Eddie Cochran Rod & Custom Festival
June 11 – 14, 2026
Albert Lea, Minnesota
Honoring Rock 'n' Roll Legend Eddie Cochran. Benefiting the History Center of Freeborn County
Presented by Sick Racing Customs (SRC)
Chrome, Music & Community
Step into a weekend built on nostalgia, horsepower, and hometown pride. Hosted by Sick Racing Customs in partnership with the History Center of Freeborn County, the Eddie Cochran Festival blends rock 'n' roll energy with classic-car culture for a one-of-a-kind celebration.
Experience the thrill of the Pro Street Showdown, a downtown car show featuring elite awards like the Magnificent 7, and nightly live bands that bring the city streets to life. Add in food trucks, benefit dinners, and a scenic Poker Run Cruise to close the weekend. Three unforgettable days of chrome, community, and classic rock vibes.
Event Schedule
Downtown Car Show & Car Parade
Come join us in downtown Albert Lea for a car show that's been rolling for years and getting better each time. From classic rides to wild custom builds, there's something for every car lover. Walk the rows, talk shop, check out the trophies made by SRC, and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere where everybody's got a story. Whether you're entering your ride or just checking the scene, you'll feel right at home.
Join the citywide celebration as classic and custom cars cruise through downtown Albert Lea.
Motorcycle Show & Bike Fest
Right alongside the car show, motorcycles take over downtown Albert Lea for a full day of bikes, builders, and riders. From custom builds and vintage bikes to baggers, sport bikes, and choppers, you'll see a wide range of styles all parked right in the middle of the action.
Whether you're riding in or just walking through, it's the same laid-back atmosphere. Talk shop, check out the details, and see what others brought to the show. Awards will be given across multiple bike categories, followed by the car and bike parade to close out the day.
Live Entertainment
Rockabilly favorites and local standouts keep the vibe going all weekend—from the Fountain Lake Gazebo to Broadway and the Moose Lodge. Expect a high-energy mix of classic hits, danceable sets, and authentic 1950s style that pairs perfectly with the rumble of vintage engines.
Pro Street Showdown
The kickoff spectacle for serious builds and bold styling. See high-performance Pro Street cars up close, cast your vote, and join the first cruise of the weekend. It's the perfect blend of engineering, attitude, and show-quality polish.
Poker Run & Fundraiser
Cruise for a cause and support the History Center of Freeborn County. Start with breakfast at the Moose Lodge, enjoy a scenic ride, and finish with cash and prize giveaways. It's an easygoing, community-first way to cap the weekend.
Lodging & Accommodations
Traveling in for the Eddie Cochran Rod & Custom Festival? Our official host hotel, the Country Inn & Suites adjacent to Green Mill, offers discounted rates for festival guests. Plenty of space is available for truck and trailer parking behind the hotel, with overflow parking conveniently located at Schipp's TankerKleen.
Rooms are limited, so book early to reserve your spot in the center of the action.
Call Country Inn & Suites at (507) 373-5513 and mention the Eddie Cochran Festival for a discount!
Camping for RV's, Motorhomes & Class A Coaches
For those traveling with RVs, motorhomes, or Class A coaches, camping is available at the Freeborn County Fairgrounds during the festival weekend. This option works well for guests bringing larger rigs or trailers and offers a convenient place to stay close to the event.
Awards & Trophies
We take pride in recognizing great builds and the hard work behind them. This year's Eddie Cochran Car Show will award 75 trophies total, honoring everything from classic restorations and custom builds to Pro Street powerhouses and motorcycles.
Public voting determines select awards, while the remaining trophies are judged by a panel of qualified judges.
Note: To be eligible for the Magnificent 7 awards, vehicles must participate in the Friday Pro Street Showdown or Downtown Cruise-In.
Premier Award
- Best of Show – Diamond Award (Top Dog Trophy) — Our largest and most prestigious trophy
People's Choice Awards
- Top 30 People's Choice Awards (Selected by public vote)
Magnificent 7 Awards
Friday Night Cruise-In Vehicles Only — Sponsored by Sick Racing Customs
- Best GM
- Best Chevy
- Best Ford
- Best Mopar
- Best Modified
- Best Street Machine
- Best Muscle Car
Special Recognition Awards
- Best Drive-In Movie Car
- Mayor's Choice
- SRC Choice Award
- Best Airbrushed Rock 'n' Roll Theme
- Best Engine Design
- Best Interior Design
- Outstanding Rat Rod
Corvette Awards
- Best Corvette (1953–1977)
- Best Corvette (1978–Present)
Truck & Specialty Vehicle Awards
- Best Truck Overall
- Best Van
- Best Tires & Wheels
- Most Outstanding Gasser
- Outstanding Tuner Car
Motorcycle Awards
- Best Motorcycle Paint
- Best Custom Bike
- Best Vintage Bike
- Best Bagger
- Best Sport Bike
- Best Chopper
- Most Unique Motorcycle Build
Pro Street Awards
- Most Outstanding Tubbed Design
- Most Unique Pro Street Stance
- Most Radical Pro Street
- Most Outstanding Body Modifications
- Best Slammed Pro Street
- Best Pro Street Engine
Special Interest Class
- 1st Place
- 2nd Place
- 3rd Place
Think your ride has what it takes?
Register your vehicle and compete for one of 75 trophies.
Registration
Register Online, or Pick Up On-Site — sign up online now, or grab your registration packet when you arrive at the show.
Important for Saturday Participants: If you're attending the Saturday, June 13th car show or bike fest — you must go to Bomgaars parking lot between 8:00–11:00 AM to get your packet and event decal.
