35th Annual Greg Borrelli’s May Madness Car Show in Downtown San Rafael – May 10, 2025

# 35th Annual Greg Borrelli’s May Madness Car Show in Downtown San Rafael – May 10, 2025

The May Madness Car Show turns downtown San Rafael into a chrome-gleaming celebration of automotive history and culture. What started in 1986 as a small gathering of Greg Borrelli and his hot rod-loving friends has grown into Northern California’s longest-running car show and parade.

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Now, it draws hundreds of spectators and over 200 classic and custom vehicles, all carefully maintained and ready to show off.

Event Highlights

May Madness is more than just a car show. It offers a full afternoon of entertainment for everyone, no matter your age.

Admission is free, so families looking for something fun to do in Marin County on the weekend won’t have to worry about ticket prices.

Main Attractions

The show brings together a wild collection of vehicles from all sorts of decades and styles:

  • Classic hot rods from the golden era of customization
  • Pristine restored American classics
  • Custom builds that show off some truly creative design
  • Specialty art cars with one-of-a-kind visual touches
  • Vintage utility vehicles you almost never see on the road anymore
  • Schedule

    The event runs from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM on May 10, 2025. The main car display takes over the early afternoon.

    The parade wraps things up as the grand finale at 5:00 PM. With this schedule, you can check out San Rafael’s restaurants and shops before or after the show.

    Visitor Experience

    May Madness brings a street festival vibe to downtown San Rafael. The whole place buzzes with excitement, and it’s not just about the cars.

    Entertainment

    Live bands play hits from the 1950s and 1960s, setting the mood with a soundtrack that feels both nostalgic and lively. The music pairs perfectly with the classic cars, making it easy to imagine stepping back in time for a day.

    Food and Refreshments

    Food vendors set up throughout the event area, offering plenty of choices. Downtown San Rafael’s restaurants stay open too, so you can skip the usual event food if you want something different.

    Some spots even roll out special menus or deals just for the car show.

    Tips for Attendees

    May Madness draws big crowds, especially as the parade gets closer. Planning ahead really helps if you want to make the most of your visit and avoid the worst of the congestion.

    Parking and Transportation

    Street parking downtown fills up fast on event day. You might want to try these alternatives:

  • Public parking garages within walking distance of the event
  • Public transportation, if you want to skip parking hassles entirely
  • Arrive early—before 11:30 AM is your best bet for a decent spot
  • Bike to the event using Marin’s bike-friendly routes
  • Best Viewing Spots

    For the parade at 5:00 PM, Fourth Street gives you some of the best vantage points. If you’re coming with kids, try to claim your spot early.

    Front-row positions let smaller spectators actually see the action. The corner of Fourth Street and A Street usually stays less crowded, so that might be your best bet.

    May Madness shows off Marin County’s love for automotive heritage. It feels like a genuine community celebration, drawing visitors from all over the Bay Area.

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    Get a discount of 15% to 70% on accommodation in Marin County! Look for deals here:

    Marin County Hotels, Apartments, B&Bs

     
    Joe Hughes
    Joe Hawtin is the founder of MarinCountyVisitor.com, a comprehensive online resource inspired by his passion for Marin County's natural beauty, diverse communities, and rich cultural offerings. Combining his love for exploration with his intimate local knowledge, Joe curates an authentic guide to the area featuring guides on Marin County Cities, Things to Do, and Places to Stay. Follow Joe on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
     

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