AS SEEN IN OUR Street Trucks JULY 2026 ISSUE – Buy Now!

Modified Rides from Mississippi

Last year, Lakeside Showdown caught us by surprise in the best way possible. We rolled into Meridian, Mississippi, expecting a solid weekend show, but by the time we packed up the cameras and headed home, we already knew this would become a yearly stop for us. So when 2026 rolled around, there was no question—we were headed back to Lakeside.

From the moment I pulled into the grounds at Pat Harrison Water Park, the atmosphere felt familiar—relaxed, welcoming, and packed full of custom rides from every corner of the South. What makes Lakeside Showdown stand out isn’t just the trucks parked on the grass; it’s the lifestyle surrounding the event. People aren’t rushing around stressed about judging sheets or wiping fingerprints off paint every five minutes. Camp chairs are out, music is playing, coolers are open, and everyone’s there for the same reason: hanging out with good people and enjoying killer builds.

The truck scene absolutely showed up this year. Bagged OBS trucks, body-dropped minis, lifted diesels, clean squarebodies, and fresh late-model builds filled the park from one end to the other. I spent most of the weekend bouncing from truck to truck, trying to keep up with the trucks entering the show. Everywhere you looked, another build was rolling in with polished wheels, detailed engine bays, or paint glowing under the Mississippi sun.

What really makes this event special is the people behind it. Lakeside Showdown has built a strong reputation in the custom truck community because it still feels genuine. It’s not trying to be overproduced or flashy. It’s just a great event built by enthusiasts who understand what people actually want out of a show weekend.

And while the trucks are definitely the main attraction for us, the cars and bikes deserve credit too. There was a solid mix of classics, modern customs, and wild builds that kept the showgrounds interesting all weekend long.

The truck scene absolutely showed up this year. Bagged OBS trucks, body-dropped minis, lifted diesels, clean squarebodies, and fresh late-model builds filled the park from one end to the other.

By Sunday afternoon, my camera cards were full, our feet were smoked, and we were already talking about next year’s trip back. Lakeside Showdown has quickly become one of those events we circle on the calendar the second dates get announced, and honestly, we don’t see that changing anytime soon.

From the moment I pulled into the grounds at Pat Harrison Water Park, the atmosphere felt familiarÑrelaxed, welcoming, and
packed full of custom rides from every corner of the South.