Air-Cooled Volkswagen Event Coverage

The Event Coverage section highlights air-cooled Volkswagen shows, cruises, campouts, and gatherings from across North America and beyond. Each report captures the atmosphere, the cars, and the community that make these events a cornerstone of vintage VW culture. Explore recent coverage below and revisit some of the most memorable moments from the air-cooled scene.

Kelley Park Spring Meet 2026 - Article by Rick Spohn

The 41st Annual Kelley Park Spring Meet took place on April 19th at History San Jose in Kelley Park, bringing hundreds of air cooled Volkswagen enthusiasts together for one of Northern California's most beloved VW traditions. Hosted by the Golden Gate Chapter of the Vintage Volkswagen Club of America, the event once again delivered a relaxed, family friendly atmosphere in one of the most scenic venues in the region. With perfect weather that started overcast and turned sunny by midday, the park filled quickly with 260 vintage Volkswagens of every style and era.

Vintage VW buses lined up along the road at the Kelley Park Spring Meet.

Although the main show is held on Sunday, the weekend has grown into a full three day gathering for many attendees. Friday featured an open house at Mark Merrill's museum in Mountain View, giving visitors a chance to explore rare VW history up close. Saturday brought the Red Barn VW Bus Swap Meet in Aromas, a long running favorite for parts hunters. Later that day, Ray Schubert led a VW cruise from Mountain View to San Martin, adding a rolling highlight to the weekend.

Vintage VW buses parked in front of the Empire building at the Kelley Park Spring Meet.

Inside Kelley Park, the show offered plenty to enjoy. Two food trucks kept everyone fed, one serving BBQ and the other Mexican food, while KFJC radio broadcast music from the gazebo at the center of the grounds. Families, longtime club members, and first time visitors all mixed together as they walked the tree lined paths and explored the wide range of cars on display. With 16 judged car classes and one toy class, there was something for every type of VW fan.

Vintage Karmann Ghias at the Kelley Park Spring Meet in San Jose.

The show field was packed with standout cars, from early Beetles and Buses to beautifully restored Ghias and clean daily drivers. While it was hard to pick a single favorite, the overall quality of the cars made this year's meet especially memorable. Many attendees commented on how enjoyable the event becomes once everyone is inside the park and settled in. The relaxed pace and friendly atmosphere are a big part of what makes Kelley Park special.

Air-cooled Volkswagen Beetles on display at the Kelley Park Spring Meet in San Jose.

Participants traveled from all over California and beyond. The farthest cars came from Southern California, with additional visitors making the trip from Reno, Nevada. Before the awards ceremony, the club held its traditional raffle, with prizes donated by the event's 19 sponsors and supporting vendors. Their contributions helped make the day possible and added excitement for everyone in attendance.

Air-cooled VW buses lined up at the Kelley Park Spring Meet in San Jose.

In the end, the 41st Annual Kelley Park Spring Meet was another success, continuing a tradition that has lasted more than four decades. The positive comments online reflect how much people appreciate both the show and the venue. Planning is already underway for next year's event, which will return on Sunday, April 18th, with the open house and Red Barn swap meet once again scheduled for the days leading up to the show.

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