Austin, TX – Get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant world of lowrider culture at J. Colunga’s 16th Annual Lowrider Car Show! This highly anticipated event, a cornerstone of Austin’s cultural calendar, is set to take place on November 30, 2024, from 11 am to 6 pm at the iconic Palmer Event Center.

This car show will highlight a wide array of makes and models, allowing attendees to see vintage, classic, and modern-day cars and motorcycles. However, the top attractions will be the lowriders.

For the first time, this beloved car show will be hosted indoors, promising an even grander experience. Attendees can look forward to a full day of celebration, live entertainment, and a rich cultural experience that highlights the heart and soul of Austin’s lowrider community.

For the past 85 years the lowrider has been an iconic symbol of Mexican American culture identity, heritage, individuality, civil rights, and art. Lowriders symbolized a counterculture to the hot rods and muscle cars of the ’60s, which chased power and speed, whereas the low and slow mantra of the lowrider emphasized style and community.

Lowrider car culture began in Los Angeles in the post-war era when Mexican Americans started customizing cars as a way to express individuality and post-war prosperity. One of the most common modifications was to shorten the vehicle’s spring coils, which provided suspension and absorbed road friction. This gave the cars their lowered look, lending the art form its name.

In 1958, California amended its vehicle code, making it illegal to lower any vehicle below the bottom of the car’s wheel rims. This led mechanic Ron Aguirre to create a hydraulic system that would raise and lower the cars at a moment’s notice, giving lowriders their other signature trait.

In the 1960s and 1970s, lowriders became intertwined with the Chicano civil rights movement, symbolizing resistance and cultural identity. This connection elevated lowriders beyond mere vehicles; they became powerful symbols of pride and unity. As the culture expanded, it transcended ethnic boundaries, resonating with Black car enthusiasts and becoming a hallmark of West Coast urban hip-hop culture.

The lowrider trend exploded in the 1970s during the socio-political Chicano Movement, with clubs, magazines, and even War’s 1975 hit “Low Rider” highlighting the cars. In the ’90s, lowrider culture spread even wider thanks to music videos from West Coast rappers that showcased the vehicles. California ultimately repealed its lower car law, which critics claimed was racist, in 2023.

Tickets for this fusion of Mexican American culture and steel can be purchased at Eventbrite.com.

What to Expect at J Colunga’s 16th Annual Lowrider Car Show:

• Car Displays: Marvel at an impressive collection of vehicles, including lowriders, classic cars, trucks, bikes, and motorcycles. There’s something for every car enthusiast!
• People’s Choice Award: In the spirit of community and unity, the Austin FC + O’Reilly Auto Parts People’s Choice Award will feature a $500 O’Reilly Auto Parts gift card.
• Live Entertainment: Enjoy a dynamic lineup of DJs and live music performances throughout the day, guaranteed to keep the energy high and the crowd grooving.
• WEPA Contest: Show off your WEPA moves and style for a chance to win a prize. Registration is on-site and free to participate.
• Zoot Suit & Pin-Up Contest: Dress to impress in vintage style and compete for a prize. Registration is on-site and free to participate.
• Vendor Market: Support local vendors and explore a variety of unique products, services, and goods.

Join us for a day of cars, culture, and community at J Colunga’s 16th Annual Lowrider Car Show!

Don’t miss out on this milestone event that brings together the best of Austin’s lowrider culture. For more details and updates, visit Instagram @m.a.s. cultura.