NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Step back in time during Father’s Day weekend at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens as Exposition of Elegance: Classic Cars & Motorcycles at Cheekwood returns June 20–21 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Set against the backdrop of Cheekwood’s historic gardens and estate, the two-day celebration showcases more than 65 impeccably preserved classic automobiles and motorcycles spanning the early to mid-20th century.
Guests can stroll among rare and iconic vehicles, enjoy era-inspired musical performances, hear stories directly from collectors and enthusiasts, and experience hands-on family activities throughout the weekend. The event concludes on Sunday with the crowd-favorite Tour d’Elegance, as participating vehicles parade through the streets of Belle Meade beginning at 4 p.m.
Featured automobiles highlight decades of craftsmanship and innovation, including a 1922 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost, a 1938 Packard Twelve Coupe Roadster, and a 1955 Austin-Healey 100M.
Returning for its fourth year, the Classic Motorcycle Exhibition inside Massey Auditorium in Botanic Hall celebrates the artistry and evolution of two-wheeled engineering with a curated collection of pre- and post-war motorcycles from renowned manufacturers around the world.
“The beautiful historic grounds of Cheekwood provide the perfect setting to showcase this extraordinary collection of classic cars and motorcycles,” said Barry Stowe, Cheekwood Trustee Emeritus and Founding Chair of Exposition of Elegance. “Exposition of Elegance offers visitors an opportunity to celebrate automotive craftsmanship, history, and design while enjoying a memorable Father’s Day weekend with family and friends.”
Throughout the weekend, guests can also enjoy local food trucks and specialty drinks, Perenn at Cheekwood, and access to America the Beautiful: National Parks and Landmarks by Rail, Cheekwood’s immersive summer train exhibition.
Classic Car Chronicles
10 a.m. and 2 p.m. | Saturday and Sunday
Join collectors and owners for guided talks exploring the stories, history, and craftsmanship behind some of the exhibition’s most remarkable automobiles.
Two Wheel Tales
11 a.m. and 3 p.m. | Saturday
11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. | Sunday
Motorcycle enthusiasts share the history, craftsmanship and character behind their classic bikes during these engaging talks and audience question-and-answer sessions.
Musical Performance Schedule
The Nashville Jazz Orchestra will perform on the Arboretum Lawn Stage from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Featuring saxophones, trumpets, trombones, and a robust rhythm section, the group brings the sounds of the big band era to life.
The Classic Cruisers will be in the spotlight on the Arboretum Lawn Stage from noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. They will rev up the day with crowd-favorite hits from the 1950s through the 1970s, including classic car-themed tunes.
The Front Row Barbershop Quartet will provide roaming performances throughout the Estate. Catch them Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m. in Lot B, 11:30 a.m. at Massey Auditorium, 12 p.m. at the Frist Learning Center Courtyard and 12:30 p.m. in Lot B.
Family Car Activity
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Arboretum Lawn | Saturday and Sunday
Draw inspiration from the classic cars on display at Cheekwood and design your own paper version with the help of popsicle sticks.
Commemorative Artwork
For the third year in a row, commemorative artwork that captures the spirit of the event and era will be available for purchase. Artist Mattie Ree Neal’s custom design will be featured on limited edition prints and posters. Neal is a native Nashvillian and attended Lipscomb Academy. Her work has been displayed at the U.S. Capitol, the Players Club of New York, and published in The Tennessean and International Artist Magazine.
The Lambert Cup
The 2026 Lambert Cup will be awarded to Mike Wolfe, host of “American Pickers” on the History Channel, and owner of Columbia Motor Alley in Columbia, Tennessee. The award honors individuals who demonstrate exceptional passion for automotive history, preservation, and collecting, and commemorates the legacy of noted automotive historian and preservationist Mark Lambert.
Ticket information
Tickets go on sale for members on May 19 and to the general public on May 26. Reserve tickets at cheekwood.org.
Exposition of Elegance: Classic Cars & Motorcycles at Cheekwood is presented by Pinnacle Financial Partners and supported by America's Motor Sports. Your Williamson is the media sponsor.
About Cheekwood Estate & Gardens
With its intact and picturesque vistas, Cheekwood is distinguished as one of the leading Country Place Era estates in the nation. Formerly the family home of Mabel and Leslie Cheek, the 1930s estate, with its 30,000-square-foot Mansion and 55-acres of gardens, today serves the public as a botanical garden, arboretum, and art museum with furnished period rooms and galleries devoted to American art from the 18th to mid-20th centuries. The property includes 13 distinct gardens including the Blevins Japanese Garden and the Bracken Foundation Children’s Garden, as well as a 1.5-mile woodland trail featuring outdoor monumental sculpture. Each year, Cheekwood hosts seasonal festivals including Cheekwood in Bloom, Summertime at Cheekwood, Cheekwood Harvest and Holiday LIGHTS. Cheekwood is a 501c3 nonprofit charitable organization. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and nationally as a Level II Arboretum. It is a four-time voted USA Today Top 10 Botanical Garden, named the Most Beautiful Garden in Tennessee in 2025 by HGTV, in 2024 and 2025 received a Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award, and in 2021 was named by Fodors as one of the 12 Most Beautiful Gardens in the American South.
Cheekwood is located eight miles southwest of downtown Nashville at 1200 Forrest Park Drive. It is open Tuesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., with extended days and hours of operation depending on the season. Visit cheekwood.org for current hours and to purchase advance tickets required for admission.
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