There’s only one way to really start the year right…and that’s with a car event ✨
As always, there are plenty of events going on all around the world for you to check out. Whether you want to travel for it or just see what’s happening in your city, there is something for everyone.
Here I’m recapping 10 of the top car events happening in January 2026 (I can’t believe we’re already in 2026 😳)
1. Dakar Rally
January 3 - 17 | Saudi Arabia
Starting the year with one of the most intense races ever - it’s the Dakar Rally. Historically known as the Paris - Dakar rally. This is an incredibly unique adventure that began back in 1977. Now, it’s a truly extreme driving challenge, with 5 different categories, covering thousands of kilometres in the Saudi Arabian desert.
2. Tokyo Auto Salon
January 9 - 11 | Tokyo, Japan
Discover the best of the best of Japanese car culture. This is one of those events that is really worth flying across the world for. Exhibition halls filled with iconic Japanese cars, crazy builds, and designs you’ve probably never seen anywhere else. Plus, the whole city turns into car lover’s paradise with meets and gatherings happening all around the week of the Salon.
3. Brussels Motor Show
January 9 - 18 | Brussels, Belgium
This is the 102nd edition of the Brussels Motor Show. Join some of the top car & motorcycle manufacturers in the capital of Belgium for a major automotive exhibition. They will also be announcing the 2026 Car of the Year!
4. Maastricht InterClassics
January 15 - 18 | Maastricht, Netherlands
Another exhibition gathering hundreds of classic cars and sporting icons. This year they’re paying a special tribute to Japan’s automotive heritage. Focusing on cutting-edge technology and rich history. Plus, they will also be introducing the new Supercar Foyer. An exclusive space displaying some of the top modern sports cars and hypercars (even available to buy). This is what I mean when I say an event has something for everyone.
5. Rally Monte Carlo
January 22 - 25 | Monte-Carlo, Monaco
The season opener for the World Rally Championship. This rally not only has a rich heritage, but it also presents a real challenge. Driving through the mountainous and icy roads of the French Alps, this is one of those races where anything can happen. It’s one of the oldest and most iconic motorsport events in the world.
6. Car Passion Drift Day
January 23 | Belgium
Have you ever wanted to learn how to drift? Well here’s an opportunity for you in Belgium. A full day of drifting and professional coaching to get the best out of your car.
7. RetroMalaga
January 23 - 25 | Malaga, Spain
A classic and vintage cars show in southern Spain. Here you’ll see everything from car exhibitions, to stands selling spare parts, merch, model cars, and even more. It offers a fun day out for car lovers on the Costa del Sol.
8. Paris Retromobile
January 28 - February 1 | Paris, France
A car show that dates all the way back to 1976, this one is not to be missed. Perhaps one of the greatest exhibitions that marks the beginning of the car event calendar. Hosted in Paris, it attracts manufacturers and spectators from every corner of the world. This is one of those events that I wait for all year. If you could attend only one event from this list, this is the one I would pick.
“Here, everything smells of oil, memory and passion.”
9. The ICE
January 30 - 31 | St. Moritz, Switzerland
This one falls amongst some of the most luxurious and glamorous events on the calendar. It’s not only a weekend of elegance but also filled with action…and action on ice. Here you’ll get to see things you might’ve previously thought impossible, like a Porsche 908-03 or Lancia Stratos Zero racing on a frozen lake in Switzerland. This might be the ultimate winter car gathering.
10. Bremen Classic Motorshow
January 30 - February 1 | Bremen, Germany
January might be the month of automotive exhibitions. Who doesn’t want to see some of the best cars all gathered together in one place? In this case, it’s the Classic Motorshow in Bremen. A place for enthusiasts to discover cars on display, for restorers to find their next project, for newcomers to delve into a new passion, and for collectors find their next purchase.
Will you be attending any of these events?
