What to know about Guadalupe, Arizona
Guadalupe is a town unique for its blend of Native American and Latino culture. Here’s what to know about the Valley community.
The Republic
- The free Guadalupe Car Show returns to Guadalupe, Arizona on Sunday, April 27.
- The event celebrates Mexican and Mexican American culture, featuring lowriders, food, music, and dance.
- While admission is free, parking fees benefit the Guadalupe Veterans Post 124.
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During the last weekend of April, the population of Guadalupe — the small town bordering Tempe that houses the largest Pascua Yaqui community in metro Phoenix — will double.
Thousands of visitors from different parts of the state and the country are expected to show up, admire the vibrant lowriders and enjoy the celebration of Mexican and Mexican American culture at the annual Guadalupe Car Show.
This year, the free Guadalupe Car Show returns on Sunday, April 27 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Recognizing that many families cannot afford to go to car shows, Miguel Alvarado, the event’s organizer and member of Intimidations Car Club of Guadalupe, said the Guadalupe Car Show has been free to the public since it began in 2000.
Today, a family outing to a car show can cost between $100 and $120, not including food, parking and other items they might purchase, according to Alvarado. The last major show held in the Valley was the Arizona Super Show, and while children got in for free, the general admission was $47 for adults.
When the town of Guadalupe offered the car club the opportunity to host the show, Alvarado said they decided to go for it “at no cost for the families that can’t afford going to the big shows.”
An event rooted in community and culture
In previous years, Alvarado has seen about 1,500 people show up by 8 a.m., even though the Guadalupe Car Show officially starts at noon.
From start to finish, Alvarado said the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Department in charge of security had told him they usually get about 8,000 to 10,000 people in attendance.
Those numbers alone double the town’s population. According to the Census data, Guadalupe’s population, a majority of whom are Indigenous and Latino, was 5,293 people as of 2023.
With around 400 cars on display this year, Alvarado said they expect the same number of people to attend.
Despite its massive size, Alvarado said what makes the Guadalupe Car Show so special is its emphasis on community, culture and the “family vibe.”
Lowrider owners often bring their entire families and have small cookouts next to their cars during the event, Alvarado said. The best moments for Alvarado are when he sees “families with their kids holding their hand, having a good time.”
What to expect this year
This year, South Avenida del Yaqui will be closed from Calle Guadalupe to Calle Carmen for the car show.
Attendees and participants can expect a lowrider competition with different judging categories, so owners of the cars on display can expect to take home a title. Lowrider, Chicano, and Mexican cultures will also be celebrated throughout the event with local food and business booths, wrestling, folkloric and Aztec dance, two musical stages and more.
Various non-profits and community groups will be offering their services and fundraising, like the local senior center and the Tempe Guadalupe Little League, Alvarado said.
While there will be no entry fee, there will be a parking fee — between $5 and $10, according to Alvarado — at the Guadalupe Market, near the intersection of Avenida del Yaqui and Calle Guadalupe. Funds raised will benefit Guadalupe Veterans Post 124.
Attendees can also find street parking in nearby neighborhoods.
Guadalupe Car Show 2025
Details: Saturday, April 27, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Avenida del Yaqui between Guadalupe and Carmen streets. Free admission. Parking at the Guadalupe Market will cost $5 – $10.
Have story tips on Latino culture and cuisine in the Valley? Reach La Voz reporter David Ulloa at [email protected].
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