Crowds of thousands flocked to Spin Saturday at the TAMS Depot, where artistic director Donna Jackson had organised a day to showcase the other side of Canberra's cultural scene.

''Art doesn't have to be an elitist thing,'' she said.

''I'd argue that with some of these cars, it's an art form putting them together.''

The day was part of the month-long SPIN Festival, a centenary event dedicated to all wheeled creations, great and small.

Ms Jackson, the proud owner of a 1964 Chevrolet Bel Air, said the day was more than displays and demonstrations, as the activities explored the connection between cars and the community.

''Throughout this festival you can see people's relationships with their cars,'' she said.

''I started by talking to people in the car community. It's not just a bunch of guys - there are women who love their Volkswagens.''

About 2000 people passed through the gates during the day, which featured car crushing, a fashion parade and musicians such as such as The Fuelers and The Petrosexuals.

Ms Jackson co-ordinated a series of dances to represent a decade of Canberra's history, each incorporating a classic car from the period, and engaged a filmmaker to produce works featuring locals such as Summernats creator and Canberra Motorists Party candidate Chic Henry.

She said a cross-section of the community had been drawn to the day, having sent organisers photos of their family vehicle or first car.

''Cars actually mark times in our history,'' she said.

''They're a metaphor - ways of linking people and bringing them together.''

The festival continues on Sunday with events held throughout the city.