What to Expect at The Amelia 2026: The East Coast’s Premier Collector Weekend
If you’re planning to attend The Amelia 2026, you’re in for one of the best collector weekends on the East Coast. The event runs from March 5 to 8, 2026, and takes place primarily at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, with select activities in the surrounding area.
This guide is built to help you plan a smooth weekend with a simple itinerary and a few insider tips, so you spend less time guessing and more time enjoying the show field, the auction previews, and the Cars & Caffeine atmosphere.
Quick links to save now: The Amelia, The Amelia schedule of events, Auction at The Amelia, Broad Arrow Amelia Auction 2026
The Amelia 2026 at a Glance: Dates, Venues, and the New Schedule
Dates: March 5 to 8, 2026
Primary venue: The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
The biggest schedule change for 2026 is this:
- Concours d’Élégance is Saturday, March 7
- Cars & Caffeine® is Sunday, March 8
That shift makes it easier to build a cleaner weekend plan, especially if you’re flying in and want Saturday to be your main show field day. For the most up-to-date details, bookmark The Amelia schedule of events.
The Weekend Lineup, Simplified
Thursday, March 5: Arrive, Preview, and Kick Off in Style
Thursday is about easing into the weekend and getting your bearings, especially if you want to preview auction cars before crowds peak.
What’s worth planning around:
- Broad Arrow Auction Preview (9:00 am to 4:00 pm)
- Hagerty Ride & Drive (11:00 am to 4:00 pm)
- Reverie (6:30 pm to 9:30 pm)
Planning tip: If you’re even slightly auction curious, walk the preview tents on Thursday. It’s the calmest window to learn, take photos, and compare cars without feeling rushed.
Friday, March 6: Road Tour Energy and Auction Night
Friday blends public viewing, drive experiences, and the first auction session. It’s a strong day for collectors who want both show experience and market education.
What’s worth planning around:
- 8 Flags Road Tour Kick-Off (7:00 am to 9:00 am) in Downtown Fernandina Beach
- Broad Arrow Auction Preview (9:00 am to 4:00 pm)
- Hagerty Ride & Drive (9:00 am to 4:00 pm)
- Broad Arrow Auction session (4:00 pm to 7:00 pm)
- Legends of Speed (evening event, time varies by ticket listing)
Planning tip: Even if you’re not bidding, watching an auction session in person teaches you what collectors reward, what details matter, and how presentation affects perceived value. If you want to attend Legends of Speed, confirm the latest timing on the official ticket page before you lock your schedule.
Saturday, March 7: Concours Day
Saturday is the centerpiece and the best single day to attend if you can only pick one. Prioritize the Concours show field first, then layer in on-site experiences like RADwood and the auction.
What’s worth planning around:
- 31st Amelia Concours d’Élégance (9:30 am to 4:00 pm)
- Broad Arrow Auction Preview (9:00 am to 11:00 am)
- RADwood (9:00 am to 1:00 pm)
- Broad Arrow Auction session (11:00 am to 4:00 pm)
- Hagerty Ride & Drive (11:00 am to 2:00 pm)
Planning tip: If the show field is your main priority, arrive early and walk the Concours first. After you hit your must-see classes, swing to RADwood or the auction tents.
Sunday, March 8: Cars & Caffeine® and Local Car Love
Sunday is a relaxed finish with a community vibe. It’s your best day for casual conversations, photos without the Concours rush, and a “walk slowly, enjoy everything” pace.
What’s worth planning around:
- Cars & Caffeine® (9:00 am to 1:00 pm)
- Hagerty Ride & Drive (9:00 am to 12:00 pm)
- Seminars and other on-site experiences tied to Cars & Caffeine®
Planning tip: If you’re shopping, Sunday is a great day to rewalk what you missed, compare notes, and talk to other enthusiasts about what’s truly special and why.
How to Build a One Day vs Multi Day Itinerary
If You Only Have One Day
Pick Saturday, March 7, and focus on the Concours show field.
Simple plan:
- Morning: Concours show field
- Midday: RADwood or auction preview tents
- Afternoon: finish your photo list and revisit favorites
If You Have Two Days
Do Saturday Concours + Sunday Cars & Caffeine® for the best mix of prestige and community.
If You Have Three or Four Days
Add Thursday and Friday for auction previews and kickoff experiences. This is the best format if you want to learn the market, not just admire the cars.
The Auction Angle: Broad Arrow at The Amelia
Broad Arrow’s presence is a major part of the weekend, and it’s valuable even for non-bidders. You can preview lots, learn what details collectors value, and get an up-close look at top-tier cars across eras.
Use these two pages as your anchors for planning: Auction at The Amelia and Broad Arrow Amelia Auction 2026. Auction schedules can shift, so treat those pages as your source of truth as you get closer to March.
What to do if you’re not bidding:
- Walk the preview early and take notes on condition, mileage, and presentation
- Ask yourself what you’d change, preserve, or restore
- Compare what draws attention on the floor versus what actually sells well
First Timer Tips: Comfort, Photos, and Don’t Miss Moments
What to bring:
- Comfortable shoes and a light layer
- Portable phone charger
- Sunglasses and sunscreen for long show field stretches
- A simple notes app template for “favorites” and “follow-up” cars
Photography tip for shoppers:
Take two photos of the car you love:
- a clean three-quarter exterior shot
- a detail shot of something you’d want to remember (interior, wheels, engine bay, plaque)
Best arrival strategy:
Arrive early on Saturday. It’s the difference between calm show field time and “where did the morning go?” energy.
Finance Your Next Collector Car with Woodside Credit
If The Amelia 2026 inspires your next purchase, it helps to be financially ready before the right car shows up. Many collectors prefer a structure that preserves cash flow while still making it possible to buy the car they actually want, not just the one that fits a short-term payment window.
Start by confirming your vehicle fits the program using Eligible Vehicles, then explore financing options based on what you’re shopping for:
- Classic car finance for collector classics and many enthusiast vehicles
- Supercar finance for modern performance and high-end exotics
When you’re ready, start with a no obligation Quick Quote so you can move with confidence if the right car follows you home.
FAQ: The Amelia 2026 Planning Questions People Ask Most
When is The Amelia 2026?
March 5 to 8, 2026.
When is the Concours d’Elegance?
Saturday, March 7, 2026.
What happens on Sunday?
Cars & Caffeine® on Sunday, March 8, 2026.
Where is the main venue?
The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island is the primary venue.
Is the auction worth attending if I’m not bidding?
Yes. Previewing lots and watching auction sessions is one of the fastest ways to learn what collectors value.
Wrap Up: Plan the Weekend, Then Be Ready for the Right Car
The best Amelia weekends are the ones that feel effortless. Lock in your primary day (Saturday for the Concours), add Sunday if you want the community vibe, and use Thursday or Friday if you want auction previews and market learning. Keep your notes and photos organized, and permit yourself to slow down once you hit your “must-see” list.
And if the weekend sparks a purchase, the smartest move is being ready before the right car appears. Confirm eligibility, choose the financing path that fits what you’re targeting, and start with a no-obligation Quick Quote so you can act confidently when the opportunity shows up.
