Veteran Benefit Car Show
Proudly Supporting Paws and Stripes
Join Us for Pistons for Patriots 2026
The Largest Car Show in Albuquerque!
2025 Event Overview
A CAR SHOW TO IMPACT
NEW MEXICO'S VETERANS
236 Vehicles Attended
Largest car show in Albuquerque, NM in 2025
1,766 Spectators & Attendees
Automotive enthusiasts, families, veterans, and collectors.
82 Partners
Non-profits, vendors, sponsors, celebrity guests
15 Non-Profits
Combination of veteran-based, motor related, and local community organizations.
14 Sponsors
Combination of national, regional, and local businesses.
52 Vendors
Combination of commercial & arts and crafts vendors
3 Celebrity Guests
Bill Carlton from MotorTrends Texas Metal, Joe Hernandez the original artists of the 'Lowrider Man' Logo, and Rob Vanderslice celebrity lowrider painter.
$15,000 Raised for our Beneficiary Paws and Stripes
A Well-Rounded Celebration of Community and Culture
Pistons for Patriots 2025 was more than a car show — it was a full weekend experience celebrating cars, community, and camaraderie. Hosted on the beautiful grounds of Expo New Mexico, attendees enjoyed lush grass, shaded areas, comfortable seating, air-conditioned spaces, and three beer gardens surrounded by dozens of incredible food and State Fair vendors.
Families explored hundreds of vehicles, listened to an unforgettable live concert by New Mexico’s own Nosotros, and danced to music from an amazing DJ throughout the weekend. The event concluded with a huge drive-through awards ceremony, bringing energy and excitement to every corner of the show.
The feedback from participants and attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with guests praising the event’s organization, layout, and family-friendly atmosphere.
“This is the largest number and variety of vehicles I’ve seen at a New Mexico car show.”
“I love what you guys have done. Being a veteran, I really do appreciate what this show stands for.”
"Beautiful fairgrounds and excellent venue."
"We loved the great mix of vendors and veteran-owned businesses"
WHY PARTNER WITH US?
For Sponsors:
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Mass Exposure: Reach thousands of spectators + digital reach from event promotion.
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Brand Alignment: Support veterans, community, and car culture.
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Diverse Audience: Automotive enthusiasts, families, veterans, and collectors.
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Networking: National, regional, and local business connections.
For Commercial Vendors:
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High Foot Traffic: 1,700+ attendees in year one, expected growth in 2026.
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Variety of Booths: Commercial vendors, arts & crafts, auto-related services.
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Community Engagement: Direct interaction with customers and enthusiasts.
For Charity Vendors:
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High Visibility: Reach thousands of attendees, car owners, and families.
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Networking Opportunities: Connect with sponsors, veteran orgs, and community leaders.
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Community Awareness: Share your mission with an engaged, giving audience.
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No Cost to Participate: Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits receive a complimentary 10’x10’ space.
For Arts & Crafts Vendors:
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High Visibility: Reach thousands of attendees, car owners, and families.
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Networking Opportunities: Connect with sponsors, veteran orgs, and community leaders.
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Community Awareness: Share your mission with an engaged, giving audience.
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No Cost to Participate: Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits receive a complimentary 10’x10’ space.
Community & Media Exposure:
Pistons for Patriots isn’t just a car show — it’s a community movement. Our inaugural 2025 event brought together veteran organizations, local businesses, national brands, and car enthusiasts from across the Southwest.
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Media & Publicity: Coverage across Albuquerque and beyond highlighted the event’s unique blend of car culture and veteran support. With celebrity appearances and record-breaking attendance, Pistons for Patriots gained recognition as one of the must-see shows in New Mexico.
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Community Impact: Together with our partners, sponsors, and vendors, we raised $15,000 for Paws and Stripes, a local nonprofit dedicated to supporting veterans through service dog training and therapy programs.
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Growing Reach: Our first-year success is only the beginning. We are expanding marketing efforts for 2026 through regional advertising, veteran networks, social media campaigns, and national auto enthusiast communities — ensuring even greater exposure for every sponsor and vendor involved.
