Thunder On The Mountain

Registration is now open for the main 2025 show!

Registration for the 2025 Thunder on the Mountain Car & Motorcycle Show is open now.

This year, Tehachapi's favorite car show will feature 300 autos, vendors, entertainment and activities in downtown Tehachapi. On September 20th, come hear the thunder and drink in the beauty. If you're a car enthusiast and want to register your car, you can register now by clicking the red Register Now button. If you have participated in the past, please check your inbox for an email about registration. Registration is $35 per vehicle or motorcycle.

Each class will have one winner and one award. Additional awards will include, but will not be limited to, Best in Show, Mayor’s Choice, 1st Priority's Choice, Police Chief Choice, Youngblood, Best Interior, Best Engine Compartment, Best Staged, Best Paint, Most Original (stock restore), Farthest Traveled, and Popular Vote.

Participants can register here on the website or send an email to chamber@tehachapi.com to receive a printable form. Please mail complete printed registration forms to Greater Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce PO BOX 401 Tehachapi CA 93581

A note about the Youngblood Award: This special award is given to a winning youth between the ages of 16 & 21, who is passionate about restoring vehicles and has worked diligently to restore a vehicle of their own. If you are between the ages of 16 and 21 and would like to participate, please inquire with the Chamber (chamber@tehachapi.com)

Want to join another Thunder event? The Spring Car Cruise is loads of dun with dozens of autos cruising across the Greater Tehachapi Area and enjoying the Spring weather at a local business. Stay tuned for updates on these events.

Don't Miss Out!

Registration is now open.

The Spirit

Event History

Thunder on the Mountain is organized by local car enthusiasts, volunteers, sponsors and the Greater Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce. The Tehachapi community celebrates nearly 300 amazing cars and the pride of Tehachapi.

Event History

Thunder on the Mountain was created by the Tehachapi Car Club in 1997. Over the years, the event changed hands and In 2023 the Greater Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce officially adopted this incredible event and is looking forward to a great event in 2025. The event has grown to include car cruises at other times of the year. Check back at this website for upcoming events and updates.

What is Thunder on the Mountain?

Promptly at noon, all the vehicles start their engines. The deep vibrating roar of the engines echoes off the buildings and mountains creating thunder! The sound of the engines delights the crowd with a fun and unique experience.

The Pride

What is Thunder on the Mountain?

The majority of the cars and motorcycles on display are either restored by the owners or preserved by a loving family member. Each of these vehicles has a unique story to tell and the owners take pride in sharing them.

The 2024 Awards

Thank you JR Long, Tehachapi Signs and Steel Bastards for designing, cutting, creating and acid washing each award. Every award was made in Tehachapi!

1st place winners in each of the categories will receive a plaque. There are several other surprise categories where vehicles can win additional awards, including Best in Show, Mayor's Choice, 1st Priority's Choice, Best Interior, Best Engine Compartment, Best Staged, Best Paint, Most Original (stock restore), Farthest Traveled, Youngblood (for registrants between the ages of 16 & 21), and Popular Vote. Join us for the fun. The awards ceremony will start at 1:00pm

2025 Thunder on the Mountain Car and Motorcycle Show September 20th

Register Now for Thunder on the Mountain 2025