A Cruise Through Cars and Coffee Culture
Writer Joseph J. Airdo
As the sun rises over the North Valley each weekend, a unique automotive culture comes to life. From Anthem to Cave Creek, and throughout North Scottsdale, passionate enthusiasts gather to share their love of exceptional automobiles at the region’s premier cars and coffee events.
Each gathering has its own distinctive character: Anthem Cars & Coffee’s welcoming community spirit; Corvettes and Coffee’s specialized focus; The Toy Barn’s luxury amenities; Alpio’s at Troon’s charitable mission; Martin Auto Museum’s educational approach; Penske Automall’s long-standing tradition; and Scottsdale Motorsports Gathering’s exclusive sophistication.
Together, these seven gatherings create a rich tapestry of automotive enthusiasm that reflects the diverse character of the North Valley’s car culture. Whether you’re a dedicated collector or casual enthusiast, these carefully curated morning events offer something for everyone who appreciates the artistry, innovation and community spirit of car culture.
Scottsdale Motorsports Gathering
In an era where car shows often prioritize spectacle over substance, the Scottsdale Motorsports Gathering has chosen a different path. As Arizona’s original cars and coffee event, this first Saturday monthly gathering at Market Street at DC Ranch has evolved from its humble 2001 beginnings into something quite distinctive — an exclusive community of genuine automotive enthusiasts.
“Scuderia Southwest, which began in 2001 as just a few guys meeting for coffee, holds the distinction of being Arizona’s original cars and coffee gathering,” explains David Crofford, president of the organization. “The event grew tremendously over the years, eventually attracting up to 800 display cars and 3,500–5,000 spectators monthly. However, in 2019, we made the strategic decision to step back from the ‘show’ business model and transform into a private membership club.”
This transformation reflects a deliberate shift in focus. While the monthly gatherings remain open to spectators, only members’ vehicles are displayed, creating an atmosphere that emphasizes quality over quantity. The beautiful Market Street at DC Ranch setting provides an elegant backdrop for these carefully curated displays.
“While we still host our monthly cars and coffee event — The Scottsdale Motorsports Gathering at Market Street at DC Ranch — we’ve shifted our focus,” Crofford notes. “The beautiful venue perfectly showcases our members’ vehicles, but we’re intentionally not a ‘car show.’ Instead, we’re a community of rare, high-performance sports and collector car owners. Our members come together for meaningful activities including technical discussions, organized drives, social gatherings, garage and museum tours, and special guest speaker events.”
This approach has created something unique in the Valley’s car culture — a gathering that combines the accessibility of a public event with the sophistication of a private club.
“This approach allows us to maintain the passion and camaraderie of our original gatherings while creating a more intimate environment for true automotive enthusiasts,” Crofford reflects.
Scottsdale Motorsports Gathering
First Saturday of every month // 7–10 a.m. // Market Street at DC Ranch // 20789 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale // Free for spectators // scuderiasouthwest.com/carsandcoffee
Corvettes and Coffee
In the shadow of Black Mountain, a monthly gathering celebrates America’s most iconic sports car. Corvettes and Coffee, hosted at Carefree Outdoor Living in the Carefree Bashas’ Marketplace, has evolved from a casual meetup of a few enthusiasts into a first Sunday celebration that regularly draws more than 100 Corvettes and 150 passionate owners.
“What started as just a few Corvette enthusiasts meeting for Sunday morning coffee has grown into a monthly gathering that now attracts more than 100 beautiful Corvettes,” reflects David McMenamin, who co-hosts the event with venue owners Jimmy and Valerie Sheehan. “While the cars are spectacular, it’s really the people and conversations that make this event special.”
As the North Valley’s only dedicated Corvettes and Coffee event, this gathering stands apart in its focused appreciation of Chevrolet’s flagship sports car. The display typically spans the entire Corvette lineage, from classic C1 models (1953) through the latest C8 iterations (2024), creating a living timeline of American automotive innovation.
