Hold on to your pompadours and crank up the Wolfman Jack, because Fort Worth is about to be overrun by chrome, carburetors, and Candy freakin' Clark.
On June 20–21, Cowtown shifts into reverse and peels straight back to the golden age of cruising as “The American Graffiti Tribute Classic Car Show” rolls into Streetside Classics (that’s 5400 Sandshell Dr., for those already revving their engines). This isn’t just any car show — it’s a V8-powered nostalgia parade with a Hollywood cherry on top. Fort Worth’s own Candy Clark — yes, Debbie Dunham from George Lucas’ cinematic ode to the '50s, “American Graffiti” — is coming home for a birthday bash that promises more sparkle than a freshly waxed hot rod.
At the center of this souped-up celebration is Rich Puryear, a hot rodder with a need for speed and a borderline obsessive devotion to “American Graffiti.” This man didn’t just watch the movie — he lived it, breathed it, and then decided to rebuild it, one iconic car at a time.
It all started in August 2024 when Rich got his greasy hands on a '55 Chevy, just like the one Harrison Ford’s character Bob Falfa drove before getting smoked (sorry, spoilers). But Rich wasn’t about to stop at just one car. No, no. Soon, his garage looked like George Lucas' fever dream: a '58 Impala (Steve and Toad’s ride), a ’32 Ford coupe (John Milner’s masterpiece), a Citroën 2CV (yes, the one that screams “Curt!”), a chopped '51 Mercury (shoutout to Joe the Pharaoh), and even a Vespa GS 160 — because every proper tribute collection needs a scooter that ends up on its side.
Now, don’t call these “clones.” Rich prefers “tribute cars,” because he’s not here to recreate — he’s here to celebrate, with a few modern mechanical upgrades so the engines purr and growl instead of cough and wheeze.
As if a lineup of movie-inspired hot rods wasn’t enough, this party also doubles as a “Candy Clark Birthday Bash.” That’s right — Debbie herself is coming back to Fort Worth to celebrate her big day and her high school reunion (Trimble Tech Class of 1965, y’all). Candy’s turning 78 (although we know it’s not polite to ask a woman her age) and giving absolutely zero cares about aging gracefully. She’s signing books, telling behind-the-scenes stories, and probably looking cooler in sunglasses than you ever will.
It’s not every day a hometown legend with an Oscar nomination and a filmography that includes “The Man Who Fell to Earth,” “Fat City,” and “Amityville 3-D" rolls into town. But when she does? You throw her a party. With vintage rides. And a book called “Tight Heads.”
What to Expect (Besides Jaw-Dropping Coolness)
Candy Clark
- Candy Clark Meet & Greet + Book Signing
Get up close with the icon herself. Ask her about George Lucas. Ask her about The Blob. Ask her if she wants to adopt you.
- American Graffiti Tribute Classic Car Show
Drool over Puryear’s rolling homage to cinematic perfection. Try not to touch anything. Seriously.
- Live Music from the Graffiti Era
Sock-hop your way through the soundtrack of your dreams—no Deejay needed.
- Q&A with Candy & Surprise Guests
Find out what really went down behind the scenes (spoiler: it probably involved a lot of hairspray and V8).
- Themed Merch & Memorabilia
Buy things you don’t need but definitely deserve.
- Food Trucks with Diner Vibes
Burgers. Shakes. Fries. Maybe even a root beer float if the universe is good.
Whether you’re a film nerd, a grease monkey, an “American Graffiti” superfan, or someone who just appreciates a good party with classic cars and even better stories, this two-day event is a love letter to vintage Americana. Fort Worth is the setting. Candy Clark is the star. And you? You’re just lucky to be riding shotgun.
So shine your shoes, grease your hair, and fire up your inner gearhead. The hot rodders are coming to Cowtown — and they’re bringing the party with them.
