RadWood SoCal

Nostalgia has a way of pulling us in, whether we like it or not. Some roll their eyes at it, others try to dismiss it, but they’re missing the point. I embrace it. Without nostalgia, there would be no RadWood, and without RadWood, there wouldn’t be a reason to travel from miles away to gather with a community obsessed with a specific aesthetic from a bygone era. Is it just a car meet? No, it’s a celebration of a time that defined style, speed, and soul. Welcome to RadWood.

RadWood started as a grassroots car show, a quirky excuse for people to cosplay like they’re caught in a time warp somewhere between the vibrant 1980s and the bold 1990s—what we now call the 'Rad Era.' It wasn’t just about the cars; it was about celebrating the music, the fashion, and the spirit of rebellion that still resonates today. What began as a small gathering of passionate enthusiasts has since grown into a nationwide phenomenon, bringing together people from all walks of life who share a love for the cars and the vibe that made the era unforgettable.

But what started as an underground movement has evolved into something much bigger. The show’s growing popularity caught the attention of industry heavyweights, and its unique blend of nostalgia and community proved to be a marketing goldmine. As a result, RadWood was acquired by Hagerty, the automotive juggernaut, in a multi-million dollar deal that speaks volumes about the cultural impact RadWood has had on the car scene. This acquisition marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of car culture events, where grassroots passion meets corporate strategy. Hagerty’s involvement is a testament to how powerful niche subcultures can become when they capture the collective imagination—and how much potential there is in blending passion-driven events with strategic company engagement. What was once a small, rebellious gathering is now positioned as a major player in the world of automotive marketing, blending the past with the future in ways only RadWood could.

At RadWood, the experience goes beyond just admiring the cars; it’s a full immersion into a time and place that captured the essence of individuality and bold expression. Toward the end of the show, an award ceremony takes place that’s unlike any other. The prizes aren’t just for the cars; they are for those who best embody the ‘Rad Era’ through their clothing, accessories, and overall style. It’s a celebration of how people channel the distinct personalities that defined the period, often taking them to playful extremes.

What makes this event truly unique is how attendees become living, breathing representations of the customer personas who would have bought and driven these cars when they were first released. Picture it: neon windbreakers, mullets, acid-washed jeans, and oversized sunglasses. Some attendees go all in, fully embracing the over-the-top nature of the era’s fashion and attitudes, paying tribute to the unforgettable spirit of the time. It’s not just about nostalgia; it’s about reimagining the past and bringing it to life in the most personal and expressive way possible. At RadWood, the cars are just the beginning. This is an entire experience where fashion, culture, and a sense of individuality create a vivid snapshot of an era long past, but never forgotten.

RadWood isn’t just about cars; it’s about the entire culture and technology that surrounded them. The event showcases the vibrancy of the 'Rad Era,' and that spirit spills over in ways that extend far beyond the vehicles themselves. A whole cottage industry of small businesses has sprung up around this cultural movement, and at RadWood, they show up in full force. From clothing brands that specialize in vintage-inspired gear to one-man engraving business offering retro keychains, the event has become a hub for those who want to live and breathe the spirit of the rad era.

These small businesses don’t just capitalize on nostalgia; they contribute to the overall experience, bringing products and services that let attendees fully immerse themselves in the vibe of the past. Whether it’s a custom leather jacket reminiscent of '80s fashion, a booth selling cassette tapes, or a shop offering retro car accessories, these vendors understand the value of preserving and celebrating the aesthetic of a time that was defined by individuality and rebellion. At RadWood, they’re not merely selling products. They’re helping to build an atmosphere that transports people back to a time when everything seemed a little more bold, a little more colorful, and a lot more fun.

The SoCal edition of RadWood stands out as a unique celebration of the culture that defined Los Angeles in the '80s and '90s. It instantly taps into the surf, skate, ski, and bike scenes that were so prominent in the region during those decades. Unlike other RadWood events, the atmosphere in Southern California is infused with the local energy that made the area a cultural hotspot. It’s not uncommon to see BMX riders or skateboarders performing stunts for the crowds, bringing an extra layer of excitement and nostalgia to the event. This connection to the action sports world harkens back to the car shows of the actual era, where the cars and the culture surrounding them were inextricably linked to these subcultures.

RadWood draws people from all walks of life, each with their own reasons for being there. Some come to relive the glory days of their youth, while others, who were too young or not even born at the time, are eager to experience a piece of the past. What unites them all is a shared desire for fun and self-expression. At RadWood, it’s not just about the cars; it’s about the way people express themselves through the vehicles they drive, the clothes they wear, and the activities they engage in. The cars are an extension of personality, reflecting the bold, unique styles of an era that celebrated individuality. The outfits and accessories—whether it’s neon windbreakers, chunky sneakers, or oversized sunglasses—are just as much a part of the experience as the cars themselves.

As RadWood continues to grow, I can’t help but imagine how it might branch out into new territory, potentially blending the worlds of cars with other cultural movements. We might see a RadWood dedicated to BMX bikes, or one that celebrates the world of gaming—a space where the spirit of the Rad Era can find new expression. While the corporate ownership brings both opportunities and challenges, there’s something exciting about the future of this event. It’s a chance to bring the magic of the past to new generations—those who weren’t around to live it but are now discovering it through a whole new lens. As RadWood evolves, it will continue to be a celebration of individuality, creativity, and nostalgia, all while reimagining what it means to be "rad" in the modern world. I can’t wait to see where it goes next.