

Where to Park at Beaulieu

Beaulieu features expansive, well-managed parking spaces tailored to different arrival types:

• Free Public Visitor Parking: Unlimited, completely free parking is provided on-site in the large grass overflow fields located directly adjacent to the main visitor reception entrance.
• Participant Parking: If you have booked a participant ticket to show off your car, follow the distinct display vehicle signs upon approaching the venue. Stewards will direct you through the main archway to park directly inside the arena fields.
• Accessible Blue Badge Parking: Dedicated hard-standing parking bays are positioned right next to the visitor reception complex for Blue Badge holders, ensuring smooth and level access into the attraction.

Frequently Asked Questions

What date and time is the Beaulieu Custom and American Show 2026?

The show takes place on Father’s Day, Sunday 21 June 2026. Public visitor gates open at 10:00 AM and the event finishes at 5:00 PM, though main Beaulieu attractions stay open until 6:00 PM.

Does my event ticket include entry to the National Motor Museum?

Yes! All standard event tickets include full access to the complete Beaulieu attraction, including the National Motor Museum, the Palace House, the historic Beaulieu Abbey, and the Little Beaulieu adventure playground.

Are the face painting, glitter tattoos, and family workshops free?

Yes, the face painting, glitter tattoos, and the horseshoe and lasso roping family workshops are entirely free of charge and included with your admission.

Which activities require an additional on-site fee?

Premium interactive features including the traditional funfair rides (Dodgems and toy carousel), the mechanical Rodeo Bull, the mini replica Monster Truck driving experience, and purchasing customized hats at the UK Country Hat Bar require additional on-site charges.

Can I use a standard annual pass or Gift Aid return pass for this show?

No. Because the Custom and American Show is classified as a premium major event day, standard Beaulieu annual passes, membership discount schemes, and complimentary “return for free” passes cannot be redeemed for entry.