The San Francisco Bay area has some of the best hot rod/muscle car/vintage wheels shows going. Every Summer, garage doors open, and out roll some of the most impressive rides ever.

The East Bay, and Danville in particular, hosts several shows you should not miss if you love awesome cars! Here are some dates to check out:

Danville, CA:

Hot Summer Nights -- July 19 and August 16. Over 200 hot rods and classic cars line the streets. Music and food, natch! http://www.danvillehotsummernightscarshow.com/

Danville Concours d'Elegance, September 16, 2012. Dozens of great cars from around the country. Proceeds benefit the Michael J. Fox Foundation and The Parkinson’s Institute.

The Paddock at the Livery has regular themed car shows throughout the Summer: WSCC Type 1 Corvette Car Show -- May 6. MG Car Show -- May 20. Porsche Car Show -- May 27. Ponies and Snakes -- June 3. And more to come. http://www.danvillelivery.com/

Danville also has the Blackhawk Auto Museum--a rotating line up of cars you won't see anywhere else. http://www.blackhawkmuseum.org/

Half Moon Bay, CA:

Pacific Coast Dream Machines Show -- The World’s Coolest Cars, Historic Warbirds, Demolition Derby, and Quirky Contraptions. This year's event is over already, but mark it on your calendar for next year! Check out their site: http://www.miramarevents.com/dreammachines/lead.html

Alameda, CA

If you only go to one event, this one is it! Park Street Classic Car Show -- October 13. Over 400 amazing creations roll out for your pleasure. Check it out!! http://www.shopparkstreet.com/carshow.html

Other great events you won't want to miss:

Always a great time, check out the Bad Ass Swap Meets, all year 'round, and all around CA: http://www.badasscars.com/index.cfm/page/ptype=results/Category_ID=29/mode=cat/cat29.htm

Kings By The Bay -- June 23, at Cal State East Bay University. Pre-1963 custom cars in a fundraiser. http://www.kingsbythebay.com/index.html

Rimz & Ribz -- July 14, in Livermore , Ca -- http://www.rimzandribz.com/ Classics, hot rods, race cars, farm machines, motorcycles, motor homes, exotics, bicycles, strollers, work trucks, you name it!