Vintage Torque Fest 2018 – The Best Fest In The Midwest

For many, Vintage Torque Fest is one of the greatest traditional car shows in the Midwest. Ask anyone and they will tell you this isn’t your typical show. You’re not judged on paint color or precision door gaps here – this show is about people, their cars, and the soul of hot rodding’s culture.

It can’t just be a coincidence that “Showing the Spirit” is one of Dubuque Iowa’s better-known mottos. Especially since every Spring, thousands of anxious motorheads flock to the Dubuque County Fairgrounds to experience not only a massive celebration of vintage cars and bikes, but at its core, a gathering that’s dedicated to helping others.

To capture the heart of this show, you would need to meet founder, John Wells and his family. Gate proceeds at Vintage Torque Fest go to the Helping Hannah’s Heart Foundation, which help families deal with the medical and financial burdens involved with congenital heart defects.

“Every year we’re reminded why we are here, and on Saturday at 2:30pm there won’t be a dry eye on that auction floor because everyone see’s exactly who they’re helping,” John said.

The show is all about paying it forward – each year the foundation selects a family to donate proceeds to. On top of that, a portion of the art auction proceeds helps the Wells family pay their own bills. After experiencing this disease first hand with their daughter Hannah, John established Vintage Torque Fest as a charity event in 2010.

Being founded on such virtues, it’s no surprise the registration count continues to increase every year. Numbers have more than doubled since the show’s debut. This year, there were over 1,000 registrants.

It’s really almost impossible to experience everything this show has to offer. The two-day event attracts anyone with an interest in art, clothing, music, cars, and cruising.

After your fill of hi-octane dirt track racing, the music lineup featured 20 bands across 3 stages. There was anything from Americana, Punk Rock, Surf, Metal, Rockabilly, Bluegrass, Outlaw Country, you name it, it was there!

On Saturday, Peek-a-boo Pinups drew the crowd with their first ever Contest of Champions. Twelve previous show winners faced off, elimination-style, where it all came down to one winner!

It was all fun in the sun walking the main fairgrounds loop. It was fair game to grill off the tailgate, keep the beverages on ice, and simply kick back and share your favorite hot rod story.

After a late-night flame show, plenty of smoky burnouts, the show settled to another calming yet hopeful end.

Vintage Torque Fest has established itself as a symbol of positivity within car culture today. Above all, it does its job to remind us that you can still have plenty of fun while giving back to your fellow kinsmen.

Giant Vintage Torque Fest Photo Extra!