For true car lovers, the thrill of the engine is only part of the story — the rest unfolds on lawns, lakes, ice and ancient stone. Around the world, a new generation of automotive events is redefining what it means to celebrate the car: not just as a machine, but as a masterpiece. From frozen lakes in the Alps to temple grounds in Japan and villas on Lake Como, these gatherings blend heritage, design, lifestyle and spectacle. For those who live and breathe car culture — on and off the road — these are the events worth circling on your calendar.
1. FuoriConcorso
FuoriConcorso is where automotive dreams meet la dolce vita — an exclusive celebration of car culture that takes over the shores of Lake Como every May. Launched in 2019 by Guglielmo Miani, this stylish series of events brings together rare prototypes, legendary classics and car lovers from around the world in unforgettable locations like Villa Grumello, Villa Sucota and Villa Olmo. With rotating themes, open-air museum takeovers, collector rallies (yes, even for all-white cars) and even a historic Formula 1 show at the iconic Villa Necchi Campiglio in Milan — FuoriConcorso has quickly become one of the freshest, exciting and talked-about automotive gatherings.
2. Le Mans Classic
Le Mans Classic isn’t just a race — it’s a full-throttle time machine. Created in 2002 by Peter Auto and the Automobile Club de l’Ouest, this biennial celebration brings the golden age of endurance racing back to life on the legendary Le Mans circuit. Nearly 700 historic race cars and over 8,000 classics from collectors and clubs take part, with famous grids like Group C, Porsche Classic and Endurance Racing Legends. Beyond the track, it’s all vintage charm — swing bands, stunt shows, air displays, photo exhibitions and open-air concerts. It’s history, horsepower and a whole lot of fun — day and night.
3. I.C.E. St. Moritz
Once a frozen lake, now an ice-cold catwalk for the world’s most beautiful cars — The I.C.E. St. Moritz turns winter into a celebration of style on wheels. Born as an idea in the 1980’s and officially launched in 2022, this one-of-a-kind event blends static displays with high-speed elegance as classic cars glide across the snow-dusted surface of Lake St. Moritz. For one magical weekend, collectors, creatives and connoisseurs gather in the Engadine to embrace “icestyle”: a playful yet polished mix of concours tradition and alpine flair. Here, even in sub-zero temperatures, passion runs hot — and the ice never looked so cool.
4. Concorso d’Eleganza Japan
Concorso d’Eleganza Japan è una celebrazione dell’artigianalità senza tempo, dove l’arte dell’automobile incontra la ricchezza culturale dell’antico patrimonio giapponese. Ispirato alla tradizione europea, lunga oltre un secolo, che onora le auto come opere d’arte, questo prestigioso evento è nato a Kyoto nel 2016 e oggi si svolge nello scenario del Tempio Yakushiji a Nara, sito Patrimonio dell’Umanità. In questo contesto sacro, straordinarie auto classiche dal Giappone e dal resto del mondo vengono esposte in un’armonia di design, storia ed eleganza. Più di un concorso, è un vero e proprio festival, dove bellezza, tradizione ed eccellenza meccanica si incontrano in un silenzioso senso di rispetto.
5. Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este
Since 1929, Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este has defined automotive elegance, set against the cinematic beauty of Lake Como. Held at the historic Villa d’Este, this event brings together over 50 exceptional automobiles — from pre-war marvels to forward-thinking concept cars — celebrating design, craftsmanship and innovation across generations. With the support of BMW Group Classic, the concours continues to evolve while preserving its intimate, old-world charm. It’s more than a showcase; it’s a cultural ritual where legends of the past and visions of the future meet, inspiring a new generation of collectors, designers and dreamers beneath the Italian sun.
