Concours d'Elegance
2026 Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este
This event has finished.
The 2027 edition runs 21 to 23 May.
Why You Should Go
The world's most prestigious concours d'elegance for historic cars on the shores of Lake Como.
Format
3-day concours
Crowd
12,000+ (2025) · collectors & international visitors
Vibe
Prestige
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.
1What 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
Show all 5
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
2Best 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
About the Venue
While you're in the area
Experiences near Villa d'Este
3Logistics
- 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
4Frequently Asked Questions
- 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.
Tags
Bucket ListCar DisplaysCampingMulti Day EventConcours d'EleganceShoppingFirst TimersVIP HospitalitySupercarsFood and DrinkBehind the ScenesFamilies
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