Eddie Cochran Car Show
$25.00 – FULL WEEKEND
NEW Saturday Car Show Only $20.00
- Thursday night cruise-in
- Friday night cruise-in
- Saturday car show entry
- Special event window decal
- 1 voucher for free breakfast on Sunday
- Extra breakfast tickets sold at Moose $10.00 each
Bike Fest – Eddie Cochran Car Show
$25.00 – FULL WEEKEND
NEW Saturday Car/Bike Show Only $20.00
- Thursday night cruise-in
- Friday night cruise-in
- Saturday car show entry
- Special Event Decal
- 1 voucher for free breakfast on Sunday
- Extra breakfast tickets sold at Moose $10.00 each
Pro Street Showdown
$55.00
- Thursday night cruise-in
- Friday night cruise-in
- Friday night private VIP dinner for 2 on Broadway Venue
- Mixology cocktails & cigar night
- 2 free drink tickets
- Private event cash bar
- Car show entry on Saturday
- Special window event decal
- 1 voucher for free breakfast on Sunday
- Extra breakfast tickets sold at Moose $10.00 each
Sunday Poker Run
$25.00
- 8 stops to choose from
- Only need 5 cards to participate but can stop at more places to acquire wild cards
- Start & Finishing location: Moose Lodge, Albert Lea, MN
- Cash prizes! 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place!
- 50's costume contest — award for best dressed 50's & 60's outfits, couples, and individual
Poker Run Stops
- Start – Moose Lodge, Albert Lea, MN
- Bleachers Bar & Grill, Albert Lea, MN
- Thirsty Fox Pub & Grill, Albert Lea, MN
- Three Oaks Winery, Albert Lea, MN
- Pub 69, Twin Lakes, MN
- Pour House, Clarks Grove, MN
- Bend in the Road, Manchester, MN
- Hartland University Bar, Hartland, MN
Sponsorship Opportunities
Showcase your brand to thousands of attendees. Sponsorships include social media promotion, Power 96 radio mentions, and logo placement on event materials and shirts—plus premium visibility for top tiers. Your support directly amplifies the festival's community impact.
Diamond Sponsors
- Social Media Advertising
- Acknowledgement on Power 96 (100 times)
- Extra Large Logo on Event Shirt
- Extra Large Logo on Event Flyer
- Extra Large Logo on stage banner
- 2 free event shirts
Platinum Sponsors
$2,500
- Social Media Advertising
- Acknowledgement on Power 96 (50 times)
- Large Logo on Event Shirt
- Large Logo on Event Flyer
- Large Logo on stage banner
- 2 free event shirts
Gold Sponsors
$1,500
- Social Media Advertising
- Acknowledgement on Power 96 (35 times)
- Medium Logo on Event Shirt
- Medium Logo on Event Flyer
- 2 free event shirts
Silver Sponsors
$1,000
- Social Media Advertising
- Acknowledgement on Power 96 (25 times)
- Small Logo on Event Flyer
Bronze Sponsors
$500
- Social Media Advertising
- Name on Event Flyer
Trophy Sponsors
Product Partner
Current Sponsors
Join our growing list of current sponsors for the upcoming Eddie Cochran Festival & Car Show!
Diamond
Albert Lea Convention & Visitors Bureau · Arcadian Bank · Black Iron Manufacturing · Cento Wood-Fire Pizzeria & Café · Crossroads Trailer · Dave Syverson Auto Center · Hanson Tire Service · Landscaping Solutions · Main Street Auto Group · North Bridge Auto Plaza · Raleighs Ace Hardware · Schipp's Pro Power Wash Inc. · SMB – Southern Minnesota Branding · SRC Sick Racing Customs · T & W Towing · Wuerflein Chevrolet
Platinum
Robert Hoffman Realty
Gold
American Legion Post 56 · Design Ready Controls · Moose Lodge 1703
Silver
ISC Financial Advisors · Peterson, Kolker, Haedt & Benda, Ltd. · Thompson Sanitation · Vogt Distributing
Bronze
112 On Broadway · Albert B / Cuppage Foundation · Albert Lea Electric · Albert Lea Public Warehouse · American Family Ins – Wuerflein · Attig Construction LLC. · B & B Cafe · Bergdales Harley Davidson · Big Dream Organics · Bookkeeping Cents · Hander Performance · Jim & Dudes · Leach Law · PPL · Mom's Bread Company · Nasty Habit Bar & Grill · Southern Sota Landscaping
Trophy Sponsors
Holly Miller Design · Intellicents · Kelly Plumbing, Heating & Cooling · Lakes Corvette Club · Leutholds · Liberty X-Treme Wash & Detailing · R & S Racing · United Employees Credit Union
Product Partner
Viking Bags
Contact Us
Get Involved
- Vendors: Food and beverage applications available – contact SRC
- Volunteers: Help with registration, parking, or logistics – contact SRC
- Spectators: Free admission – bring the whole family!
Festival Info
- Locations: Downtown Albert Lea · Hammer Field Complex · Fountain Lake Gazebo · Moose Lodge
- Host: John Schipper – Owner of Sick Racing Customs LLC (SRC)
- Follow: @EddieCochranRodCustomFestival
- Contact: info@eddiecochranfestival.com
- 507-402-4304
Community Impact
The festival gives back — 50% of net proceeds support the History Center's preservation and education work, keeping local history alive for future generations.
Event Hosts
John Schipper – Owner of Sick Racing Customs LLC (SRC)