Car d’Lane

North Idaho’s largest car cruise returns with new additions for 2023 By Taylor Shillam

As the summer season makes its return to North Idaho, car enthusiasts near and far are once again called to “jump back in time at Car d’Lane!” The largest classic car cruise in North Idaho takes to the streets of downtown Coeur d’Alene on Friday night, June 16, followed by the highly anticipated Show & Shine car show held all day Saturday, June 17.

“Car d’Lane usually brings around 35,000 to 40,000 attendees over the weekend, with over 800 cars cruising on Friday night and 500 to 600 cars showing what’s under their hood on Saturday at the show,” the Coeur d’Alene Downtown Association shared.

Popular for providing the chance to take a close look at one-of-a-kind vehicles, Saturday’s classic car show presents an interactive, family friendly event for car enthusiasts of all kinds. Additional attractions and unique contests will take place throughout the day, highlighting unique vehicles and new industry talent. A new addition to Car d’Lane for 2023 will be motorcycles featured as part of Saturday’s car show event.

The new Coeur d’Moto Alley will feature a showcase of vintage, rare motorcycles, highlighting a selection of classics from the local motorcycle communities to enjoy for enthusiasts, riders and builders alike. All participating motorcycles will be from 1975 or older, or creatively modified, with all styles of bikes considered for entry.

All are invited to visit (or apply to participate in) Coeur d’Moto Alley, this exciting new addition to Car d’Lane, held at North Fifth Street and Sherman Avenue on the Saturday of the show. Entry submissions will be reviewed and approved until capacity has been reached.

So far, the local community has had a positive response to the idea of motorcycles being added to the event, says Chloe Linton of the Coeur d’Alene Downtown Association. “We’ve heard a lot of positive things. We’d really like to get at least 50 motorcycles—registration is live on our website, for both cars and motorcycles, as well as Young Builders, a category aimed at those 25 and younger and allowing vehicles of any make/model!”

Additional Car d’Lane weekend highlights include the Young Builders Alley, Poker Walk, People’s Choice Voting, and more.

Friday night’s highly anticipated car cruise will kick off the weekend. Spectators can gather to watch the classic cruisers take to Sherman Avenue from 6 to 9pm.

“Show off your pride and joy to the excited crowds as they line the streets of downtown Coeur d'Alene,” the Coeur d’Alene Downtown Association invites. “Spectators will feel the rumbling engines, see roaring flames, and hear the beeping of old-style horns as the cars parade through the downtown corridor.”

Participating cruisers will travel west on Lakeside from Eighth Street, north up Fourth Street, west on Wallace, south on Second, and then east up Sherman Avenue.

Saturday, June 17, will see classic cars and trucks from 1980 and earlier lining the streets of downtown Coeur d’Alene in the Show & Shine from 8am to 4pm.

“Shined and ready for the show, you can take a look up close at these one-of-a-kind vehicles, hear the history from the owners, and take a look at the engine,” the Downtown Association describes. A wide variety of cars and trucks will be on display, with over 400 vehicles predicted to attend.

Throughout their visit to the car show, guests can stop by the Young Builders Alley, Special Interest Lane, and the new addition for 2023, the Coeur d’Moto Alley.

Young talents aged up to 25 can enter their car or automotive-related project into the Young Builders Alley on Saturday to share in their passion and compete for the Young Builder Award.

The 2023 Special Interest Lane will feature a limited number of unique, specialized vehicles that are from 1981 or later, including race cars and high-performance cars. Applications are carefully reviewed for Special Interest Lane, as space is limited for this exclusive category. (This category is participation only and will not be judged.)

Car d’Lane awards will be presented on Saturday, June 17 at 3:30pm, at Fifth and Sherman. Many awards are available to win, including Hottest Flames, Best Muscle Car, Slickest Paint, and People’s Choice, along with the best of each decade beginning in the 1930s.

Fun for the entire family and car enthusiasts of all kinds is promised throughout the weekend in downtown Coeur d’Alene. For seasoned experts, curious beginners, and everyone in between, Car d’Lane is free to all spectators and designed for all ages to enjoy. Car d’Lane 2023 T-shirts will be available for purchase to commemorate a fun summer weekend in Coeur d’Alene.

Pre-registration for Car d’Lane 2023 remains open until the application deadline, June 9. Complete details regarding Car d’Lane scheduling, cruise routes and road closures can be found online atCdADowntown.com. Community members who are looking to help behind the scenes can also complete an online application to be a vendor, a volunteer, or an event sponsor.