The La Jolla Concours d’Elegance returns to The Cove this April 2026. Get our spectator’s guide to tickets, free viewing areas, parking and VIP events.
Start your engines and other automotive puns: The La Jolla Concours d’Elegance takes over Ellen Browning Scripps Park at The Cove April 24 through 26 for the premier automotive event of the year, transforming the lawn into an open-air museum of rolling art.
Read on for your weekend guide to elegance with a distinctly relaxed Southern California vibe.
What is the Concours d’Elegance?
The La Jolla Concours d’Elegance is an expansive display of automotive excellence, with more than 150 rare, vintage and exotic automobiles showcasing vehicular artistry and history. This year, the Concours is celebrating its 20th anniversary with the theme “Icons of Speed: Historically Significant Super Cars.”
The weekend schedule:
- La Jolla Concours VIP Soiree (6 to 10 pm Friday, April 24 at Scripps Park): Bites from more than 15 San Diego restaurants, handcrafted cocktails and live music highlight the illuminated cars on the coast during this annual ticketed celebration. This year’s theme is “Motorvault: Masterpieces of Motion, Mystique and Mastery.”
- Porsches and Power on Prospect (5 to 9 pm Saturday, April 25 along Prospect Street): A free showcase of luxury and performance featuring Porsches and other exotic supercars, along with live music, retail offerings and gallery experiences.
- La Jolla Concours d’Elegance (9 am to 4 pm Sunday, April 26 at Scripps Park): The main, ticketed event, surrounding spectators with icons of speed. Choose general admission or one of several VIP packages, which come with lounge access, premium food and beverages and situate you within an upscale lifestyle event
The logistics: Ticket tiers, street closures and parking
General admission vs VIP (and free!)
Any car enthusiast will get much out of a Concours ticket – general admission gets you up front views of the vintage glamour and luxury.
Those wanting a truly upgraded experience will want to splurge on one of the VIP lounge packages, which offer varying levels of elevation, expedited check in, private tours and more.
Can’t see yourself purchasing a ticket? Remember the “Porsches and Power” lineup on Saturday is free, and a portion of Coast Boulevard at the southeast corner of the park will be lined with spectacular automobiles for a free stroll – this is our “outside the ropes” strategy for free viewing.
Street closures and parking
A longtime iconic La Jolla event, the Concours is a well-oiled machine, maintaining a predictable footprint in The Village.
The organizers will begin setting up Thursday, April 24, with most of Scripps Park closed off and the northernmost portions of Girard Avenue and Coast Boulevard and adjacent streets closed for the duration of the event, through Monday, April 27.
Prospect Street from Girard Avenue to Cave Street will be closed all day Saturday, April 25 for the Porches and Power portion.
An extremely popular event, the Concours will draw many to The Village for the weekend, so check our La Jolla parking guide and leave yourself plenty of time to find a spot.
Make it a La Jolla weekend
However you choose to partake in the roadworthy festivities, many La Jolla restaurants will be hosting related specials, so check around for promotions.
Staying here? Rooms at La Valencia Hotel, Grande Colonial and Cormorant Boutique Hotel are steps away from the action, while a spot at Inn by the Sea is a close, budget-friendly option.
Whether you’re a devoted car aficionado or just looking for an unforgettable way to spend a spring weekend in Southern California, the La Jolla Concours d’Elegance is a classic place to be. Explore ticket options and purchase here.
Looking for more La Jolla events? Head to our Events page for the best goings-on.
