You don’t need to know the difference between a Jaguar E-Type and the car you drove to Schenley Park to enjoy the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix. Yes, there will be cars—thousands of them—including rare Jaguars, vintage racers, and meticulously restored classics. But the 10-day lovefest for automobiles also includes garden parties, neighborhood gatherings, live music, and one of Pittsburgh’s favorite summer traditions: vintage sports cars racing through the curves and wooded hillsides of Schenley Park.

“It’s like a motor Mardi Gras,” says Dan DelBianco, executive director of the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix.

Now in its 44th year, the Grand Prix draws more than 100,000 people and is considered one of the nation’s largest vintage street races. The 2026 celebration runs July 11-19, culminating in race weekend in Schenley Park.

The Best Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix Events to Attend This Year

From rare Jaguars and black-tie parties to vintage cars turning Schenley Park into a racetrack, here’s how to decide what belongs on your calendar.

If You Want to See the Cars Everyone Will Be Talking About: International Jaguar Festival

Jaguar has been part of the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix before—the historic British brand has been named the event’s featured marque (the carmaker honored and highlighted throughout the festival) every 10 years since 1986—but this year brings something new. For the first time, the International Jaguar Festival is coming to Pittsburgh.

“The Internationl Jaguar Festival joining us is a big deal,” DelBianco says. “We’ve never had it here before.”

Think of the festival as a gathering of some of the most passionate Jaguar collectors and enthusiasts, who bring their prized cars together for competitions, displays, and a celebration of the brand’s history and design. The festival’s Concours d’Elegance—a judged competition where cars are evaluated on factors such as restoration, condition, and authenticity—will be one of the can’t miss events at the International Car Show held in Schenley Park.

Ian Callum, the legendary designer behind some of Jaguar’s most recognizable modern cars, will serve as grand marshal and present trophies during the festival. Visitors will also have the chance to meet Callum and have cars he designed autographed.

“To be able to have that festival and have cars racing around you at the same time is pretty unique,” DelBianco says.

Need to know: The International Car Show takes place Saturday, July 18, at Schenley Park. Spectator parking is available on Flagstaff Hill for a $20 donation per car.

If You Want a Fancy Night Out: Black Tie & Tailpipes Gala

The Grand Prix’s most glamorous tradition is the Black Tie & Tailpipes Gala. This year’s event has an especially fitting location: the Kamin Science Center, which is preparing to debut its new Science of Speed exhibit exploring the physics and technology behind racing. Guests will get an early look at the exhibit—which includes racing simulators and an electric kart track—along with dinner, cocktails, live music, an auction, and classic cars displayed outside the museum.

Need to know: The gala is Saturday, July 11. Tickets are $399.

If You Want Cocktails With Your Classic Cars: Grand Prix Garden Party

Trade the grandstands for the gardens at one of the prettiest events of Grand Prix week. The Grand Prix Garden Party brings classic cars onto the lawn at Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens for an evening of cocktails, food stations, music, and summer scenery. Guests can wander the gardens, admire the cars, and hear live music from violinist Olga Taimanov.

Need to know: The Garden Party takes place Thursday, July 16. Tickets are $350.

If You Want the Classic Grand Prix Experience: Race Weekend at Schenley Park

This is the event that started it all. Vintage race cars take over the winding roads of Schenley Park, creating what DelBianco describes as a natural amphitheater where spectators can watch from the hillsides.

This year’s races include vintage cars dating back decades, with qualifying sessions Saturday and championship races Sunday. Between races, visitors can explore the International Car Show, browse displays, visit food vendors, and walk through the racer paddock, where they can get an up-close look at the cars and the teams preparing them to race.

Need to know: Race weekend is Saturday, July 18, and Sunday, July 19. Races begin Sunday at 8 a.m. and continue until 4:30 p.m.

More Grand Prix Events Throughout the Week

The celebration continues across Pittsburgh with:

– Walnut Street Invitational: 125 rare classic and exotic cars on display

– Sewickley Stampede & Roundup: a neighborhood block party and race celebration

– Waterfront Car Cruise: a gathering for car fans along the riverfront

– Downtown Car Display and Tune-Up Party: a midweek celebration in the city

– Countryside Tour: a scenic drive through the Laurel Highlands

Story by Lauren Davidson
Photo From Pittsburgh Grand Prix on Flickr

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