Charlotte, North Carolina, December 30, 2025
The upcoming Mustang Week is set to take place in Charlotte, North Carolina, featuring an expanded roster of activities designed to engage automotive enthusiasts. This shift marks a significant evolution for the event, previously held in Myrtle Beach. Organizers have secured premier venues such as Charlotte Motor Speedway and ZMAX Dragway, with dates scheduled from August 24-29. The series of events aims to foster community engagement and highlight the vibrant culture surrounding Ford Mustangs, drawing thousands from across the Southeast and beyond.
Columbia, SC
Mustang Week 2026 Unveils Action-Packed Charlotte Roster
The highly anticipated Mustang Week is embarking on a new chapter, moving to Charlotte, North Carolina, for its 2026 iteration with an expanded schedule designed to thrill enthusiasts. This significant regional event promises to draw in visitors from across the Southeast, including many from our own Richland County community, seeking to engage with one of the nation’s premier automotive gatherings.
The relocation and ambitious planning reflect the spirit of individual initiative and the power of private partnerships in cultivating large-scale community events. Organizers have demonstrated remarkable adaptability in securing new, expansive venues like Charlotte Motor Speedway and ZMAX Dragway, ensuring that this beloved tradition continues to flourish and grow. This move underscores how focused leadership and collaborative efforts can overcome logistical challenges, providing an enhanced experience for a passionate community of Ford Mustang owners and fans.
Mustang Week has been a cornerstone event for over two decades, originally growing from a small cruise-in in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, to one of the largest Mustang-based events in the country. The event historically drew participants from approximately 40 states, bringing thousands of Mustangs and tens of thousands of enthusiasts together. The 2026 move to Charlotte, scheduled for August 24-29, 2026, aims to leverage the Queen City’s robust automotive infrastructure and vibrant Ford performance culture, promising an even more dynamic and engaging experience for attendees.
A New Era for Mustang Enthusiasts
The shift to Charlotte represents a significant evolution for Mustang Week, providing access to world-class facilities capable of hosting a diverse range of activities. This strategic move highlights how private sector innovation and the availability of specialized venues can unlock new opportunities for large-scale events, fostering greater participation and spectacle. The new location positions the event within minutes of marquee facilities such as Charlotte Motor Speedway and ZMAX Dragway. Charlotte itself is recognized as a hub for Ford performance and Mustang culture, home to the Ford Racing Tech Center, Ford NASCAR teams, and key figures like Vaughn Gittin Jr. and RTR Vehicles.
Igniting the Week: Kick-Off and Early Events
The 2026 Mustang Week is set to begin on Monday night with a Kick Off Party at Mac’s Speed Shop, establishing the tone for the action-packed days ahead and offering an initial opportunity for attendees to reconnect. Tuesday’s schedule integrates competition, cruising, and a dive into Mustang history. Enthusiasts can engage in karting and an ice cream social at K1 Speed, providing a fun, competitive outlet. Additionally, the Mustang Owners Museum will feature extended hours, offering special tours and discounts for visitors.
Track Dominance: From Roval to Drag Strip
The heart of Mustang Week’s on-track action is anchored at Charlotte Motor Speedway, particularly on Thursday, which will host the official Mustang Week Track Day. This day offers high-performance driving experience (HPDE) sessions on the Roval, along with parade laps on both the superspeedway and the Roval. Attendees will also have the unique opportunity for pro ride-alongs in Dark Horse Mustangs. Complementing these activities, Mustang Unleashed and the Dark Horse Track Attack will provide continuous structured seat time on the track throughout the week. This emphasis on performance driving caters to the core passion of many Mustang owners, allowing them to experience the capabilities of their vehicles in a controlled environment. Off-track, Thursday morning begins with Coffee & Camshafts, followed by the RTR Vehicles Party with Vaughn Gittin Jr. and various regional dyno meetups that continue the Ford-themed excitement into the night. NASCAR team shop and garage tours, potentially including visits to facilities like RFK Racing, are also under consideration as part of the midweek experience.
Weekend Showcase: Cruise-Ins, Car Shows, and Mayhem
The culmination of Mustang Week unfolds across Friday and Saturday at ZMAX Dragway. Friday’s All-Ford Cruise-In is a comprehensive event, blending drag racing, roll racing, drift exhibitions, and autocross. It will also feature burnout competitions, including Cobra Sam’s burnout competition, the TREMEC Stick Shift Shootout, and Vendor Choice Awards. A dedicated Fox Body-Only Cruise, hosted by Foxy Events, will pay tribute to a particularly popular era of Mustang design. The week concludes on Saturday with the Official Mustang Week Car Show, serving as the centerpiece event. This showcase includes judged awards, a dyno challenge, and a fireworks display. The day also features Mustang Week Mayhem, delivering high-energy drifting shows and continuous motorsports action at one of the country’s most renowned drag racing facilities. These events highlight the diverse interests within the Mustang community, from meticulous display to high-octane performance.
