California Automotive Events 2026
After doing this (whatever this is) for many years we have determined that the best way to keep families together and prevent your children from growing up to be glue sniffers is to get out and attend some automotive events. As we look at the many events we want to wedge into our calendars this year it occurred to us that we should share what we know thus far, however limited that might be.
We probably missed some key events, so will update as we learn more. So here is our list of things you should be doing in 2026.
At a Glance: 2026 Headliners
- Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach (NTT INDYCAR SERIES)
- Sonoma Raceway: NASCAR, NHRA, GT and historic racing
- WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca: IMSA, IndyCar, MotoAmerica, Rolex Reunion
- Monterey Car Week: the centerpiece of automotove culture
- Luftgekühlt: the air-cooled Porsche gathering that feels like an art exhibit
April 17–19, 2026: Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach
Location: Long Beach Street Circuit
Website: gplb.com
Long Beach is the loud, sun-soaked opener that never disappoints. Expect a true street-race vibe, packed grandstands, and a full festival feel. If you want one California motorsport weekend that blends elite racing with an all-day city energy, this is the one.
Sonoma Raceway: Wine Country Speed in 2026
Location: Sonoma, CA
Sonoma Raceway events calendar: sonomaraceway.com/events
Sonoma is where California motorsport gets variety. One month it is high-downforce road racing. The next it is full-throttle dragsters. Add in touring cars, historic weekends, and specialty events, and you have one of the most versatile venues in the country.
March 27–29, 2026: GT World Challenge America Weekend
Series website: gt-world-challenge-america.com
GT racing delivers the best mix of speed, sound, and variety. Look for stacked fields, crisp strategy, and a paddock atmosphere that feels close enough to touch.
June 26–28, 2026: NASCAR Cup Series at Sonoma
NASCAR website: nascar.com
Track event hub: sonomaraceway.com
NASCAR on a road course is always a little chaotic, in the best way. Sonoma tends to reward drivers who can brake late, protect track position, and keep their heads when the strategy starts getting weird.
July 17–19, 2026: DENSO NHRA Sonoma Nationals
NHRA website: nhra.com
Track event details: sonomaraceway.com
If you have never felt Top Fuel in your chest, Sonoma Nationals will fix that immediately. It is equal parts power and spectacle, and it converts first-timers fast.
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca: The Corkscrew Season in 2026
Location: Monterey, CA
Laguna Seca website: weathertechraceway.com
Laguna Seca is one of those tracks that makes everything feel more intense. The elevation changes are real, the braking zones are unforgiving, and the Corkscrew delivers instant drama whether you are watching IMSA prototypes or IndyCars on a late-race push.
May 1–3, 2026: IMSA Monterey SportsCar Championship
Event page: imsa.com/events/2026-weathertech-raceway-laguna-seca
IMSA at Laguna is a perfect match: high-speed prototypes, relentless GT battles, and a circuit that rewards bravery and precision.
July 10–12, 2026: MotoAmerica Superbike Speedfest
MotoAmerica website: motoamerica.com
Track event details: weathertechraceway.com
Two wheels at Laguna is pure commitment. The speed through the fast sections looks impossible in person, and it never gets old.
August 12–15, 2026: Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion
Track event info: weathertechraceway.com
Historic racing done right. The Reunion feels like a moving museum that just happens to be driven at full pace.
September 4–6, 2026: INDYCAR Grand Prix of Monterey
INDYCAR event page: indycar.com/Schedule/2026/Laguna-Seca
This one can define a season. Laguna has a way of turning pressure into mistakes, and mistakes into unforgettable finishes.
Automotive Culture Highlights
Monterey Car Week (August 2026)
Website: seemonterey.com/monterey-car-week
Even if you do not buy a ticket to every event, Car Week is worth experiencing. The peninsula becomes an all-day car show, with everything from hypercars to pre-war icons rolling past you at coffee stops.
Luftgekühlt (Dates vary in 2026)
Website: luftgekuhlt.com
Luftgekühlt is not just a car meet. It is a curated experience that treats air-cooled Porsche history like art. Locations and dates are typically announced as the season approaches, so check the official site for the latest 2026 updates.
Planning Tips
- Book early: The biggest weekends sell out hotels fast, especially Monterey and Long Beach.
- Choose your vibe: Long Beach is city energy, Sonoma is variety, Laguna is scenic intensity.
- Bring layers: Coastal mornings can be cold even when the afternoon is perfect.
- Make it a weekend: These events reward slow travel. Build in time for food, scenery, and nearby towns.
Final word: If you want one year to go all-in on California motorsports and car culture, 2026 is it.