Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance features cars, music and driving tour
Jaguars, collector cars, car clubs and a Friday night concert are among the attractions at the 2026 Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival, which returns to Port Royal Golf Club this month for its 24th year.
The Concours kicks off Oct. 29 and runs through Nov. 1, with its main public events beginning Friday, Oct. 30. While the weekend culminates with the judged Concours d’Elegance on Sunday, Saturday offers a different show field with the Car Club Showcase.
The weekend’s activities begin before the cars fill the golf course. Friday features the Lowcountry Driving Tour, followed that evening by Motor Cars & Music on the 18th fairway at Port Royal Golf Club.
Taylor Hicks, winner of the fifth season of “American Idol,” will perform during the benefit concert. Folderol also will perform.
The Saturday showcase brings together vehicles representing 21 invited automotive clubs. Participating groups include Corvettes of Hilton Head, the Ferrari Club of South Carolina, Coastal Empire Region Porsche Club of America, Mercedes-Benz Club of North America, Pontiac Owners Club and the Lowcountry chapter of the Antique Motorcycle Club of America, along with several Lowcountry-area car clubs.
The clubs bring their selected vehicles to the first and 18th fairways of the Planter’s Row course at Port Royal Golf Club, where they compete for awards. The Car Club Showcase runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday brings a different field of cars and a different
More than 200 vehicles are expected for the Concours d’Elegance, where 75 judges from across North America are scheduled to evaluate entries in designated classes before the selection of Best of Show.
Jaguar is the 2026 honored marque, with three Sunday classes devoted to the British automaker: Jaguar Saloons, Jaguars that Compete and Jaguar Sports Evolution. The Concours also will recognize Pontiac’s 100th anniversary with two classes.
Additional Sunday categories include Brass Era vehicles, American production and sports cars, British roadsters, classics, international sports cars, motorcycles, muscle and performance cars, Porsches, microcars, and supercars and exotics.
Several collectors also will be featured Sunday. Ivan Ruiz is the honored collector, Stephen Plaster is the pinnacle collector, Mike and Debbie Rogers are the velocity collectors, and Rob Dyson is the motorsports collector.
The Rogers’ display is expected to include a 1966 Shelby Cobra 427 “Narrow Hip.”
Younger car enthusiasts can get involved on both Saturday and Sunday through the Hagerty Youth Judging Program. Open to ages 8 to 15 with advance registration, the program teaches participants how to evaluate selected vehicles and gives them an opportunity to talk with owners before choosing their favorites.
According to organizers, the festival plans to revive the Michelin Junior Challenge Design program for 2026.
In July, the festival announced Lowcountry GT, an automotive company founded by collector Steve Menzies, as its presenting sponsor under a multiyear agreement.
The festival says its charitable fund has donated more than $1 million to youth organizations, education programs and automotive scholarships.
Both the Car Club Showcase and the Concours d’Elegance run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Students 17 and younger with valid student identification receive complimentary general admission at the gate.
One parent or guardian accompanying a student receiving complimentary admission can receive 50% off general admission at the gate upon request. The discount is available for up to one parent/guardian per student.
Active Duty Military (with Active Duty I.D.) and immediate family will receive 50% off general admission to the Car Club Showcase plus the Concours d’Elegance at the gate.
For more information about the 2026 Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival, including the event schedule, ticket options and updates, visit www.hhiconcours.com.
