2026 Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este | Automotive Experience
Car Show
2026 Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este
Cernobbio, Lombardy, Italy2026-05-15 to 2026-05-17
About This Event
Founded in 1929 on the shores of Lake Como, the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este brings together fifty hand-selected historic automobiles and concept cars in the gardens of a Renaissance villa. A high-calibre international jury awards the Trofeo BMW Group Best of Show, while the Coppa d'Oro Villa d'Este goes to the public's choice by referendum among attendees.
What to Expect
Around 50 of the world's most significant automobiles presented across curated classes
2026 classes include "Automotive Tailoring: The Decade of Opulence (1924–1934)" and "Future Couture: Dressed for Speed (1935–1939)"
Concept cars and prototypes compete alongside historic automobiles in separate Design Award category
Sunday Public Day at Villa Erba opens the judged cars to enthusiasts and families
Renaissance gardens backdrop positions pre-war Alfa Romeos beneath cypress trees and Ferraris reflected in lake water
Best Way to Experience It
Saturday at Villa d'Este reveals the concours in its most exclusive form for access pass holders
Sunday Public Day at Villa Erba lets the wider public experience the car parade
Good to Know
Dress code strictly enforced: jacket and tie for gentlemen, elegant day wear for ladies
Parking near the venue is limited and lakeside road becomes congested during the event
Como is well connected by train from Milan with frequent services throughout the day
Lake Como can be warm in May though mornings by the water remain cool
Comfortable shoes advisable as grounds are extensive with gravel and grass surfaces
Photography permitted though professional equipment may require accreditation
Is This Event Right For You?
Best fit if you value European concours heritage — 97th edition since 1929 founding, BMW Group partnership since 1999, invitation-only entry for 50 exceptional vehicles, Lake Como waterfront gardens setting.
Best fit if you value formal elegance culture — gentlemen require jacket and tie, ladies elegant day wear, international collectors from Europe, US, Asia, Middle East, €595+ Saturday Villa d'Este tickets.
Best fit if you enjoy accessible viewing options — Sunday public day at Villa Erba offers €15 general admission, vehicle parade from Villa d'Este grounds, family-friendly atmosphere contrasts Saturday collector exclusivity.
Not ideal if you prefer informal car gatherings — judged concours format emphasizes frame-off restorations, coachbuilt rarity, pre-war European elegance rather than modified builds or enthusiast gathering informality, formal dress enforcement.
