Cruise Nights Return To Plainfield With Weekly Car Show

PLAINFIELD, IL — Vintage and modern cars will once again line the streets of downtown Plainfield Tuesday nights beginning June 8. The classic Cruise Nights is slated to return for 11 events this summer.

The free event is hosted for the eighth year by the village’s Chamber of Commerce. From 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesdays, car enthusiasts and visitors alike can walk down West Lockport Street between South James Street and Route 59 — where the show will predominantly take place — and check out classic and modern cars. Part of South Des Plaines Street, from Chicago to Oak Streets, will also be lined with cars.

“You’ll see a wide variety of vehicles,” said Tasha Marsaglia, executive director of the Plainfield Shorewood Area Chamber of Commerce. “You’ll see your classic cars and you'll see your newer versions of Corvettes and Mustangs and show cars. … It’s nice for us to see car owners each week.”

With events making their return after many were shuttered due to COVID-19, Marsaglia said Cruise Nights is a good way to bring people together to patronize local businesses. Up to 1,500 people have attended each night in past years.

Those who want to showcase their cars can do so on a first-come, first-served basis. In the past, there have been around 300 vehicles on display each Cruise Night, Marsaglia said.

Local farmers can also bring their tractors — both old and new — to Cruise Nights, where around 15 have been present per night in the past, according to Marsaglia. Bikers have a similar option and have a designated area to show off their motorcycles in the"Hawg Pen."

Local car dealerships sponsor the event each week, and each night has a different theme. Pontiac night, truck night and Mustang night are just a few of the categories. Despite the distinction, Marsaglia said people who don’t own those cars shouldn’t be discouraged from displaying their vehicles those weeks.

Originally scheduled for the first Tuesday of June, this summer’s premier event was moved back a week, to June 8, due to the school year running slightly longer than normal, according to Marsaglia.

Similarly to prior seasons, Cruise Night T-shirts will be for sale at the Chamber’s office, 24109 W. Lockport St., each Tuesday the show is held, or until inventory runs out.

Cruise Nights will be held rain or shine through Aug. 24. July 20 is expected to be the only Tuesday without a car show scheduled. All dates and themes are available for viewing here.

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