TOPANGA, CALIFORNIA — The free, family-friendly Freak of the Week car show returns to Topanga, celebrating creativity, individuality, and automotive self-expression—whether you consider yourself a “car person” or not. Hosted by Motorhead Mama Amelia Dalgaard, the show puts personality ahead of horsepower and price tags, with Hot Wheels Legends Tour winner “Trinity,” returning favorites including Nicole Fonseca’s floral Impala, and fundraising for Topanga kids. And for the first time, Freak of the Week’s winning vehicles will go on display at the LA Auto Show.
LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Automotive personality Motorhead Mama (aka Amelia Dalgaard) brings Freak of the Week: Where The Weird Ones Win back to the Topanga Community Center on Saturday, September 19. The free, family-friendly event celebrates some of Southern California’s most unique and unforgettable vehicles—and the people who drive them.
Unlike traditional car shows, horsepower, price tags, and perfect paint jobs aren’t what earn bragging rights at Freak of the Week. Instead, the show rewards personality, creativity, and cars that make people stop, smile, and ask, “What IS that?” From a fully bedazzled sedan to a hand-painted school bus with horns.
“What I love is how many people come saying, ‘I’m not a car person,’ and then have an absolute blast,” says Dalgaard. “You don’t have to know anything about cars to appreciate creativity, individuality, and a good story. This show really is for everyone—and what better place to fly your freak flag than Topanga?”
The inaugural Freak of the Week drew more than 450 attendees from all over LA, including 60% families and 40% women, as well as 11 media outlets and 18 influencers. Judges included representatives from MotorTrend, ABC7, and Edmunds, and quintessential Los Angeles icon Angelyne’s unmistakable pink Corvette made an appearance.
Last year’s winners included Nicole Fonseca’s floral Chevy Impala and the “Donut” 4Runner by Sandro. Several of last year’s winners will return for 2026, some with new rides, and will be joined by Joe Magliato’s “Trinity,” winner of the Hot Wheels Legends Tour, a specialty vehicle by iconic car builder Gary L Wales, and one of Kenny Scharf’s original hand-painted cars, giving attendees a chance to see these acclaimed custom creations up close.
The day begins with a locals’ vehicle meetup from 8–10 a.m., where neighbors are invited to bring their own cars—weirdness optional. Freak of the Week officially kicks off at 10 a.m. and will feature live music, food, vendors, activities for kids, and plenty of unusual vehicles.
FROM TOPANGA TO THE LA AUTO SHOW
This year, Freak of the Week is headed to a much bigger stage. As part of the prize package, a selection of the show’s winning vehicles will be displayed at the Los Angeles Auto Show, bringing the creativity and unconventional spirit of Freak of the Week to one of the automotive industry’s largest events.
The Topanga event will also feature a silent auction benefiting Topanga Elementary School, with automotive experiences and collectibles including a private tour of the Los Angeles Auto Show, personalized car-buying advice, and automotive memorabilia.
ABOUT MOTORHEAD MAMA
Motorhead Mama (aka Amelia Dalgaard) is an automotive journalist, writer, producer, host, and mother who has spent more than 15 years making the automotive world entertaining, family-friendly, and accessible. As a juror for Women’s World Car of the Year and the President Emeritus of the Motor Press Guild, she has led automotive experiences and tours at the Los Angeles and New York Auto Shows.
Through Motorhead Mama, Dalgaard has driven everything from everyday family vehicles to million-dollar exotics, but her work has always focused less on spec sheets and more on the people, personalities, and stories surrounding cars.
Making her way through LA traffic, Freak of the Week started as a social series that portrays people who drive to a different drummer and aren’t afraid to stand out. In 2025, she brought Freak of the Week to life as a car show where enthusiasm matters more than expertise, and everyone is invited to join the fun.
EVENT DETAILS
Freak of the Week: Where The Weird Ones Win
Saturday, September 19, 2026
Locals’ Vehicle Meetup: 8–10 a.m.
Freak of the Week: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Topanga Community Center
Topanga, California
FREE and family-friendly
Have something wonderfully wacky that belongs in the show? Vehicle submissions are still being accepted.
Vehicle submissions, media inquiries, and additional information:
info@motorheadmama.com
Car knowledge optional. Sense of humor mandatory.
