7th Annual Sock Hop and Classic Car Show returns to the Belknap Mill on Sept. 5

LACONIA — Get ready to travel back in time at the 7th Annual Sock Hop & Classic Car Show at the Belknap Mill on Friday, Sept. 5. This beloved end-of-summer tradition combines the timeless charm of classic cars, the upbeat joy of 1950s rock’n’roll, and the creative energy of local art for a night that brings the whole community together.

The evening begins at 5 p.m. with a Classic Car Show lining Beacon Street East, where guests can admire beautifully restored vehicles from the golden age of cruising. At 6 p.m., the fun shifts to Rotary Park, where Rockin’ Daddios will take the bandstand as part of the final performance of the 2025 Concert Series. With their signature doo-wop harmonies and playful stage presence, the Rockin’ Daddios bring the sounds of the late '50s and early '60s back to life, making it impossible not to dance along.

Inside the Belknap Mill, attendees are invited to the opening reception of “Color in Motion – The Art of Marcia Santore” from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Riverside Gallery. This vibrant new exhibit showcases Santore’s bold use of color, texture, and abstraction to express motion, emotion, and mystery. Guests will have the chance to meet the artist, explore her work, and enjoy light refreshments. The exhibit is part of the Belknap Mill’s Free First Friday, which includes free museum admission all day beginning at 10 a.m.

The Lakes Region Scholarship Foundation will be set up on the patio to share exciting updates on their community initiatives, and back by popular demand is the Root Beer Float Fundraiser. Additional snacks will be available for purchase, and guests are encouraged to pack a picnic dinner and enjoy it in the park while taking in the music and atmosphere.

The Belknap Mill welcomes owners of classic cars to participate in the show — no registration is required, but space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

For more information, visit belknapmill.org.