Saturday, May 10

Docents Favorite Ride

This year will mark the 9th time that Blackhawk Museum Docents will gather and display their vehicles to the public and each other. Bill Dormandy and a team of volunteers always plan an exciting event that starts with a buffet breakfast, features a trivia quiz and includes presentations on the plaza into the afternoon.

Though registration to the event is limited to Museum Docents, the public is more than welcome to visit the Museum during regular hours and feast their eyes on our Docents collection of favorites. Museum Docent Fred Kern described the assemblage as an "interesting and diverse group of people united by a common love of automobiles." Look online for more information in the coming months, including times and how to sign up for this event.

Sunday, May 11
10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Mother's Day - Mom's Free!

You love your mom and so do we. Once a year we let mom do whatever she wants...which includes getting into the Blackhawk Museum for free!

Sunday, June 15
11:00 am to 3:00 pm

Hot Rod Run

June 15 is the last chance to see the Ed "Big Daddy" Roth...The Original Rat Fink gallery and Blackhawk's Hot Rod Run will provide an atmosphere conducive to the exhibit. The plaza in front of the Museum will be lined with hot rods, pinstripers will be on hand to customize your personal items, and dad's receive free admission for Father's day. Ken Mitchroney, art director for the Roth estate, and other artists will pinstripe or cartoon an item such as a cell phone, helmet, or other item that visitors bring for a fee. Demonstrations, book signings, related articles for sale and Dreyer's ice cream truck will all be available!

UPDATE: BAND ADDED!!! THE MIDNIGHT TRIO

The Midnight trio, (formally known as the Pendleton's) combines the sounds of Roots music including Rockabilly, Rock and Roll, Classic Country, Surf, and Blues. Featuring Brian Covey on guitar and vocals, Matt Olivares on bass and Mike Covey on drums, the Midnight Trio has played all over California and Nevada with great acts such as surf guitar legend Dick Dale, Rockabilly Queen Wanda Jackson, country great Mark Chestnut and many, many more. Showcasing authentic vintage sounds of the 50's and early 60's, the midnight trio is guaranteed to get you moving, grooving and wanting more!

***Check out their Myspace Page here for a sample of their songs***

Sunday, June 22
11:00 am to 4:00pm

Thunderbird Club and Program

On June 22nd, the Bay Area Thunderbird Owner's Club (BATOC), the oldest Thunderbird club in the world, is celebrating its 50th anniversary. In honor of this once-ever occasion, BATOC is planning a two-day multi club, multi participant event at the Blackhawk Museum to commemorate this milestone year for this milestone automobile that is an icon of the American automotive history.

Over 60 1955 to 1957 two seater Classic Thunderbirds including rare and limited production models will be on display. Current plans also include educational displays, book signings by renowned Classic Thunderbird authors, presentations from Ford Motor Company, local Ford dealers, and classic car parts' vendors.

The event finale will be an Anniversary Banquet to include speeches, awards, films/slide shows and presentations honoring this highly admired Classic American automobile.

Sunday, July 20
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

The Rubber Hits the Road: History of Rubber and Tires
Hands-on Family Funshop

Through hands-on activities, stories and a mini tour you will know how rubber is made and how it ended up being used for tires. Design a hub cap, play a ring toss game, make a toy ball or band of rubber, participate in other activities and prepare a rubber type snack!

Family Funshops are drop-in activities for children and their families. Come by anytime between 1 - 4 pm and join the fun! Free with admission.