As a car enthusiast living in Nashville, I’ve discovered that nothing beats the thrill of Cars and Coffee Nashville. This monthly gathering brings together hundreds of automotive aficionados showcasing their prized rides while sharing stories over steaming cups of coffee.
I’ve watched this event grow from a small group of passionate car lovers to one of the largest automotive meetups in the Southeast. From classic muscle cars to modern supercars and everything in between Cars and Coffee Nashville transforms parking lots into an impromptu car show that draws visitors from across Tennessee and neighboring states. The combination of Nashville’s friendly atmosphere amazing vehicles and fresh coffee creates an unforgettable weekend experience that’s become a staple in our local car culture.
Key Takeaways
- Cars and Coffee Nashville is Middle Tennessee’s largest automotive gathering, held monthly on first Saturdays from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Cool Springs
- The event has grown from small gatherings in 2009 to now featuring 475+ vehicles, including exotic cars, classics, modified vehicles, and motorcycles
- Free admission and family-friendly environment with strict guidelines prohibiting burnouts and requiring respectful behavior
- Visitors can expect local coffee vendors, food trucks, dedicated photography zones, and specialized display areas for different vehicle categories
- Located at 1440 Carothers Parkway in Franklin, TN, the venue offers 8 acres of display space with easy access from I-65 and ample parking
- The event fosters a strong community atmosphere through interactive sessions, vendor displays, and networking opportunities for automotive enthusiasts
Cars and Coffee Nashville
Cars and Coffee Nashville stands as Middle Tennessee’s premier automotive gathering, occurring on the first Saturday of each month from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Cool Springs. The event creates a space for automotive enthusiasts to showcase their vehicles while connecting over fresh coffee in a casual atmosphere.
The event features:
- Display areas for exotic cars, classic vehicles, custom builds, motorcycles
- Vendor spots offering local coffee, food trucks, automotive merchandise
- Designated photography zones for capturing vehicle content
- Meet-and-greet spaces for networking with fellow enthusiasts
- Open parking sections for general attendance
Here’s a breakdown of typical event attendance:
| Vehicle Category | Average Monthly Count |
|---|---|
| Exotic Cars | 75+ |
| Classic Cars | 150+ |
| Modified Vehicles | 200+ |
| Motorcycles | 50+ |
| General Attendance | 1000+ |
The gathering operates with simple guidelines:
- Free admission for all attendees
- No burnouts or excessive revving
- Respectful photography practices
- Clean parking lot policy
- Family-friendly environment
Throughout the year, Cars and Coffee Nashville partners with local charities, automotive businesses, detailing companies to enhance the community experience. The event location at Cool Springs provides easy access from I-65 with ample parking for both display vehicles and general attendance.
History of Nashville’s Cars and Coffee Events
Nashville’s Cars and Coffee tradition started in 2009 as an informal gathering of automotive enthusiasts meeting at local coffee shops. The event’s evolution reflects the growing passion for car culture in Middle Tennessee.
From Small Gatherings to Major Attractions
The initial Cars and Coffee Nashville meetups attracted 15-20 vehicles at Starbucks locations throughout the city. By 2012, attendance grew to 50+ cars meeting at Five Daughters Bakery in Franklin. The event expanded significantly between 2015-2018, reaching 200+ vehicles at the Gateway Classic Cars venue. Today’s gatherings feature 400+ display vehicles with specialized sections for exotics, classics, customs, motorcycles.
- Starbucks Cool Springs (2009-2011): First official gathering spot with parking for 25 vehicles
- Five Daughters Bakery (2012-2014): Expanded space accommodating 75 cars with dedicated coffee service
- Gateway Classic Cars (2015-2017): Indoor-outdoor venue hosting 200+ vehicles year-round
- Thoroughbred Motors (2018-2019): Featured climate-controlled showroom displays
- Cool Springs Current Location (2020-Present): 8-acre facility with designated zones for different vehicle categories
| Year | Average Monthly Attendance | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 20 vehicles | Basic coffee meetup |
| 2015 | 200 vehicles | Indoor showroom access |
| 2020 | 400+ vehicles | Multiple vendor zones |
| 2023 | 475+ vehicles | Dedicated photography areas |
When and Where to Find Cars and Coffee Nashville
Cars and Coffee Nashville meets on the first Saturday of each month at the Cool Springs location. I’ve gathered essential information about the schedules and venues to help enthusiasts plan their visits.
