Cars on 5th to Relocate Outside Naples After City Denies 2027 Permit

NAPLES, Fla. — Cars on 5th, one of Southwest Florida's most recognized automotive events, announced it will relocate outside the City of Naples in 2027 after the Naples City Council denied the event's annual permit, ending a 21-year run on Fifth Avenue South.

In a public statement released Wednesday, organizers said the decision follows months of discussions with city officials regarding the future format and logistics of the event.

Cars on 5th has become a signature attraction in Naples, drawing automotive enthusiasts from across the country and around the world. According to event organizers, last year's event welcomed attendees from 47 states and 12 countries. Organizers also reported that the event has generated nearly $10 million for charitable organizations over the past eight years.

The organization said city staff proposed a revised event plan that would have significantly altered the show's format. According to the statement, the proposal would have reduced the event footprint by approximately 70%, eliminated vendor and dealer participation, provided no suitable solution for the VIP experience, increased operating costs, and limited attendance within the designated event area to 3,500 guests.

Organizers also stated that while attendance inside the official event boundaries would be restricted, city staff estimated approximately 24,000 additional visitors would still have unrestricted access to other portions of Fifth Avenue during the event.

In the statement, organizers disputed the characterization of Cars on 5th as simply a car show, describing it instead as a major automotive experience with national recognition and charitable impact.

"We will have a show in 2027. However, at this juncture, it will not be held within the City of Naples," the statement said.

The announcement marks a significant change for one of Naples' longest-running annual events. Organizers have not yet announced the new location for the 2027 show but indicated additional details will be shared in the future.

Collaborator Credits: Cars on 5th Naples