Classic events: five tips for the 2026 classic car season

Now they're shining and roaring again: after the last late spells of winter before Easter, it's finally really spring and therefore time to give the mothballed beauties on wheels a run again. People are also happy about this: In surveys, almost half of the Swiss say they enjoy the sight of classic and vintage cars, and a good fifth would like to own such a piece of rolling cultural heritage themselves.

Numerous events for all tastes
The number of events in the classic car sector is almost unmanageably large: hill climbs and beauty contests, parts markets and rallies, trade fairs and brand meetings or classics such as Oldtimer in Obwalden, the folk festival with classic cars in between. And every year there is something new, such as this year's Youngstar Awards for classic cars. Here are just five of the many events that are guaranteed to put a sparkle in the eyes of classic car fans.

For gems: Zurich Classic Car Award
Two Concours d'Elegance, i.e. beauty contests for not only, but often particularly rare and noble gems, have long been established: the Zurich Classic Car Award (ZCCA), this year on August 12, and its Ticino sister event, the Ascona Classic Car Award (ACCA), this time on September 19/20. Both in the city with free admission to admire the gems. Info: openairtours.ch/car-awards/zcca-zurich-classic-car-award

For youngtimers: Youngstar Awards
Until now, youngtimers (i.e. classic cars under 30 years old) have been overshadowed by classic cars. No more of that: Now comes the big event for youngtimers built between 1975 and 2006: there are still places available (registration deadline 15.5.) for the Youngstar Awards! On June 6 in Däniken SO, an expert jury will select ten finalists from 50 vehicles, from which two winners will be chosen at Auto Zürich on November 7 and presented with photo shoots.
Info: youngstar-awards.ch

The folk festival: classic cars in Obwalden
For the 27th time, the canton of Obwalden will be the epicenter of the classic car scene on Pentecost Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday, Oldtimer in Obwalden (O-iO) is a town festival in Sarnen OW with bratwurst, music, families and free admission, while over 500 oldies from the pre-war oldie from 1911 to the Smart Roadster-Coupé from 2004 shine and parade. The passenger rides are very popular. On Sunday, the procession continues from Sarnen to Brienz BE.
Info: o-io.ch

The trade fair: Swiss Classic World
The Swiss Classic World (SCW) at the Lucerne Exhibition Center has long since established itself as the most important local trade fair for the entire scene. Over 1000 classic cars and more than 200 exhibitors, from parts dealers to various clubs, will be there again from May 29 to 31. The number of surrounding events is huge, including driving events, a classic car auction or a rally for youngtimers and, of course, the classic car market.
Info: swissclassicworld.ch

The starting signal: Season Opening
The Motorworld Manufaktur in Kemptthal ZH is always an attraction - because the countless events of Open Air Tours take place not only, but often here, with a particularly broad program since 2004. In addition to rallies and tours, after the successful season opening with the French Car Meeting (without a minimum age for the vehicles), there are also other country meetings for Italian (5.7.), Japanese (6.9.) or German (4.10.) cars.
Info:  openairtours.ch