Current Meeting Schedule
The monthly gatherings follow a consistent schedule:
- Operating hours: 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM
- Setup begins: 7:30 AM for display vehicles
- Peak attendance: 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM
- Vehicle departure: Starts at 11:00 AM
- Special events: Posted on Instagram @carsandcoffeetn 48 hours before each meet
- Weather updates: Announced on social media by 6:00 AM on event day
- Main display lot: 8 acres of paved surface
- Address: 1440 Carothers Parkway, Franklin, TN 37067
- Parking sections:
- Exotic car zone: Near main entrance
- Classic car area: Central location
- Modified vehicle space: Eastern section
- Motorcycle corner: Western edge
- Amenities:
- 6 food truck spots
- 4 coffee vendor stations
- 3 restroom facilities
- 2 photography zones
- Access points:
- Main entrance: Carothers Parkway
- Overflow parking: Adjacent office complex
- GPS coordinates: 35.9246° N, 86.8130° W
What to Expect at Nashville Cars and Coffee
The Nashville Cars and Coffee experience delivers a vibrant automotive showcase combined with a welcoming community atmosphere. Each event transforms the Cool Springs venue into an automotive enthusiast’s paradise with distinct display zones specialty vendors.
Types of Vehicles on Display
The display areas feature 475+ vehicles across multiple categories:
- Exotic supercars including Ferrari 488s Lamborghini Huracáns McLaren 720s
- Classic American muscle cars from 1960s-1970s like Mustangs Camaros Chargers
- Modified imports featuring custom Honda Civics Toyota Supras Nissan Skylines
- European luxury vehicles including Porsche 911s BMW M cars Mercedes-AMG models
- Vintage motorcycles modern sportbikes custom choppers arranged in dedicated zones
- Special interest vehicles like military vehicles movie cars rare limited editions
Community and Social Aspects
The event fosters connection through organized activities spaces:
- Coffee stations serving local roasts paired with breakfast food trucks
- Photography zones with professional lighting backdrops for vehicle shoots
- Meet-and-greet areas where owners share restoration modification stories
- Vendor displays featuring automotive merchandise detail supplies parts
- Interactive tech sessions focusing on maintenance customization techniques
- Community outreach booths highlighting local car clubs charity initiatives
I organize each display section with information boards detailing vehicle specifications histories. The layout promotes easy flow between areas letting attendees explore photograph interact at their own pace.
Tips for Attending Your First Cars and Coffee Nashville
Attending Cars and Coffee Nashville requires minimal preparation with attention to key details. These guidelines ensure a smooth experience at Middle Tennessee’s largest automotive gathering.
What to Bring
I recommend bringing these essential items to Cars and Coffee Nashville:
- A fully charged phone for photos documentation
- Cash in small denominations for vendors food trucks
- A reusable water bottle
- Sunscreen SPF 30+ during summer months
- Business cards for networking
- A folding chair for extended viewing
- Hand sanitizer wipes
- A small umbrella or rain jacket
- Vehicle documentation if displaying a car
Photography and Etiquette Guidelines
Cars and Coffee Nashville maintains specific photography etiquette standards:
- Keep a 3-foot distance from vehicles
- Ask permission before photographing interior details
- Avoid leaning on touching or sitting on vehicles
- Stay within designated photography zones
- No professional photo equipment without prior approval
- Share photos using #CarsAndCoffeeNashville
- Keep walkways clear for foot traffic
- Respect “”No Photography”” signs on private vehicles
- Move swiftly during peak hours (9:00-10:30 AM)
- Direct questions to vehicle owners or event staff
| Zone Location | Best Time | Type of Shots |
|---|---|---|
| Main Display | 8:00-9:00 AM | Full vehicle |
| Exotic Row | 9:00-10:00 AM | Detail shots |
| Classic Corner | 8:30-9:30 AM | Side profiles |
| Import Section | 9:30-10:30 AM | Group photos |
Cars and Coffee Nashville
I’ve found Cars and Coffee Nashville to be more than just a car show – it’s a celebration of automotive culture that brings together enthusiasts from all walks of life. The event’s growth from a small coffee shop meetup to Middle Tennessee’s premier car gathering speaks volumes about its impact on the local automotive community.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector displaying your prized possession or a first-time visitor soaking in the atmosphere I’m confident you’ll find something to love at this monthly event. I’ve seen firsthand how Cars and Coffee Nashville continues to evolve while staying true to its roots of passion community and of course great coffee.