Proceeds from this year‘s show will benefit the
Great Falls Public School Foundation’s School Pantry Program.
Of the 10,000 students in Great Falls Public Schools, nearly 5 percent are homeless, and more than 40 percent qualify for free and reduced lunch. These are very high numbers and show the incredible need for the food pantry program in our district.
Cruisin’ The Drag is very proud to have donated $15,000 to the pantry program in 2025 and it is our goal to increase the donation to $20,000 this year.
No child should ever go without.
FRIDAY, MAY 1, 2026
Early Registration / Packet Pickup
Pre-registered packet pickup and early registration will begin at 1:00 pm
The Do Bar – Banquet Room
1800 3rd Street NW, Great Falls
Our Special Guest
Javier “Shorty” Ponce is a prominent figure in the automotive industry, renowned for his expertise in restoring classic cars. His journey into the world of cars began at the age of 12, when he discovered his passion for automotive craftsmanship. Over the course of 16 years working in various facets of the automotive field, Shorty honed his skills and knowledge before embarking on his entrepreneurial journey.
In 1997, leveraging his years of experience and passion, Shorty established his own automotive shop, originally known as Elite Autoworks and now famously branded as Shorty’s Custom Paint. Initially rooted in Oak Cliff (Dallas, TX), his shop has since relocated to Midlothian, TX, a short distance from Dallas, which Shorty affectionately calls “Paradise” – a testament to his dedication and love for his craft.
Shorty gained widespread recognition after his appearance on MotorTrend’s television series, Iron Resurrection, where he quickly became a fan favorite due to his exceptional talent and dedication. After three seasons, Shorty transitioned to become the host of MotorTrend’s television series, Shorty’s Dream Shop, where he shared his expertise from his own shop to audiences worldwide.
One of Shorty’s trademark talents lies in his innovative color combinations, which he expertly formulates in his custom paint booth, often humorously referred to as his “kitchen.” His unique ability to blend colors has set him apart in the industry, earning him a reputation for creating stunning and distinctive finishes.
Beyond his technical skills, Shorty is highly respected within the automotive community for his integrity, craftsmanship, and unwavering commitment to quality. His passion for restoring classic cars not only drives his work but also inspires a new generation of automotive enthusiasts. Whether on screen or in his shop, Shorty continues to leave a lasting mark on the automotive world, embodying the spirit of innovation, creativity, and excellence.
Friday Night Poker Run
FRIDAY, MAY 1, 2026
To start the weekend off right, our annual poker run around Great Falls will take place on Friday night, May 1st, 2026. This will be a shotgun start. Begin the run at any of the 5 poker stop locations and turn in your player card(s) at The Do Bar.
The event starts at 6:00 pm and ends at 9:00 pm. All hand(s) must be turned in by 9:30 pm, or they will not be counted. The turn in location is The Do Bar, or as we call it, Party Central. Payouts for the Highest, 2nd Highest, and Lowest hands will be made as quickly as possible. While waiting, enjoy beverages, food, and the company of some really great people. Go to the POKER RUN page for all the details.
Cruisin’ The Drag
We are very proud to say that Cruisin’ The Drag is Montana’s largest car show. We fill over twelve blocks of downtown Great Falls’ Central Avenue, the city’s original “drag” for many decades. Last year, we enjoyed all 800 cars that filled the downtown.
Cruisin’ The Drag attracts cars, trucks, and motorcycles from the western United States and Canada from as far away as Colorado, Washington, and Edmonton, Alberta.
The show has grown over the last few years, and because of a finite number of available parking spaces, we are limiting the number of cars at the show. Registrations will be capped at 850, so please register early and reserve your spot.
- Pre-registered vehicles will begin entering the venue through the registration area on 4th Street and 1st Ave South at 6:00 am.
- Day-of, non-registered vehicles will begin entering the venue through the registration area on 4th Street and 1st Ave. South at 7:00 am.
Important Entry Information:
• Line-up begins at the corner of 9th Street and 1st Avenue South
• Entry onto 1st Avenue South from any other street is not permitted
Two lanes will be in place on 1st Avenue South:
• Right lane (curb side): Day of registration
• Left lane: Pre-registered vehicles
Upon reaching 4th Street, please have your registration receipt ready. You will be directed into one of the four registration lanes based on whether you have pre-registered or still need to do so.
Once through registration, our team will guide you to your parking location.
- Event Schedule
- Car Show Opens: 10:00 AM
- Awards Ceremony: 3:30
- Location: Stage at Central Avenue & 4th Street, Under the balcony at Elevation 3330 Public House
- Cruise Night Party at The Newberry begins at 7:00 pm. Doors open at 6:00 pm
The registration lanes will open at 7:00 am and close at 11:00 am for judging to begin.
The show runs from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, with the awards starting at 3:30 pm.
REGISTER today!
RULES:
- No Burnouts – we all love them, but this isn’t the time or place for them. There are too many people and too many cars. This is a directive from the city, police will be on patrol, and it is a ticketable violation.
- Respect Our Volunteers – This is a zero-tolerance issue. You will be removed from the venue. These gracious people are kind enough to help our community with this exciting event. Please extend them the respect they deserve.
- Parking – We will direct you to your parking spot when you arrive at the venue. Please follow the instructions from our parking staff while parking. We need to make room for everyone, and this will help ensure we have enough space for everyone.
- No parking on sidewalks or corner outcroppings – This is a directive from the city.
- No Fighting – This is a zero-tolerance issue. You will be asked to leave.
- Respect the Cars – if it’s not yours, DO NOT touch it. Watch your kids around the cars. If you see an issue, please let one of our staff know.
- Keep our community beautiful – please pick up after yourself.
Cruise Night Party at the Newberry
The fun doesn’t end after the awards are handed out. Join us at The Newberry – 420 Central Ave – for the CRUISE NIGHT PARTY
Afterparty. There will be live music, a full no-host bar, heavy hors d’oeuvres, a 50/50 drawing, a silent auction, and, of course, our special guest, “Shorty,” will be there to sign autographs and offer photo ops.
There are only 600 tickets available for this event. The first 250 Deluxe Car Show Packages, purchased online, will get two tickets in their packet. Additional or separate tickets can be purchased from our store or
directly from the Newberry.
Don’t miss out on the fun. Register or get your Tickets now!
Visiting Great Falls
For those visiting Great Falls for the first time, we encourage you to take some time to explore the area.
Located at the confluence of the Missouri and Sun Rivers and surrounded by four mountain ranges, Great Falls offers a variety of attractions, including museums, riverfront trails, public art, and Giant Springs—one of the largest natural freshwater springs in the world.
- Find a place to sleep (link to: VisitGreatFallsMontana.org/listing-category/lodging-hotel)
From downtown hotels within walking distance of the action to spots with River views just minutes away, Great Falls has options at every price point.
- Find more to do after standing next to a beautiful car (link to: VisitGreatFallsMontana.org/things-to-do)
Whatever your pace, there’s something waiting for you when you come in early before the show, or stay late after the show.
- Find a local place to eat, drink, or shop (link to: https://visitgreatfallsmontana.org/eat-drink-shop/)
Great Falls is a modern ag town. That means fresh pasta, local beef, craft beer, and a food scene that earns its reputation. Ask a local where to eat, you’ll be glad you did.
If you would like personalized recommendations, you can contact Carol, Guest Services Manager at Great Falls, Montana Tourism:
Phone: 406-761-4436
Email: Carol@VisitGreatFalls.org
We appreciate you being part of Cruisin’ The Drag and look forward to seeing you in Great Falls for a great weekend.
