2025 VCOA Davis Weekend FAQs
Q: What is the Davis Weekend?
A: The “Weekend” refers to both the Saturday and Sunday activities. The car show and
swap meet have been held on Sunday since our beginning in 1999. Saturday events were
added more recently several years ago.
Q: What are the activities for 2025?
A: Our events for this year are:
Saturday-
- Breakfast at Niello Volvo Cars Sacramento- Our host, Niello Volvo Cars Sacramento, will
provide a free breakfast and their parking lot for an informal "show before the show". No
charge, but advance registration is required for food & beverage planning purposes.
- Foothill Drives- Scenic and Spirited groups will take a driving tour of the Northern
California foothills. Both groups depart from Niello Volvo mid-morning and the drive
concludes in early afternoon. No charge, but advance registration is required for planning
purposes.
- An evening dinner get-together at former Sacramento Chapter President Walter
Donnell's home will be catered casual Mexican food. Bring your own beverage. There is a
modest per-person charge for the dinner and advance registration is required.
Sunday-
- The Show and Swap Meet take place in Davis, CA. An entry fee of $20/car is required,
advance registration online can be done, or pay at the gate (cash only, please.)
Q: What is the Davis Show?
A: It is a Volvo show held at Central Park in Davis, CA on a Sunday starting at 8AM. It is a
one-day show and swap meet planned and staffed by volunteers, primarily from the Volvo
Club of America’s Sacramento, Golden Gate, and SLOrolling Chapters.
Q: What types of Volvos are welcome at the Show?
A: Any and every type of Volvo-bodied car, as well as Volvo-powered cars. Our variety is
part of our appeal. Daily drivers, modified, race cars, beaters, concours-worthy Volvos,
you’ll find them all here at the Show.
Q: What kinds of Volvos show up?
A: All kinds (see previous answer, above)! In addition to the more common models such
as 240s, 850s, S60s, past showgoers have seen the unusual; 444, P1900, 480, and an 850
pickup (not a production vehicle.) Part of the fun and attraction of the Show is that one
never knows what unusual Volvo they might see there.
Q: What is the Show format?
A: A car show with awards and a swap meet. For a two and one-half hour time window on
Sunday morning, participants arrive, and cars are parked in groups sorted by model. Once
parked, participants are free to stay with their car and answer questions about their car,
look at other cars, peruse the swap meet or vendor displays, or explore the attractions in
downtown Davis. In early afternoon, we conclude the Show with an awards presentation.
Afterwards, some folks choose to linger and socialize, while others prefer to get an early
start on the drive home.
Q: I just want to park my Volvo in the show field and wander around looking at the
cars. Do I have to participate in the awards?
A: No. When checking in at the Registration Table, you will receive a car number card for
the awards. If the card isn't displayed on your dashboard, we'll know that you're not
interested in participating in the awards.
Q: Why is the Show in Davis?
A: Someone volunteered to host the initial Show in Davis in 1999. Davis’ Central Park has
since proven to be an ideal location for our Show. The park is in the city’s downtown area,
which has an abundance of restaurants, shops, and other attractions. The Park has two
children’s play areas, large grassy areas, and a pavilion, which comes in handy if we
experience rain during the show.
Q: What is happening on the Saturday before the Show?
A: On Saturday morning, Niello Volvo Cars Sacramento will be providing us with
impressive breakfast fare starting at 8:00 AM at their dealership. Followed by an optional
mid-day foothill drive (two separate groups of your choice, “Spirited” and “Scenic”).
Afterwards, there is an informal dinner hosted by former Sacramento Chapter President
Walter Donnell at his home. Note that these activities are “a la carte”, you can choose
which activities you would like to attend when registering. Note that you must register in
advance for the Saturday events on the VCOA Golden Gate Chapter's website at:
ggvcoa.com by April 21, 2025.
Q: Is there a cost for Saturday activities?
