The premier East Coast car event of the Spring, Amelia Island Concours Week 2026, will be taking place in Fernandina Beach, Florida for the 31st time this year. 2026 also marks the third year Wolf and Mare will be in attendance as members of the collector car industry and, as always, we’re excited to see how this experience continues to evolve.

Amelia Island Concours Week can be an overwhelming experience. Information on the week’s events are scattered among various sources — so we’ve created a comprehensive summary of the week’s major activities for our readers. Since Wolf and Mare’s primary mission is to help the community better enjoy the collector car hobby, we also share our tips and tricks for making the experience as trouble-free and fun as possible. 

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 a variety of northeast Florida non-profits, including Community Hospice and Palliative Care, and this charitable tradition continues into Hagerty’s ownership of the event. 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, Greenwich Concours d’Elegance and the Louis Vuitton Classic in Manhattan.

Celebration of motorsport has long been an element of the Amelia concours, and 2026 is no different. This year’s honoree is Dario Franchitti, a four-time IndyCar champ and endurance racing winner. Cars from Franchitti’s own racing history are expected to be a part of this year’s display.

Perhaps the most significant change this year is the date of the anchor event itself. The Amelia, née The Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026.

The Amelia Concours is typically held the second weekend in March and and usually runs on Sunday, but as mentiond above this year the main event will occur on Saturday and swaps places with Cars & Caffeine® which will now be on Sunday. Below you will find detail on information on the big events happening during Concours Week and additional tips and suggestions for a pleasant trip.

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 for more information.

The prestige of The Amelia concours attracts some of the most exclusive collector cars in the world, making it the perfect venue for high-end auctions. If you’re looking for a special car, chances are one is crossing the block this week. Auction previews are open to the public and can be mini car shows on their own. Listed below are the two major auction events of the week.

For those looking for the RM Sotheby’s, the auction house no longer holds an auction at Amelia Island and instead holds its Florida auction the week before at its counter-event, MODAMIAMI. Bonhams Cars has also left Amelia Island Concours Week, instead teaming up with the Miami Grand Prix to host a live auction right on the F1 circuit.

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 Amelia Island Concours Week 2025.

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 per car, per day. Street and lot parking in Fernandina Beach is possible, but a battle. Make sure you bring lots of $10 and $20 bills for parking fees. It’ll make your life easier.

In past years, many attendees would park for free along some of the main roads near the Ritz Carlton. Since 2024, the city has been barricading many of these spaces. Beach parking lots are similarly closed off during the peak days. As an alternative, consider arriving early and parking at one of the local homes that open their yards for parking during the event.

Some auctions and events (like Gooding Christie’s and Werks Reunion) will have their own parking fees, locations and shuttles, 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 for carrying supplies, like sunblock, bug spray, an extra jacket, snacks, etc. Don’t overdo it, but it’s better to be prepared than have to slog back to your hotel. Bag checks for security will occur at major events, so be prepared to open it up at the gate.

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.

While the cost of attending some events during Amelia Island Concours Week has increased with Hagerty’s acquisition, the experience has greatly improved overall. We’re excited to attend in 2026 and see how auction results shape up after a boisterous start to the collector car selling season in January.

Hopefully, our days will be filled with focused work on behalf of our clients and sprinkled with a little leisure. We hope our guide above will help you plan an amazing visit to Amelia Island whether traveling alone, with friends or family. If you’re heading down to Florida, let us know! We’d love to meet you.

Keep an eye out for our recap of the Amelia Island auctions in early March!

Wolf and Mare provides on-site consulting 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!