Downtown Pittsburg is often a ghost town on weekdays, despite the city's efforts to publicize a sweeping redevelopment program.
But go there on a Thursday evening during the summer, and the Old Town district is alive with dozens of colorful custom cars, a live band in the plaza and hundreds of people on the streets.
Pittsburg knows that cars are an obsession for thousands of East Bay residents, said assistant city manager Marc Fox, who is in charge of organizing the shows.
The $4,000 the city invests in each of the 22 shows seems to be paying off. Automotive enthusiasts jam downtown restaurants such as the recently renovated New Mecca Cafe.
"You bump into people down here you haven't seen in a long time," said Mike Lano, of Martinez, as he admired a couple of cars, including a customized 1955 Buick, at this past Thurday's Convertible Night. "To offer this to the community is great."
"We don't limit the entries based on the theme of the evening," Fox said. "If it's Cadillac night, you're still welcome to come even if you have a Buick."
Pittsburg's weekly events are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to car-related activities in East Bay suburbs.
Danville's "Hot Summer Nights" car shows are among the largest, traditionally drawing about 300 hot rods, custom cars, classics and muscle cars.
This summer's shows are set for July 21 and Aug. 18, and will feature bands playing '50s and '60s music in honor of the vintage of most of the cars.
Martinez hosts a "Fridays on the Main" series of shows from early June through the end of August, also with live music.
Other communities, including Concord, Pinole, Brentwood, Oakley, Antioch and Livermore, offer one or more shows a year.
Most shows have dozens of entries, and promoters sometimes offer prizes for the best cars in a group of categories.
While most car events are just for fun, serious collectors can step it up a notch four times a year at the Goodguys Rod and Custom Association shows at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton.
Car owners compete for awards in these two- and three-day gatherings.
Winning Goodguys awards can bump up the value of custom cars and hot rods when the owner decides to sell.
This year's Goodguys 25th West Coast Nationals, limited to cars from the 1972 model year and older, will be held Aug. 26-28.
Hundreds of East Bay car lovers also pursue their passion through car clubs that include aficionados of Mustangs, Corvettes, Porsches and other makes. Members meet regularly, host local, regional and national shows, sponsor community service projects and go on road trips.
The 90-member Diablo Valley Mustang Association has helped with American Cancer Society Relay for Life fundraisers. It also has sponsored litter cleanup projects in Concord, said Membership Director Nancy Russell, who owns a 1966 convertible.
The club will sponsor a three-day Golden Gate Mustang Nationals in June, sanctioned by the Mustang Club of America, Russell said.
The association is anticipating hundreds of entries from around the country, with owners competing for points toward national awards.
Cars are placed in categories based on whether they are driven regularly, said Deryl Stanley, president of Diablo Valley Mustangs.
"There's a higher judging standard for cars that aren't driven," Stanley said. "There are no cash prizes at all; it's a prestige thing, but the awards can mean higher prices for the cars at auction."
Elizabeth Cofer, of Concord, past president of the Mustang Association, bought a competition 2001 Mustang from the Phoenix-based Bonderant Racing School to go along with her '65 Mustang convertible.
She has previously owned a '66 fastback, a 2005 convertible and two other Mustangs.
"My stepfather gave me the '65, which I've had for 26 years," said Cofer, 45.
"I've taken the 2001 to Infineon Raceway (Sonoma County) and back to Alabama to drive it on a racetrack."
Diablo Valley Corvettes held its 41st annual show in Concord on June 18, according to association President Bill Landis, a former mayor of Pleasant Hill.
The event at Todos Santos Plaza had 147 entries competing for points during an eight-show season in Western States Corvette Council competition, he said.
The Corvette association has monthly meetings, social events that include an annual Super Bowl party and group drives.
Some members recently completed a four-day, three-night drive to and through Death Valley. Another group left Friday for a Corvette show in southern Oregon, Landis said.
Many members donate the use of their cars for Fourth of July parades and other civic events, he said.
"We're an active club that gets new members on a regular basis," said Landis, who owns a 2007 custom Corvette convertible and a 2004 ZO6.
"It's a lot of work, but it's very rewarding."
Contact Rick Radin at 925-779-7166.
East bay SUMMER car shows
Pittsburg: 6 to 8 p.m. Thursdays, through Sept. 29, Railroad Avenue, downtown Brentwood: 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, through October, downtown Danville: 3 to 9 p.m., July 21 and Aug. 18, Hartz Avenue, downtown Martinez: 6 to 8 p.m., Fridays through Aug. 26, Main Street, downtown 