A: Thanks to the generosity of Niello Volvo Cars Sacramento, the breakfast is free. While
the drives are also free, the drive participants are responsible for their own lunch, snacks,
etc. For the dinner get-together at Walter's, there is a modest per-person fee, plus
attendees are responsible for bringing their own beverages (bottled water will be
provided.) Important Note: to minimize waste and ensure that we have enough food for
all attendees, advance registration is required. Signups end April 21, 2025.
Q: I missed the registration deadline, can I still attend?
A: It depends, based on the activity.
For the Saturday activities, please e-mail us ASAP at: socialmedia@sacvolvoclub.org with
your name, activity you want to attend, and the number of people that you want to bring.
We sometimes have cancellations and can fit you in. Please do not plan on attending
unless you receive an e-mail from us confirming that we have a spot for you.
For the Sunday Show, no worries, as you can pay at the gate. The Show registration fee is
$20 cash. We cannot accept electronic payments at this time, need a volunteer to help us
make that happen in the future.
Q: If I bring my Volvo and want to park in the Show area, why do I need to pay?
A: Your registration fee goes to pay for the fees that the City of Davis charges us to use the
Show area, offset the cost of running the Show, and help support the local chapters. Our
fee is on the low side, and it’s good Volvo Community Karma to pay it. Who knows, your
car may even win an award.
Q: Do I have to pay admission just to see the cars?
A: No. We are located at a Davis city park and street closure with pedestrian and bicycle
access. Street parking is limited (please observe the posted parking restrictions) outside
the Show area, so come early.
Q: Do you cancel the Show if it is raining?
A: No. These are Volvos and they are designed for the wet weather in Sweden. In case of
rain, showgoers usually take cover under the large pavilion until the rain stops, then go
back out and look at the cars. Show cancellation might occur if there was severe flooding
or other major weather event. We will keep our fingers crossed.
Q: Can I bring my car on a trailer to the Show?
A: With the exception of a few sponsors and swap meet sellers, no. Traffic is very heavy
coming into the Show, and we do not have sufficient space for maneuvering and unloading
of trailers once the Show opens. You might be able to park offsite and unload a car to be
driven into the Show, but parking in the immediate area around the Park is limited and
often fills up fast.
Q: Is it possible to park with my friends?
A: We park cars by model and in order of arrival, so unless you and your friends have the
same models and arrive at the same time, it's not possible to park with your friends.
Q: Why is this the 24th Davis Show, but it started in 1999?
A: No show in years 2016, 2020 & 2021; now the math makes sense.
Q: Is there an official or host hotel?
A: No. There are many hotels in the area, and a lot of attendees stay at the Best Western in
downtown Davis. The majority of the hotels are smaller and tend to book up fast, so we
encourage you to make your reservations early.
Q: Do you sell food or drink at the Show?
A: No. There are many food and beverage options in the surrounding area. From morning
coffee to lunch to take-out food and desserts, you have plenty of choices within easy
walking distance. You can also bring a picnic lunch or brown bag it.
* ABSOLUTELY NO ALCOHOL IS ALLOWED AT THE SHOW PER CITY PARK RULES. *
Q: How do I get a swap meet space?
A: Please contact us at socialmedia@sacvolvoclub.org for details. Swap space availability
is limited and available by advance registration only. No spaces are sold on the day of the
show.
Q: Why don’t you do _____________?
A: The Davis Weekend is organized and staffed by volunteers. If there is something you
would like to see, please contact us in advance and volunteer to do it.
Q: What kind of volunteer help do you need?
A: Volunteers staff both Saturday and Sunday events, and we can use help for both, as well
as before and after the Weekend. Assistance is needed both on-site and remotely (acting
as a RSVP point of contact for a Saturday activity, for example.)
On Sunday, we need assistance in early morning as this is when the Show is the busiest.
Our areas of greatest need are for parking assistants and help with registration. No
experience necessary, we will train!
Q: If I have questions about volunteering, or want to volunteer, whom do I contact?
A: Please e-mail us at: socialmedia@sacvolvoclub.org
Q: I could not find the answer to my question in the FAQs, who can I ask?
A: Please e-mail us at: socialmedia@sacvolvoclub.org