Community Engagement and Economic Impact
Mustang Week’s transition to Charlotte is expected to foster significant community engagement, drawing enthusiasts from across the nation and even Canada. Events of this scale not only celebrate individual achievement in automotive customization and performance but also drive economic activity for the host city and surrounding areas. Local businesses, hospitality services, and various vendors benefit from the influx of thousands of visitors and vehicles. The move to a locale with robust infrastructure like Charlotte ensures that the event can continue to expand its offerings, reinforcing its status as a premier gathering for Mustang aficionados while providing a boost to the regional economy.
The organizers’ commitment to enhancing the attendee experience through expanded venues and diverse activities showcases a forward-thinking approach that prioritizes the enthusiasts themselves. This focus on community choice and local leadership ensures that Mustang Week remains a vibrant celebration of the iconic pony car.
Conclusion: Gear Up for 2026
The relocation of Mustang Week to Charlotte for 2026 marks an exciting new chapter for this enduring automotive tradition. With an action-packed roster of events ranging from track days and drag racing to car shows and social gatherings, the new location promises an unforgettable experience for thousands of enthusiasts. For residents of Columbia and the wider South Carolina area, this regional event offers a prime opportunity to witness individual achievement in automotive excellence and experience the robust community built around the Ford Mustang. We encourage everyone to mark their calendars for August 24-29, 2026, and consider supporting local events that celebrate personal initiative and foster community engagement. Stay engaged with regional developments and embrace the opportunities these gatherings bring to the South Carolina gatherings calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mustang Week Charlotte 2026
-
When and where will Mustang Week 2026 take place?
- Mustang Week 2026 will be held from August 24-29, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina. The main venues will be Charlotte Motor Speedway and ZMAX Dragway.
-
What types of events are planned for Mustang Week Charlotte 2026?
- The event roster includes a Kick Off Party, karting and an ice cream social at K1 Speed, extended hours at the Mustang Owners Museum, an official Mustang Week Track Day with HPDE sessions, parade laps, and pro ride-alongs in Dark Horse Mustangs, Coffee & Camshafts, an RTR Vehicles Party with Vaughn Gittin Jr., regional dyno meetups, Mustang Unleashed, Dark Horse Track Attack, an All-Ford Cruise-In with drag racing, roll racing, drift exhibitions, autocross, and burnout competitions, the TREMEC Stick Shift Shootout, Vendor Choice Awards, a Fox Body-Only Cruise, and the Official Mustang Week Car Show with judged awards, a dyno challenge, fireworks, and Mustang Week Mayhem featuring drifting shows and motorsports action.
-
Why did Mustang Week move from Myrtle Beach to Charlotte?
- Mustang Week moved from Myrtle Beach to Charlotte to allow the event to grow beyond the limits of its previous venue and to provide an enhanced experience, leveraging Charlotte’s status as a hub for Ford performance and Mustang culture. The move was also influenced by the City of Myrtle Beach choosing not to renew a contract for the convention center, which impacted the event’s capacity and revenue.
-
When did Mustang Week originally start?
- Mustang Week began in 2002 as a Mustang and SVT family event with a small cruise-in in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
-
What is the expected attendance for Mustang Week?
- Historically, Mustang Week has seen over 2,500 Mustangs and SVT vehicles and more than 10,000 people in attendance, with more than 6,000 Mustangs flooding city streets and over 30,000 enthusiasts in attendance. The event draws participants from approximately 40 states and even Canada.
Key Features of Mustang Week Charlotte 2026
| Feature | Details | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Dates | August 24-29, 2026 | Regional |
| Location | Charlotte, North Carolina | Regional |
| Main Venues | Charlotte Motor Speedway, ZMAX Dragway | Regional |
| Event Types | Track Day (HPDE, parade laps, pro ride-alongs), Drag Racing, Roll Racing, Autocross, Drift Exhibitions, Burnout Competitions, Car Shows, Cruise-Ins, Kick Off Party, Museum Tours, Dyno Challenges, Social Gatherings | Nationwide |
| Historical Attendance | Over 2,500 Mustangs/SVT vehicles, over 10,000 people in 2018; more than 6,000 Mustangs and 30,000+ enthusiasts in attendance. Draws from approximately 40 states and Canada. | Nationwide |
| Organizer | Power Automedia (acquired in 2023) | Nationwide |
| Past Location | Myrtle Beach, South Carolina (since 2002) | State-level |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Duke Claims First Outright ACC Championship Since 1962
Miami Hurricanes’ Championship Prospects Against Pittsburgh Panthers
Bank of America Partners with David Beckham to Promote Sports
Operation Charlotte’s Web Sparks Controversy in Local Community
Clemson Tigers Lead ACC as 2025 College Football Season Approaches
Charlotte Police Crack Down on Illegal Street Racing
Michael Graff Launches The Charlotte Optimist Nonprofit Media Outlet
North Carolina High School Basketball Player of the Week Nominees
SMU vs. Alabama: Playoff Hopes Hang in the Balance After Heartbreaking Loss
Author: HERE Charlotte
The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
