MIDDLEBURY, Ind. – Get ready to dust off your hotrod for another season of nostalgia and family-friendly fun at Das Dutchman Essenhaus.
The restaurant’s popular classic car cruise-ins return on May 7 and continue each Thursday beginning at 4:30 p.m. through September 24, with special activities and theme nights planned throughout the season.
Now in its 21st year, the weekly event has grown from a small gathering with a couple of dozen cars to a campuswide experience that participants and the Essenhaus team look forward to each week.
“Over the years, many attendees have formed lasting friendships—they’ve become like family,” said Essenhaus Campus Manager Joel Miller, who oversees the event with his wife, Angela. “Our kids were 4,6 and 7 when the cruise-in began, and many of our regulars have watched them grow up, and now those people feel like family to our kids and to us.”
In 2025, the cruise-ins at Essenhaus averaged between 200 and 250 vehicles on a typical Thursday and more than 1,600 during the season finale.
“The first cruise-in had 23 cars, and we were pretty excited,” said Miller. “I remember when we hit 100 cars, and we thought we’d made it to the big leagues. Now, if we don’t hit 200 on a night, it feels small.”
A car club will be featured at each cruise-in, although the vehicles are only part of the draw. Attendees will also enjoy oldies music, prize giveaways, live entertainment on select nights, and much more, all while immersed in the beautiful scenery and Midwestern traditions Essenhaus is known for.
“We strive to create a fun, family-friendly environment for all ages,” said Miller. “Whether you’re a car enthusiast or just want to stroll through and enjoy the vehicles, there’s something for everyone.”
Visitors are encouraged to arrive hungry, as there will be plenty of food and beverage options available from the restaurant and outside at the cruise-in.
Both new and classic vehicles are welcome at the Essenhaus Cruise-Ins, which are free for participants and spectators alike. For weekly updates, check out the Essenhaus Facebook page or visit Essenhaus.com/cruise-in and subscribe to the free Cruise-In Newsletter.
Ohio Cruise-ins
Thursday evening cruise-ins also resume May 7 at the Der Dutchman location in Plain City.
In Bellville, Ohio, the 2026 cruise-in season begins June 9 and continues on the second Tuesday of each month through September. Times vary by location, and all events are weather permitting.