REGISTRATION INFORMATION 

TO REGISTER A CAR OR PURCHASE CONCERT TICKETS
AND EVENT ENTRY PLEASE CALL
908-876-9100

Classic car pre-registration is available by calling 908-876-9100. Reserve your room at the Hilton with a credit card by calling 973-455-7920. One Day classic car entries and Friday & Saturday concert tickets, spectator passes, Colorado Cafe Reunion tickets and prom tickets are available at the ticket booth in the Hilton Lobby at the show. Credit cards accepted.

LEAD EAST is for 1982 and earlier vehicles — but it’s an oldies festival/party not just a car show!
NOTE: Newer radically customized cars and/or any car or truck with a chopped top, low-riders with hydraulics or airbags are also welcome! A car with a custom paint job is NOT a serious custom (multiple body modifications required). We have changed the cutoff from ’72 to ‘82 because for years many of you have asked us to do so. Some hard-core LEAD EAST veterans want to keep it ’72 or earlier, but times are changing and there are plenty of cool cars from the 70’s & 80’s.

The word LEAD is a synonym for “customized car.” We fill the lots surrounding the Hilton with restored classic 1982 and earlier cars, customs, low-riders, and street rods. Many are for sale. Last year it attracted cars from more than 30 states — from as far as California, Florida, Texas and even Canada, because it offers activities and non-stop entertainment unlike any other “car show”.

If you love custom cars — a true American art form — year in and year out LEAD EAST gathers more ‘lead-sleds” (customized cars) than any other event on the planet. This event was created in 1983 to promote the custom car movement, and it has done just that. Many cars have been built and finished with LEAD EAST as the deadline, the event being an incentive for enthusiasts to start and complete their dream car. There are always a number of fresh, incredibly high-quality customs on display at the event that we guarantee you have not seen.
A WORD TO THE WISE… CUSTOM CARS SHOULD PRE-REG EARLY: call 908-876-9100.

We’d love to see your 1982 or earlier vintage car at LEAD EAST 2025! Call to pre-register today!

PLAN A:

For owners of custom cars on display that have a hotel room reserved at the Hilton for at least one night (Fri.–Sun.). A 4 or 5-day PLAN A car space (includes 2 adults and all children under 17) is $147.00. Seniors 65+ receive a $10 discount if ordered in advance. Includes one custom car spot, weekend wristbands for 2 adults and driver’s children under 17. Hotel reservation enables you the right to apply for a PLAN A package (not included with room price).
Call today 908-876-9100. Credit cards accepted!

PLAN A is a 4-day or 5-day package, depending on your Hilton reservation (Wednesday or Thursday start). Spectators with Hilton hotel rooms must also purchase weekend wristbands. Reserving a hotel room does not entitle you entry to the festival. Family plans available. Call 908-876-9100. Credit cards accepted.

SPECTATOR PACKAGE:

Purchase your spectator package, wristbands, or family plan, by calling 908-876-9100. Credit cards accepted. Spectator tickets also available at the ticket booths during the event.

PLAN B:

A 3-day package for people entering a custom car but not staying at Hilton. Includes 2 adults and children under 17:
– PLAN B (3-day): $148.00
– PLAN B Senior Citizen (65+): $138.00
Additional adult wristbands: $30 each. Family plans available.
All non-preregistered Plan B cars register starting 3:00 PM Friday. Call 908-876-9100 today!

ONE DAY CUSTOM CAR ENTRY:

Saturday or Sunday entries welcome, pre-registered or on-site:
– Custom car + 2 adults + kids under 17: $50.00
– One adult + kids under 17: $35.00
Call 908-876-9100. Credit cards accepted.

TRAILER & TOW VEHICLE PARKING:

Due to lot rental/security costs, we must charge for trailers and tow vehicles:
– Standard tow + trailer (up to 25ft): $25 (entire weekend)
– Oversized trailer (over 25ft): $50
Call 908-876-9100 in advance for stickers.

PARTY PASSES:

Every PLAN A and PLAN B entry receives a waterproof Party Pass to mark your reserved spot. If reserved before the event, your Party Pass will be placed for you. Non-custom/non-classic cars may not park in A Lot.

Trailers: Only approved trailers allowed in A or B Lot. Send photos for approval to leadeastshow@gmail.com. Note: No refunds. Written cancellations before event may apply to next year’s show. Hotel cancellations are separate.

Although we strive for accuracy in assigning spaces, we reserve the right to adjust car spaces due to property management decisions beyond our control.

updated Aug 14, 2025.