About Early Iron

The Early Iron Festival is one of Alamosa’s and Colorado’s premier car shows. Alamosa became a true hot rod town when the City Council named Saturday before Labor Day as Early Iron Day! The festival brings visitors from Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Arizona, Utah and Kansas. The show, which started more than 40 years ago, now draws well over 600 rodders and car enthusiasts.

The Early Iron Festival is a 3-day event starting on Friday and ending on Sunday. It’s full of parties, music, slow cruising, and of course, awesome hot rod displays!

The party starts Friday Night in Cole Park with food, drink, music, and friends. We love giving our car sponsors and rodders a chance to get to know each other. The festivities start at 4:30 pm.

Show and shine starts Saturday morning at 7:00am. The show includes nitro displays, pin stripers, 15 best of show awards, and the Rodders and Ladies Choice awards.

Don’t miss the Ladies Tea. For years, the Ladies Tea has brought a bit of sophistication to the Early Iron Festival with amazing fashion, pastries, and tea for the ladies to enjoy. The Scavenger Hunt is a fan favorite! This exciting race (at your own pace, of course) wanders through downtown giving you a chance to shop and enjoy Alamosa.

The Saturday Night Banquet is not to be missed. This is your chance to visit with old and new friends, win cash and other prizes including an engine and transmission. We will be giving away up to $4,000 at the show and during the banquet. Be sure to register early as tickets sell out fast! Only those pre-registered will qualify for the $1,000 drawing.

Remember dragging Main? Well, we do it in style! Cruise your classic vehicle around the historic downtown streets of Alamosa. Just want to watch? No problem. Join us for live music, great food, cold beer, and other downtown festivities!

Explore the beautiful San Luis Valley during Sunday’s Poker Run. Details are not ready for publication just yet but this is a perfect way to end the festival AND you could win the Poker Hand!