Car fans looking for a classic year of events can find plenty to do in 2026. A long list of UK shows and motorsport gatherings spans the calendar, ranging from historic hill climbs to major concours.
Notable dates to mark on the schedule
August offers a dense cluster of gatherings. The CarFest event returns to Silverstone Circuit from 28 to 30 August. Just days later, on 29 and 30 August, the Gravity Show takes place at the Birmingham NEC. For model enthusiasts, the On Your Marques museum in Mumby, Lincolnshire, opens its final season from 29 to 31 August. This venue features more than 1,200 model cars and motorsport memorabilia, a four-lane Scalextric circuit, and the Pit Stop Cafe. Entry costs are donations to the National Brain Appeal for dementia research.
September brings high-profile dates like the Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court Palace on 4 September. The historic Goodwood Revival runs from 18 to 20 September. On 6 September, multiple events occur simultaneously, including the Footman James Coffee & Chrome at Prescott Hill Climb, the Classic & Retro Show at Himley Hall, and the Classic Motor Show at the Haynes Motor Museum.
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Later in the year, the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run takes place on 1 November, followed by the Classic Motor Show on 13 to 15 November.
Spring and summer highlights
The year begins in February with Race Retro, often considered the start of the enthusiast calendar. The event at Stoneleigh Park features 120 rally cars, historic race exhibits, and celebrity motorsport talks. A flagship auction on Saturday 21st February includes cars once owned by Richard Hammond and King Charles II. The Classic Car & Restoration Show follows at the NEC from 20 to 22 March, expecting over 1,300 classics from 160 car clubs and more than 230 cars for sale.
On 28 March, the AUTOBEST Conquest Live Show debuts as the first live event for the independent automotive awards jury. This gathering will reveal the 2026 winner of the AUTOBEST Best Buy Car of Europe award. April events include the GTI Spring Festival at Santa Pod, the Salon Privé London, and the Pride of Longbridge at Cofton Park.
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May and June feature a mix of historic and modern action. The Nürburgring 24 Hours runs from 14 to 17 May, with Max Verstappen set to race a Mercedes-AMG. The Icons of Porsche festival at the Porsche Experience Centre Silverstone on 20 to 21 June marks 75 years of the brand in the UK, featuring demonstrations on the Grand Prix circuit.
For those who enjoy the technical side, the Sunday Scramble at Bicester Motion on 26 April highlights the Vee engine, while Hangar 113 at the same venue marks a century of the Bicester Technical Site with a period aircraft display.
Historic racing fans should note the Donington Historic Festival on 1 to 3 May and the Prescott Italia hill climb on 9 May. The London Concours returns to the Honourable Artillery Company in the City of London from 9 to 11 June.