“As the only dedicated Corvettes and Coffee event in the North Valley, we’ve created something special here,” McMenamin explains. “We’re a close-knit group of Corvette enthusiasts who share a genuine passion for these iconic American sports cars. What makes it particularly special is seeing how each owner treasures their Corvette and loves sharing its story with fellow enthusiasts.”
The setting itself adds to the event’s appeal.
“We couldn’t ask for a better location,” McMenamin notes. “The backdrop of Black Mountain provides stunning views for our gatherings, and with several great restaurants just steps away, attendees can easily extend their morning into brunch or lunch.”
This combination of specialized focus and welcoming atmosphere reflects the broader car culture of the region.
“The North Valley car community is truly special,” McMenamin adds. “Not only do we have incredible collections — with some enthusiasts owning more than 25 vehicles — but we also have amazing people who share a genuine passion for automotive culture. What makes our community remarkable is how it brings together great cars, knowledgeable collectors, and engaging conversations, all focused on preserving and celebrating car culture for future generations.”
Corvettes and Coffee
First Sunday of each month, September–May // 8–10 a.m. // Carefree Outdoor Living // 36889 N. Tom Darlington Drive, Carefree // Free // Corvettes only
Alpio’s at Troon Cars & Coffee
Where classic Americana meets modern car culture, Alpio’s at Troon Cars & Coffee has created something truly distinctive in the North Valley’s automotive landscape. Hosted in a venue that feels like stepping into a 1950s time capsule, complete with life-size Rat Pack mannequins, vintage gas pumps and military aircraft models suspended from the ceiling, this monthly gathering draws an impressive crowd of 750–800 car enthusiasts.
But it’s not just the unique setting that sets this event apart — it’s the spirit of giving that permeates every gathering.
“What makes us unique is our commitment to giving back,” explains Alpio Barbara, the venue’s founder. “Through our tip jar donations and matching funds program, we’ve raised over $550,000 for St. Vincent de Paul’s dental facility over the past seven years. Before that, we also proudly supported Phoenix Children’s Hospital.”
The event itself, held every second Saturday from 6 to 9 a.m., offers a welcoming atmosphere enhanced by complimentary coffee and doughnut holes — serving between 400 and 600 cups and up to 30 dozen pastries each gathering. Breakfast burritos are available for a small donation, with proceeds supporting their charitable initiatives.
Barbara, a successful entrepreneur who was named Tire Dealer of the Year by Modern Tire Dealer magazine in 2016, brings the same passion for excellence to these gatherings that made his Redwood General Tire in California so successful.
“Our mission is to help those in need who are less fortunate than we are,” he reflects. “We’re blessed with so much, and it’s important to remember that not everyone has the same opportunities. That’s why giving back is at the heart of everything we do here.”
This commitment to community service extends beyond the monthly gatherings.
“What truly sets us apart is our commitment to community service throughout the year,” Barbara notes. “We organize three major charitable drives. In June, our water drive collected more than 2,500 bottles for those in need during the hot Arizona summer. Our November turkey drive brought in 52 turkeys plus $13,000 in donations to help families during Thanksgiving. December’s toy drive resulted in nearly $120,000 in contributions to St. Vincent de Paul, bringing joy to countless children.”
Barbara’s pride in his community is evident as he concludes, “I’m incredibly proud of our car enthusiasts. They don’t just show up for the cars — they show up to support our community all year long. Their generosity makes a real difference in people’s lives.”
Alpio’s at Troon Cars & Coffee
Second Saturday of every month // 6–9 a.m. // Alpio’s at Troon // 10452 E. Jomax Road, Scottsdale // Free // alpiosattroon.com’
Penske Automall Cars & Coffee
Longevity speaks volumes in the ever-evolving world of cars and coffee events, and Penske Automall’s third Saturday gathering has earned its place as one of Arizona’s most enduring automotive traditions. For over a decade, this event has drawn enthusiasts to the prestigious Scottsdale 101 Autocollection, where the backdrop of high-end dealerships creates an appropriately upscale setting for one of the Valley’s most diverse car shows.
