Each year, thousands of visitors from across Southwestern Ontario come together the last weekend in May for one of Chatham-Kent’s most anticipated festivals. Downtown Chatham’s RetroFest™ is a high-energy celebration of classic cars, live music, and a vibrant, throwback street party. We’re excited to share the full schedule so you can start planning your weekend of classic cars, live music, delicious eats, and unforgettable fun. 

SCHEDULE:

Friday Music in Tecumseh Park

Park opens 3:00pm to 11:00pm

4:00 - 5:00: Chatham Christian School Band

5:30 - 7:00: Poor Man’s Poet

7:30 - 9:00: Dirt Country

9:30 - 11:00: Carson Janik

Saturday Events in Tecumseh Park

Park opens 10:00am to 11:00pm 

10:00 - 2:00: Soapbox Derby

12:00 - 1:30: Ms. RetroFest Pageant

1:30 - 2:00: Car Show Awards

2:00 - 3:00: 2 Non Blondes

3:30 - 5:00: Crooked Swagger

5:30 - 7:00: 40 Hours Over

7:30 - 9:00: Walkin’ 47

9:30 - 11:00: Big Shiny Toons

Both Days in Tecumseh Park will have:

Kidz Zone: sponsored by Lally Auto Group

Polaroid Booth and Record Painting Station: organized by JMSS students

Retro Costume Contest

Roller Rink

Face Painting & Family Activities: Organized by Blenheim Youth Centre

Busker Performances

Saturday's Classic Car Show - Rain or Shine!

Sponsored by Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation

7:00 - 11:00am - Registration: Organized by Kent Historic Auto Club

10:00am:  Junior Judging ~ registration required (click here)

5:00pm: Event is done & Cars leave

*Roads are closed from 5:00am until approximately 6:00pm

Soapbox Derby

Saturday Event Located on William Street North

Organized and sponsored by the Optimist Club of Chatham

10:00am- Registration

11:00am- Qualifying

12:30pm- Race

Open to ages 6-16

MAP:

RetroFest™ 2026 Map/Bathrooms/Road Closures.pdf

SPONSORS:

Retrofest simply wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support of our sponsors. We’re proud to recognize and celebrate the amazing organizations who help bring Retrofest to our community.

Chatham Honda,  Chatham Kent Health Alliance Foundation,  Together CK Grant

Absolute Comfort, Engie, Fortis Group, LSI Supply, Impact Graphics, JMHI Insurance, Lally Auto Group, NFP, OG Pizza, OLG, Optimist Club of Chatham, RM Sotherby's, Son's of Kent, Southpoint Equipment, TD, Tim Hortons