For truck lovers, there are events that serve up what they are looking for, but it’s possible there is no bigger all-encompassing truck show than the Carlisle Truck Nationals. While its position as a large-scale event can be debated across the country, there’s no denying that this show is king amongst its passionate fan base in Carlisle and, for that matter, on the East Coast. In fact, from August 1–3 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds, 2,994 trucks populated the event, making it the LARGEST-ever Carlisle Truck Nationals; a record that’s now been set…or re-set five years in a row.

Of the aforementioned total, nearly 300 Big Rigs hauled in for the popular Big Rig Show and Shine. Better yet, while there’s no way to truly know how many additional trucks came to Carlisle, it was very obvious that at least 20–30 more trucks were part of the fun, as they were displayed on the trailers of these mighty rigs. That’s right—trucks on trucks—to go along with the gallery haulers, heavy equipment, and more that spanned the entire southern portion of the grounds.

North of the Big Rig Show & Shine were rows of truck vendors, trucks for sale by owner within the truck corral, and even the Manufacturers Midway. Around all of that…trucks, lots of them! The National Parts Depot Judged Showfield hosted hundreds of award-winning show trucks, then, for as far as the eye could see—and then some—thousands more non-judged rides populated the grounds. There were displays of lowered trucks, lifted trucks, fire trucks, antique rides, and—back for its 13th year—Vanarama!

Two more great displays helped power Truck weekend: the SyTys in and around Building Y and a general Featured Vehicle Display (FVD) within Building T. For the FVD showcase, it was a collection of past Carlisle Elite award winners, antique fire trucks, and a general best-of-the-best collection of some of the wildest trucks around.

In addition to the trucks on display and the vendors selling their wares, truck clubs were a VERY important part of the weekend. These enthusiastic groups of truck owners rolled in in droves, hung out with their friends, made some new ones, and even had time to compete for the Largest Club and/or Coolest Club awards. These awards carried into the Big Rig area too, with Largest and Coolest Fleet and Convoy honors too.

Speaking of competing, there was no shortage of wheels-in-motion fun. This included Oxford Power Wheels racing, a low truck limbo, high truck challenge, drop and drag contest, rolling burnouts, monster truck shows and freestyle FMX stunt jumps, and—all-new in 2025—a multi-round exhaust contest.

Families, friends, and individuals made the best of the amazing weather and powered the weekend in ways never seen before. While the 2025 event is in the books, planning for 2026 is already underway. Mark your calendars for August 7–9, 2026, as the Carlisle Truck Nationals returns with even more truck fun!

Registration is now open for the 2026 Showfield, and renewal rights for vending and car corral spots are available through late October (open enrollment begins afterward). Call 717-243-7855 to register, or visit CarlisleEvents.com for details, discounted spectator admission, and more.