Fiesta de Amistad Car Show Grows to 108 Vehicles in Third Year

The third annual Fiesta de Amistad Car Show brought 108 vehicles and an estimated 2,300 people to the Del Rio Civic Center on Saturday, Oct. 17, according to organizer Cesar Garza. The event featured vehicle competitions, live entertainment, food vendors and activities for families, with 40 awards presented during the day. The turnout marked another year of growth for a show that drew just seven vehicles in 2024.

Garza, owner of Texas Tint in Del Rio, took over organizing the car show and has worked to expand the event as part of the city's annual Fiesta de Amistad celebration. Participation grew from seven cars in 2024 to 70 in 2025 before reaching 108 this year, an increase of about 54% over last year. The show has also been held at different locations, with the 2024 event advertised at Greenwood Park and the 2025 gathering in downtown Del Rio before this year's show at the Civic Center.

The event brought together a wide range of vehicles, including classic cars, custom trucks, lowriders and motorcycles. More than 30 competition categories were advertised, along with bass competitions designed to measure sound pressure levels and sound quality in vehicle audio systems. Vehicle owners had an opportunity to display their work and compete for recognition, while spectators enjoyed the variety of cars and trucks gathered for the celebration.

Live entertainment and food vendors added to the day's activities. Sonic Radio, Holy Ghost Ridaz and Ballet Folklorico Macuilxochitl were among those who participated, while the announced entertainment lineup also included The Mooncaps and Erick Esquivel y Los Rebeldes. Food and merchandise vendors offered additional attractions, including BirriaTex, which returned for its second year. The combination of vehicles, music and food gave families and visitors activities beyond the car competitions.

Texas Tint and Fo Life Car Club helped bring the event together, with support from businesses and organizations throughout the Del Rio community. Supporters included Leo's Wrecker Service, O'Reilly Auto Parts, Red-Line Full Restoration, Julio's and the Del Rio Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau, among others. Following the event, Garza thanked the vehicle owners, entertainers, vendors, sponsors and staff who contributed to the show.

The event also received county support aimed at attracting more visitors to Del Rio. On Oct. 7, Val Verde County commissioners approved $2,200 in hotel occupancy tax funding to help advertise the car show outside the area, following a request for $7,550. Visitors from other communities, including Zapata, were among those recognized during the celebration. Although Garza estimated that about 2,300 people attended, tourism figures were not yet available to show how many traveled from outside Del Rio or stayed overnight. The event's impact on local tourism spending has not been determined.

The car show is part of Fiesta de Amistad, a long-running celebration of friendship between Del Rio and neighboring Ciudad Acuña, Mexico. What was once a small gathering has developed into a larger event bringing together vehicle owners, local businesses, entertainers and families. Organizers have already mentioned preparations for another show in 2027, although no date has been announced.