AACA Eastern Fall Meet 2026, Hershey, PA

Known simply as 'Hershey,' the AACA Eastern Division National Fall Meet is one of the world's greatest antique-car events, a sprawling swap meet, car corral, and 1,000-plus-vehicle show across the lots surrounding Hersheypark and the GIANT Center. Leashed, well-behaved dogs are welcome as you wander the acres of chrome and history.

About 85 minutes from Malvern, PA, roughly 74 miles.

Map and drive time from Google Maps.

If you love old cars, there's one word that says it all: Hershey. The AACA Eastern Division National Fall Meet is one of the greatest antique-automobile gatherings on earth, and in 2026 it runs October 6 to 9 across the lots surrounding the Hersheypark & GIANT Center grounds in Hershey, Pennsylvania (100 W Hersheypark Dr). For our Malvern crew, it's practically a home game, an easy in-state pilgrimage with a well-mannered co-pilot along for the ride.

What it is

Run by the Antique Automobile Club of America, 'Hershey' is a sprawling swap meet, a huge car corral, and a show field of more than a thousand vehicles, acres upon acres of chrome, patina, and history. You could spend all four days wandering the vendor spaces and still not see it all. It's the kind of walk-all-day, open-air event where a steady dog fits right in beside you.

Why it's a great outing with a dog

Hershey is outdoors and enormous, which means room to roam and plenty of grass between the rows. A steady, socialized dog gets a full day of new sights and smells, and you get a wandering companion who's happy to log the miles with you. Just be honest about your dog's temperament, the crowds, the loudspeakers, and the tight vendor aisles reward a mellow, unflappable pup.

Co-pilot tips for the big swap meet

• Leash at all times. The grounds require it, and with this many people and moving vehicles, a short leash keeps your dog secure in the aisles.
• Pick up immediately. Waste pickup is required, carry bags and leave every row cleaner than you found it.
• Know your dog. Per the host, barking or whining dogs and any aggressive dogs aren't permitted, this is a day for the steady, crowd-tested co-pilot, not a jumpy one.
• Water and shade breaks. Bring water and a bowl, and duck into shady stretches between the lots to let your dog cool down and reset.
• Watch the footing and pavement. Gravel, asphalt, and long days are hard on paws, test hot surfaces with your hand and take grass whenever you can.
• Pack high-value treats. A pocket of freeze-dried dog treats keeps your dog checking in with you across acres of distractions, single-ingredient, mess-free, and easy to reward settled walking.
• Never leave your dog in a parked car. With huge lots and long hours, it's tempting, don't. Even a mild October day can turn a closed car deadly. Dogs stay with you or stay home.

Good to know

From the listing: Dogs permitted provided they are leashed at all times and waste is picked up immediately. Barking/whining dogs and any aggressive dogs are not permitted. Policies at an event this size can change, so confirm the current pet rules with the AACA before you attend.

Planning the drive to Hershey? Our free Dog Adventure Plotter maps your route, rest stops, and dog-friendly detours, and you'll find more pup-welcome outings on the Dog-Friendly Car & Events Board. Leash on, water packed, treats in the glovebox, go get lost in the greatest swap meet there is.

Event details are gathered from public listings. Sniff & Shift does not guarantee event accuracy, safety, availability, or dog policies. Please confirm details with the event host before attending.

From public listings, confirm with host before attending.