“We typically see over 200 people attend our event regularly, with 75–125 cars on display,” explains Patrick J. Hozza, museum director at the Penske Racing Museum. “The mix is wonderfully eclectic — you’ll find everything from rare Ferraris to classic 1950s trucks. This diversity is what makes our gatherings so special.”
The event’s staying power is a testament to its quality and consistency.
“What truly sets us apart is our longevity — we’re one of Arizona’s longest-running cars and coffee events, having operated continuously for over a decade,” Hozza notes with pride.
Location plays a crucial role in the gathering’s success.
“Our location at the Penske Racing Museum offers something unique,” Hozza explains. “We’re situated in the heart of the Scottsdale 101 Autocollection, a premier Penske Automotive campus that houses some of the world’s finest automotive brands — Ferrari, Lamborghini, Bentley, Porsche, Audi and BMW, among others. This setting creates the perfect backdrop for our monthly gatherings.”
The combination of museum setting, premier automotive brands and welcoming atmosphere has created an event that bridges the gap between casual enthusiasts and serious collectors. Whether you arrive in a vintage pickup or the latest supercar, the focus remains on sharing automotive passion and building community connections.
Penske Automall Cars & Coffee
Third Saturday of every month // 8–10 a.m. (7–9 a.m. during summer) // Penske Racing Museum // 7191 E. Chauncey Lane, Phoenix // Free // penskeautomall.com/cars-coffee
Toy Barn Cars & Coffee
Luxury meets community at The Toy Barn’s fourth Saturday monthly cars and coffee gathering in Cave Creek, where the lines between high-end vehicle storage and social hub blur beautifully. This isn’t just another parking lot meetup — it’s a carefully curated morning experience that draws 150–300 attendees to a state-of-the-art facility designed specifically for automotive enthusiasts.
“Our cars and coffee gatherings stand apart through our unique approach, where we seamlessly blend luxury amenities with genuine community connection,” explains Paul Phillips, owner of The Toy Barn. “Since day one, our focus has been on creating exceptional experiences that not only celebrate amazing vehicles but also provide a space where automotive dreams come to life.”
The event’s upscale atmosphere is evident in every detail, from the pristine clubhouse setting to the carefully considered amenities. Attendees enjoy complimentary gourmet offerings including chef Gabe’s breakfast burritos, Picket Fence homemade pastries and craft coffee from Brew Avenue’s barista bar. This attention to detail creates an environment that matches the caliber of vehicles on display, which range from high-performance machines and muscle cars to rare exotics, including impressive collections of Porsches, Ferraris and Corvettes.
“At our events, we maintain the same meticulous attention to detail and premium quality our community has come to expect,” Phillips notes. “Each gathering offers the perfect combination of exclusive vehicles, luxury amenities and genuine connections among enthusiasts.”
The Cave Creek location particularly exemplifies The Toy Barn’s vision for combining luxury storage with community engagement. During each gathering, visitors can tour the clubhouse and explore the garage open house, getting a firsthand look at what makes The Toy Barn different from traditional storage facilities.
“Our cars and coffee events perfectly align with our original vision,” Phillips reflects. “As the Valley’s car culture grows, we’re seeing incredible enthusiasm for our unique approach to bringing the automotive community together in an upscale setting.”
Toy Barn Cars & Coffee
Fourth Saturday of every month // 7–10 a.m. // The Toy Barn // 4504 E. Lone Mountain Road, Cave Creek // Free // toybarnstorage.com/cars-coffee
Anthem Cars & Coffee
In just five years, what began as a modest gathering of local car enthusiasts has evolved into one of the North Valley’s most anticipated monthly automotive events. The last Saturday of every month, Anthem Cars & Coffee, now commanding the spacious grounds of Outlets North Phoenix, draws between 200 and 300 vehicles each month, creating a vibrant tapestry of automotive history and innovation against the desert landscape.
