For the 28th year, Amelia Island Concours Week will be held in Fernandina Beach, Florida in 2024. This year marks the first year Wolf and Mare will be in attendance as members of the collector car industry rather than simply excited spectators, and we’re stoked!

Amelia Island Concours Week can be a bewildering experience if it’s your first time. Since Wolf and Mare’s primary mission is to help the community better enjoy the collector car hobby, we thought we’d share the tips and tricks we’ve learned with all of you. 

The Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance was founded by Bill Warner of Road & Track fame way back in 1996. More than a profit-seeking or niche car community gathering, the event is a charitable one that benefits the Community Hospice of Northeast Florida. Over the years it has gained a reputation as one of the premier concours in the world, among such notable events at the Concours d’Elegance in Pebble Beach and the Louis Vuitton Classic in Manhattan.

As the concours has gained notoriety and respect over the years for the exceptional vehicles that are invited and the notable guests that are honored there, many other events and activities have sprung up around the main event such as auctions, smaller special interest shows, parties and more. As much a social event as a high-end car exhibition, this small town in northeast Florida positively buzzes with activity during show week.

The Amelia Island Concours is typically held the second weekend in March, but will run from February 29th to March 3d in 2024. We hope our guide below will help you plan an amazing visit to Amelia Island whether traveling alone, with friends or family.

The list above is in no way comprehensive, and many smaller clubs like the Lotus Club or Morgan Club will have their own events during Amelia Concours Week. We encourage you to check the club websites of your favorite marques. 

The prestige of The Amelia concours attracts some of the most exclusive collector cars in the world to a series of high-end auctions that take place prior to the car show weekend. If you’re looking for a special car, chances are one is crossing the block this week. Auction previews can be mini car shows on their own, so we’ve highlighted the major auctions that will be at Amelia for you below. As we’ll be working these events, maybe we’ll see you there!

For those looking for the RM Sotheby’s auction that used to take place at the Ritz Carlton, it’s been replaced by Broad Arrow’s event as a result of Hagerty’s purchase of The Amelia. RM Sotheby’s is holding its Florida auction in Miami the same weekend during its counter-event, MODAMIAMI. We hope to check this one out in 2025.

If you (well, your travel companions) need a break from all the car craziness, here are some great non-car related activities you can enjoy during car week.

It’s a nightmare during concours week, so be prepared for frustration. For The Amelia, parking is at the airport with transfer to the event via shuttle buses. Parking is $20/car/day. Street and lot parking in Fernandina Beach is possible, but a battle. Make sure you bring lots of 10 and 20 dollar bills for parking fees. It’ll make your life easier.

Near the Ritz, lots of folks will park for free along some of the main roads. Look for the line of cars and people walking toward the venues. Depending on when you arrive, you may have a hike ahead of you.

Some auctions and events (like Gooding & Company and Werks Reunion) will have their own parking fees and locations, so check their websites beforehand.

Most people bring their own cars and park in one of the event lots or seek street parking. Even with a car, you’ll find yourself walking for many miles over the course of the week, so bring comfortable walking shoes. 

We recommend a backpack or other tote to carry supplies in, like sunblock, bug spray, an extra jacket, snacks, etc. Don’t overdo it, but it’s better to be prepared than have to hoof it back to your hotel.

Make reservations early! Fernandina Beach is packed with visitors during Amelia Island Concours Week and restaurants book up fast. Alternatively, dine at establishments that do not offer reservations or visit one of the local grocery stores to prepare your own meals.

Amelia is a social event, so you’ll find lots of folks hanging out in local watering holes talking cars throughout the week. If you’re not shy, stop in and make some new friends.

We’re looking forward to our first visit to Amelia Island Concours Week since we last attended in 2021 and are excited to see the changes amidst a very different car market. Hopefully, our days will be filled with focused work on behalf of our clients, sprinkled with a little fun that we can bring back and share. If you’re heading down to Florida, let us know! We’d love to meet you.

Wolf and Mare provides on-site appraisal and valuation services for sellers and buyers of collector European cars. If you’re planning to bid at Amelia, give us a call or drop us a line!