A red Buick displays its hydraulics set at the fourth annual Lowrider Block Party on July 20, 2024. (Photo: Jenn Ngeth)

On Sunny Days, the Cars Come Out to Shine: Nepantla's Fourth Annual Lowrider Block Party in White Center

On July 20, Nepantla Cultural Arts Gallery's fourth annual Lowrider Block Party in White Center drew in crowds of people on a sunbeaming day, showcasing tuned-up cars (and bikes) with every corner covered in intricate designs.

Published on:

Jul 23, 2024, 9:55 pm

by Jenn Ngeth

Nestled on 17th Avenue Southwest between Roxbury Street and 100th Street, this year's block party expanded to include even more blocks compared with previous years, and it showcased the vibrant lowrider culture in our city. Attendees had the opportunity to gaze into these automobiles, getting up close to their grills to admire the beauty and care that went into every car from Seattle's car clubs, like Eazy Duz It C.C.

Classic R&B music weaved through the street as people checked out the numerous vendors that focused on Chicana/o Latinx (and other BIPOC communities) art, food, and culture, with a strong emphasis on community in White Center. Partygoers wandered in the heat, with mangonadas from Cafe Calaveras in hand to cool down, while enjoying entertainment, like the "Car Hop" competition to show off the cars' hydraulics; attending live musical and art performances; or getting tooth gems from 89links to shimmer in the sun.

Brought together by their love of classic American cars, people from all walks of life enjoyed the dazzling beauty of these lowriders and were shown how the Chicana/o culture from Southern California shaped this subculture in Seattle.

Despite the rapid changes in White Center within recent decades, it has continued to thrive and showcase the multicultural communities who live in Seattle. Nepantla's Lowrider Block Party was a reminder that there's power in diversity and solidarity in this pocket of the South End.

A lineup of classic cars with raised hoods is on display at an outdoor car show on a sunny day. A green convertible is prominently featured, with other cars including a black and a purple convertible parked nearby. People are walking and browsing in the background, with a street sign and buildings visible.

A few lowriders on display at the fourth annual Lowrider Block Party on July 20, 2024. (Photo: Jenn Ngeth)

A family with a stroller and young children walks by a row of classic cars at an outdoor car show. A golden car with its hood raised prominently displays two Minion toys on the engine. Other vintage cars are lined up in the background, with people browsing the exhibits on a sunny day.

A lowrider showing inspiration from the minion characters from the film franchise 'Despicable Me' on July 20, 2024. (Photo: Jenn Ngeth)

A vintage car show features a purple and gold classic car with a

A purple Cadillac lowrider from the fourth annual Lowrider Block Party on July 20, 2024. (Photo: Jenn Ngeth)

A bright green Buick is displayed at an outdoor car show with its front wheels raised in a hydraulic lift and the hood open. The car has a sparkling paint job and shiny chrome details. Nearby, a red classic car and other vintage vehicles are also on display. People are walking around, with buildings and street signs in the background on a sunny day.

A vibrant green Buick shows off its hydraulics set at the fourth annual Lowrider Block Party on July 20, 2024. (Photo: Jenn Ngeth)

A display under a tent features five wooden panels with large photos and text, honoring community members. The panels include images of people and detailed descriptions of their contributions. Decorations, such as flowers and hanging ornaments, adorn the display. A sign on the ground reads

An art exhibit on display to honor community members from White Center at the fourth annual Lowrider Block Party on July 20, 2024. (Photo: Jenn Ngeth)

A vibrant red 1964 Impala SS convertible is showcased at an outdoor car show. Its front wheels are raised, highlighting its hydraulic lift system. A sign in front of the car displays

An Impala showcasing its hydraulics set at the fourth annual Lowrider Block Party on July 20, 2024. (Photo: Jenn Ngeth)

A couple sits inside a classic black car with vibrant red interior upholstery. The woman, wearing sunglasses, is in the passenger seat, while the man, wearing a hat and sunglasses, is in the driver's seat. The car windows are open, revealing a sunny day with a stone building and trees in the background.

Ana and Jorge Serrano enjoying their lowrider at the fourth annual Lowrider Block Party on July 20, 2024. (Photo: Jenn Ngeth)

A close-up view of a meticulously detailed car engine, showcasing polished chrome components and intricate engravings. The engine bay is painted in a deep red, with elaborate designs on the metallic surfaces.

Details of an engine from a Chevy Impala at the fourth annual Lowrider Block Party on July 20, 2024. (Photo: Jenn Ngeth)

A classic bronze lowrider car performs a dramatic hydraulic lift, with its front wheels elevated off the ground, at an outdoor car show. A crowd of spectators gathers around, watching and taking photos. Traffic lights and a street sign for

Eazy Duz It C.C.'s car hop at the fourth annual Lowrider Block Party on July 20, 2024. (Photo: Jenn Ngeth)

An outdoor display at a car show features a shiny red lowrider bicycle with intricate detailing in the foreground. Behind it, a black and gold motorcycle and a red classic car with its hood open are showcased. A tent provides shade, and other exhibits are visible under a clear blue sky.

Elaborate details on these bikes on display for the fourth annual Lowrider Block Party on July 20, 2024. (Photo: Jenn Ngeth)

A man proudly stands beside his black classic car, holding a large trophy at an outdoor car show. He is wearing a cap and a shirt with embroidered text. The car's hood is open, revealing its engine, and other attendees and vehicles are visible in the background.

Jon Doe showcasing his lowrider and award for Eazy Duz It's Choice Award at the fourth annual Lowrider Block Party on July 20, 2024. (Photo: Jenn Ngeth)

A vendor booth at an outdoor market features various handmade crafts and custom apparel under blue tents. Displayed items include crocheted goods, jewelry, and colorful t-shirts. A sign reads

A local artist live airbrush painting clothes at their booth at the fourth annual Lowrider Block Party on July 20, 2024. (Photo: Jenn Ngeth)

A green lowrider convertible with its hood open and front wheels lifted is displayed at an outdoor car show. Other classic cars with open hoods line the street, and spectators are walking around, admiring the vehicles.

Rows of lowriders showcased during the fourth annual Lowrider Block Party on July 20, 2024. (Photo: Jenn Ngeth)

A white classic car is featured at an outdoor car show, adorned with intricate blue airbrushed artwork on the hood depicting a reclining woman and ornate designs. The car has a

This lowrider displays one of many intricate paint jobs from the fourth annual Lowrider Block Party on July 20, 2024. (Photo: Jenn Ngeth)

Jenn Ngeth is a Khmer American woman from Seattle, Washington, who grew up in South Park. She received her A.A.S. in visual communications from Highline College and is a published poet and multidisciplinary artist.

📸 Featured Image: A red Buick displays its hydraulics set at the fourth annual Lowrider Block Party on July 20, 2024. (Photo: Jenn Ngeth)

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