Hey! How’s your 2026 going?
It’s already shaping up to be a solid year for car lovers, with a stacked lineup of automotive events across Canada. Whether you’re into motorsport, design, or just love being around beautiful machines, there’s a lot to look forward to. Take a look inside the SoViolette Guide to 5 Car Events in Canada You Don’t Want to Miss in 2026 !
1. The Canadian International AutoShow, Toronto, Ontario
February 13–22, 2026
Kicking off the year is the 98th Canadian International AutoShow, and it’s coming in hot. Expect the usual mix of manufacturer updates, concept cars, and fresh reveals, plus a few standout moments that make this show shine every year.
One brand stealing the spotlight? McLaren. After winning the 2025 Formula 1 World Drivers’ Championship and Constructors’ Championship, the brand is riding serious momentum, and Canadian fans get a rare treat. McLaren is bringing three legends to Toronto: the iconic F1, the P1, and the W1, the long-awaited successor to the P1. Getting up close with all three in one place is a pretty special moment.
OBLIVION Returns to the Canadian International AutoShow With the Best of the Era as well with iconic cars from the 80’s and 90’s. More announcements are still to come, but if you’re starting your 2026 car calendar early, this one’s a no-brainer.
Tickets : https://autoshow.ca/
2. Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix, Montreal, Quebec
May 22–24, 2026
The Montreal Formula 1 Grand Prix is always a highlight of the season for Canadians, and 2026 is about to hit different. This year marks a major shake-up on the grid, with Audi and Cadillac officially entering Formula 1 as new teams, expanding the field to 11 teams for the first time in years.
Audi steps in as a full works team by taking over Sauber, signaling a serious long-term commitment to F1. Cadillac’s entry backed by major American motorsport power adds even more intrigue to the paddock. ou’ll be able to see both teams’ cars make their on-track performance live in Montreal, on the iconic Circuit Gilles Villeneuve circuit. Don’t miss your chance to see some new and familiar faces – Valterri Bottas, Checo Perez, Nico Hulkenburg and Gabriel Bortoleto to name a few.
This event turns Montreal into a full-on F1 playground for the weekend. Between the new teams, fresh cars, the return of beloved F1 Drivers on the grid and one of the most loved tracks on the calendar, this is absolutely a don’t-miss race for 2026.
3. Ontario Honda Dealers Indy — IndyCar Grand Prix of Markham – Markham, Ontario
August 14th-16th 2026
An era ends, and a new one begins. While the iconic Princes’ Gates downtown are no longer hosting the NTT Series of the Toronto Indy, 2026 marks the debut of the IndyCar Grand Prix of Markham, a brand-new street race set to shake things up just outside the city.
This season also brings fresh storylines on track. Mick Schumacher makes his IndyCar debut with Rahal Letterman Lanigan (RLL), adding serious pedigree to the grid. And while Colton Herta has moved on to Formula 2 with Cadillac, the excitement around IndyCar in Ontario is anything but slowing down. New circuit, new energy, this one’s going to be fun to watch.
4. CTMP Castrol Victoria Day SpeedFest – Bowmanville, Ontario
May 15–17, 2026
Spending the Victoria Day long weekend trackside? CTMP’s Castrol Victoria Day SpeedFest is one of those low-key iconic Canadian race weekends that real car people love. Just 45 minutes from Toronto, the former Mosport track turns 65 years old in 2026, and it’s celebrating the best way possible, by going racing.
Expect full paddock access (with event ticket), giving fans a rare chance to get up close with NASCAR Canada, Emzone Radical Cup Canada, and USF2000 cars. This event is all about close racing, real drivers, and access that still feels refreshingly fan-first.
CTMP also quietly entered a new era at the end of 2025, with Chris Pfaff and Alek Krstajic joining a new ownership group, news that immediately turned heads in Canada’s racing scene when announced late 2025. With Pfaff now more involved, SpeedFest 2026 feels like a reset moment: same legendary circuit, fresh energy, and a lot to be excited about.
Full Calendar and Tickets : https://canadiantiremotorsportpark.com/
5. Cobble Beach Concours d’Elegance – Owen Sound, Ontario
September 2026
Set against the scenic backdrop of Georgian Bay at the Cobble Beach Golf Resort, the Cobble Beach Concours d’Elegance is where automotive culture meets pure elegance. The show features everything from perfectly preserved classics to rare modern machines, all displayed in one of the most beautiful settings in Canada.
Beyond the cars, during the weekend, you’ll find discussion panels with legendary drivers and racing veterans, plus the always-entertaining Hagerty Concours d’Lemons, where the quirkiest, most unexpected cars steal the show. It’s relaxed, social, and surprisingly fun; perfect for a weekend getaway, whether you’re travelling solo or making it a family trip.
From Formula 1 and IndyCar to grassroots racing and concours-level classics, Canada’s 2026 car event calendar offers something for every type of car enthusiast. Whether you’re in it for speed, design, or community, these five events are worth locking into your calendar early.
Which events are you excited to go to this year?
Xo,
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Photo Credits :
AutoShow Media
CTMP Communications
SoViolette Photos
Goldyn Foto
@t_photography09 / @Malcolm Strachan Instagram
email us for additional photo credits violette@soviolette.com