“Saturday morning road trips to a not-too-distant destination allow their clean and polished automobile to stretch its legs and strut a bit,” explains Brian Sheehan, the event’s founder and a former semi-professional race car driver. “The enthusiast can then enjoy coffee, breakfast and a chance to mingle with people from all walks of life. A sense of community and a family atmosphere contribute to the show’s success.”
This welcoming spirit is evident in the diverse array of vehicles on display. On any given morning, visitors might find themselves admiring a meticulously restored classic car, a modified modern performance vehicle or an exotic supercar. However, what truly sets Anthem Cars & Coffee apart isn’t just the impressive machinery — it’s the stories and connections that emerge among attendees.
“People come together to share stories, enjoy the variety and create inspiration for the next generation of petrolheads,” Sheehan notes. “The guys and gals with the garage-built projects and the tuner cars feel just as welcome as the folks who own the rare and the exotic. Anthem Cars & Coffee is not defined by income or social status; it has become an equalizer.”
This democratic approach to car culture was precisely what Sheehan envisioned when establishing the event in 2019.
“Anthem is an incredible community that deserves a signature monthly event where people can come together and connect,” he reflects. “When people think of Anthem, I want them to recognize us not just for our world-class Veterans Memorial, but also for hosting one of the Valley’s premier car shows. It’s about building community pride while celebrating our shared passion for automobiles.”
The event’s location at Outlets North Phoenix has proved ideal, offering ample space for the growing gathering while creating what Sheehan describes as “a destination experience.” The morning timing takes advantage of Arizona’s cooler hours, allowing enthusiasts to make a day of it, perhaps combining their visit with shopping or dining at the center’s numerous venues.
Anthem Cars & Coffee
Last Saturday of every month // 8–11 a.m. (7–10 a.m. during summer) // Outlets North Phoenix // 4250 W. Anthem Way, Anthem // Free // anthemcarsandcoffee.com
Martin Auto Museum Car Show
At the intersection of automotive history and community gathering, the Martin Auto Museum Car Show offers a unique twist on the traditional cars and coffee format. Here, monthly gatherings unfold against the backdrop of one of Arizona’s most comprehensive automotive collections, creating an experience that bridges past and present.
“Our car shows stand out for their inclusive, family-friendly atmosphere and their ability to bring together a community of car lovers to share their passion and stories,” explains Kevin Fallon, the museum’s property manager. “With the backdrop of our unique museum collection, each gathering becomes a celebration of automotive history and innovation.”
This synthesis of show and museum is no accident. The venue itself is the brainchild of Mel Martin, a passionate mechanic-turned-collector whose journey began at age 17 with an auto repair garage in Mayer, Arizona. Today, the museum houses more than 170 vehicles, ranging from pristine classics to custom builds, alongside one of the largest collections of automotive memorabilia and antique gas pumps in the region.
The car shows, typically drawing hundreds of attendees, reflect this same spirit of diversity. Modern supercars share space with meticulously restored classics, while the museum’s collection provides a fitting historical context. For 2025’s first quarter, shows are scheduled for Jan. 18, March 29, and April 26, each running from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. with live music, vendors, and custom awards adding to the festive atmosphere.
“Our vision is to create a space where car enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds can connect, learn and celebrate their shared love of automobiles,” Fallon shares. “The North Valley is a hub for car enthusiasts, with its vibrant mix of collectors, restorers and everyday enthusiasts who embody the rich and diverse car culture of Arizona.”
This educational component sets the Martin Auto Museum shows apart. While the events are free to attend, many participants choose to tour the museum (regular admission applies), where expert guides share detailed knowledge about every piece in the collection. It’s this combination of show, education and community that fulfills the museum’s mission as a 501(c)(3) organization committed to sharing automotive history with future generations.
Martin Auto Museum Car Show
Jan. 18, March 29, and April 26 // 7 a.m.–1 p.m. // Martin Auto Museum and Event Center // 4320 W. Thunderbird Road, Phoenix // Free (Museum admission: $15 adults, $12 seniors, $5 children) // martinautomuseum.org
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