This June, Highlands will host hundreds of classic car enthusiasts with the nineteenth annual Highlands Motoring Festival.
Seven events will span four days and include two car shows, driving tours, evening gatherings and a Main Street parade. The festival’s 2026 Grand Marshal will be Mr. Wayne Carini.
He brings a vast career in all phases of collecting classic cars including his long-running TV show Chasing Classic Cars. He will be involved in each of the festival events.
Highlands Motoring Festival is unique among car shows. The event’s biggest limitation has become a strength. Saturday’s concours level Classics in the Park car show is staged in Highlands’ Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park, where space limits the number of cars that can safely be displayed. This limitation has led to an application process for potential entries.
All applicants are screened by a selection committee which creates a show with high quality and rare classic cars that are judged by an all-star team of judges. The festival has gained national attention with this strategy.
Highlands Motoring Festival has traditionally attracted unique and unusual cars making for an eclectic field of cars. The 2026 featured theme is a celebration of America’s 250 Years of Independence. A battle reenactment will be staged but with classic cars from Jaguar verses Corvette. The battlefield is Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park on Saturday, June 13.
In addition to the featured theme cars, there will be sixty other classics displayed in eight classes. Invited cars for 2026 include a Ferrari 275GTB/4, an Aston Martin DB5, a Plymouth Superbird, a Maserati 3500GT, and an Abarth Fiat.
As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, Highlands Motoring Festival is staged by volunteers from the community who work year-round, with no compensation.
During the festival, a small army of volunteers are needed to stage the seven events spanning four days. Many of these volunteers are classic car enthusiasts, while there are dozens of other citizens who turn out just to support the three beneficiary charities and community at large. These volunteers find the experience to be uplifting and rewarding. HMF embraces anyone interested in volunteering. The group’s volunteer coordinator, Cal Issac, would love to hear from you (scoop1@aol.com). Those who are interested in classic cars can work behind the scenes and get a better understanding of these spectacular classics and their owners.
Highlands Motoring Festival Schedule of Events
Thursday June 11
8:00 A.M.: One Lap of the Mountains Grande Registration
5:30–7:30 P.M.: Happy Hour with Wayne Carini
Performing Arts Center
Friday June 12
9:30 A.M.: One Lap of the Mountains Speciale Registration
5:30–6:30 P.M.: Main Street Parade of Classic Cars
Saturday, June 13
9:30 A.M.–4:00 P.M.: Classics in the Park
Invitational Judged Car Show
Kelsey-Hutchinson Park
6:00–9:00 P.M.: Dinner with Wayne Carini
Wildcat Cliffs Country Club
Sunday, June 14
8:30–11:00 A.M.: High Octane Social and Car Gathering
Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park
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