After battling hot weather – and the annual Modesto American Graffiti Car Cruise – for their first Friday night car show in June, members of the Escalon Lions Club are hoping the July edition is better.

Hosted at Hula’s Restaurant, along Jackson Avenue, a series of three Friday night shows were planned by the club, the second Friday of the month in June, July and August.

Club member John Salvin admitted the June 12 show attendance was sparse, as they were competing with the Graffiti events and parade in neighboring Modesto that evening, but he said they are looking forward to seeing more classic car enthusiasts at Hula’s this week.

“Bring your car or just come to look at the cars,” Salvin said of the Friday night pre-Car Show events. “It’s open to all.”

The trio of summer gatherings leads up to the Escalon Lions Club annual Autumn Cruise, which will be put on this year on Saturday, Sept. 12 in the city’s Main Street Park and along a portion of Main Street.

Salvin also noted that the Friday night shows will feature music, some prize drawings and special meal deals at Hula’s.

Those that come to display a vehicle at the Friday night show – and enter their vehicle into the annual Autumn Cruise – will receive additional tickets for a drawing to be held at the September event.

The 2026 Autumn Cruise will be the 30th annual classic car show hosted by the Escalon Lions. Proceeds support scholarships for graduating Escalon High School seniors and other Lions Club service projects and community service initiatives.

There is no fee to participate in the Friday night shows and all are welcome; July 10 and Aug. 14 are the remaining dates.