Scenic 395 - The Official Guide 2026

6 2026 Scenic 395 Ridgecrest Cars and Stripes Car Show: a celebration of community and country Along the Scenic 395 Eastern Sierra corridor, where wide-open desert vistas meet rugged mountain horizons, the community of Ridgecrest stands out not only for its location but for its deep and enduring patriotism. Travelers passing through this gateway to adventure often discover that Ridgecrest’s sense of pride in country is not confined to a single holiday—it is woven into the fabric of daily life. Few places in California express national gratitude and remembrance as visibly or as sincerely. Ridgecrest is notoriously patriotic, a reputation earned through decades of community traditions that honor service, sacrifice, and unity. This spirit is espe- cially evident each year on the first Sat- urday in September, when the city hosts one of its most meaningful and beloved events: Cars and Stripes Saturday. What began as a solemn act of remembrance has grown into a powerful day-long experi- ence that blends reflection, community, and celebration. More than 100 vehicles came to the 2025 Cars and Stripes Car Show in Ridgecrest. The 2026 event is set for Sept. 5, 2026. Photo by Aaron Crutchfield