05/28/2026
Friday Night North St. Paul Car Show Info from the Invisible Wounds Project:
The Invisible Wounds Project was founded in 2018 to support veterans, first responders, frontline medical staff, corrections, 911 dispatchers, and their families through access to community, connection, mental health resources, wellness activities, and healing opportunities. In 2025 alone, IWP served more than 2,000 individuals and supported over 125 su***de and crisis interventions. Events and fundraising play a critical role in allowing us to continue that mission every day.
Our organization also has deep roots in car culture. Many of our volunteers, supporters, and members are lifelong βcar peopleβ who have attended the Friday Night Car Shows for decades. We understand the positive impact these nights have, not only for enthusiasts, but also for local businesses, families, nonprofits, and the broader community.
Earlier this year, the History Cruzers announced they would be scaling back their traditional every-Friday summer schedule to every other Friday. Like many in the community, we saw the concern from local businesses and community members who rely on the increased traffic and energy these nights bring to North St. Paul.
In early March, we learned the City of North St. Paul was exploring options for the Fridays that were no longer being hosted. We reached out to the City to see what a partnership could look like. After extensive conversations with city staff, submitting site plans, insurance documentation, operational plans, and demonstrating our experience hosting large public events and car shows dating back to 2009, we were approved to host seven Friday night shows this summer.
Since then, weβve spoken with dozens of local businesses and community members who were grateful someone was willing to step in and help keep Friday nights active throughout the summer. One thing became very clear: this tradition matters to people.
At IWP, one of our core beliefs is that community should be welcoming and inclusive. Car culture has always evolved over time, bringing together people from different generations, backgrounds, and styles. With that in mind, and with permission from the City of North St. Paul, our hosted nights will be open to ALL YEARS of show cars and trucks.
Our 2026 IWP Friday Night Car Show dates are:
π
June 5, June 19, July 17, July 31, August 14, August 28, and September 11
What can you expect from the nights we host?
π Show runs from 6β10 PM
πΆ Live music from 6:30β9:30 PM at 7th Ave & Helen St.
π Farmers & Makers Market at 7th Ave & Helen St.
π Food vendors spread throughout the event area
π Featured βCar Club of the Nightβ
βΉοΈ Sponsor, info, and first-aid area located at 7th Ave & Helen St.
β€οΈ Opportunity to support mental health and wellness programs serving veterans, first responders, and their families
All show vehicles must enter from the west end of 7th Ave E using either 7th Ave itself or North St. Paul Dr.
There will also be volunteer staff throughout the event wearing high-visibility shirts or safety vests. Our volunteers are expected to treat everyone with professionalism and respect, and we ask attendees to do the same in return.
Participant and spectator expectations:
β’ Please respect local businesses, residents, volunteers, and fellow attendees
β’ DO NOT arrive early and occupy valuable business parking spaces for hours before the event
β’ Follow all state and local laws
β’ No open alcohol consumption
β’ No parking on sidewalks, boulevards, or no-parking zones
β’ Dogs are welcome but must remain leashed (6 ft maximum)
Most importantly, these nights are about community, cooperation, connection, and fun. Theyβre about supporting local businesses, bringing people together, celebrating car culture in all forms, and creating a welcoming environment where everyone can enjoy a summer evening together.
We want to thank the City of North St. Paul, local businesses, volunteers, sponsors, and community members for working together to make this happen.
Questions, vendor inquiries, or sponsorship opportunities:
π§ [email protected]
Learn more at: https://iwproject.org/north-st-paul-friday-night-car-show/
