Rev Your Engines: Pop the Top Returns to Downtown Arcola

September 30, 2026

By Cassie Yoder, Director of Marketing & Development, Green Mill Village

There’s something about a fall Saturday, a downtown full of incredible vehicles and a community ready to have a good time. On Saturday, October 10, the 2026 Pop the Top Car Show returns to Downtown Arcola for a day filled with classic cars, custom builds, great food and plenty of automotive fun.

Whether you have a vehicle you’re ready to show off or simply love walking through rows of impressive rides, Pop the Top is a great excuse to get out, explore Arcola and enjoy a day with fellow car enthusiasts, families and friends.

Welcome to Oc-TURBO-fest

Pop the Top isn’t your average car show. Consider it Arcola’s own Oc-TURBO-fest, bringing together vehicles of all kinds and the people who love them.

From classic cruisers and muscle cars to unique custom builds, Downtown Arcola will be the place to see the personality, creativity and hard work that owners have put into their vehicles. Add in good food and the atmosphere of a community event, and there will be plenty to enjoy even if you aren’t entering a vehicle of your own.

Trophies With a Little Personality

Of course, there are trophies up for grabs—but Pop the Top puts its own spin on the traditional car show awards.

Along with People’s Choice and Best of Show, participants can compete for some truly one-of-a-kind honors, including Unsafe at Any Speed and Most Likely to Attract Unwanted Police Attention.

You may come hoping to take home a trophy, but these categories are also guaranteed to make walking the show a little more entertaining.

Want to Show Off Your Ride?

Vehicle registration begins at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 10, with the event taking place in Downtown Arcola. Vehicle registration is $10, and online registration is available ahead of the show.

Whether you’ve been polishing up a longtime favorite or finally have the perfect excuse to bring your vehicle out for the day, this is your chance to park it downtown and join the fun.

Register Your Vehicle for the 2026 Pop the Top Car Show:

https://tinyurl.com/bpaj7m5x

Make a Day of It in Arcola

Pop the Top is also a great opportunity to spend a little extra time exploring Arcola. While you’re downtown, stop into local businesses, grab something to eat and enjoy the small-town atmosphere that makes community events like this so much fun.

And if you’re traveling into town for the show, Green Mill Village makes it easy to turn your visit into an Arcola getaway. Stay nearby, explore the community and experience even more of what the area has to offer.