The Audrain Newport Concours 2026 brought extraordinary automobiles, celebrated personalities, and memorable social gatherings to Newport, Rhode Island.
The Social Diary returned to Newport for another thoughtfully crafted weekend of automotive excellence, hospitality, and memorable festivities. From elegant hats to vintage horsepower, the four-day celebration offered something for everyone.
However, the festivities celebrated more than automotive excellence. They also highlighted community, philanthropy, and the remarkable women helping shape Newport’s social and cultural landscape.
Audrain Newport Concours 2026: Women Take Centre Stage
The Audrain Newport Concours 2026 festivities included an elegant gathering of women at historic Rough Point on October 1st. The former home of philanthropist Doris Duke provided a fitting setting for the second annual “Driven to Thrive” Audrain Hat Luncheon.
Following its successful 2025 debut, the event returned with renewed energy, bringing together women who share a commitment to philanthropy and community. Hosted by the Audrain Automobile Museum Women’s Advisory Committee, the luncheon celebrated style, generosity, and meaningful connections.
Guests embraced the occasion with fabulous hats, elegant ensembles, and an unmistakable spirit of celebration. Yet the afternoon offered more than fashion. The event supported the Women’s Fund of Rhode Island and initiatives championed by the museum’s Women’s Advisory Committee.
Dr. Shirley Madhere-Weil chaired the benefit, while Dr. Daryl Appleton served as keynote speaker. Appleton, an executive coach and international speaker, shared her expertise in leadership and personal development.
Benefit committee member and author Erica Gerard Di Bona also highlighted the importance of gratitude through her book, A Letter Is Better! The Art of Thank You. Di Bona spoke about the value of personal correspondence and meaningful expressions of appreciation. Guests received copies of her book in their gift bags, extending her message beyond the afternoon’s festivities.
A special check presentation further underscored the luncheon’s charitable purpose.
Jay Leno Joins Audrain Newport Concours 2026 Festivities
Thursday’s celebrations continued with an invitation-only VIP welcome reception at Faxon Lodge. The gathering helped launch a busy Motor Week featuring automotive exhibitions, tours, auctions, and exclusive social events.
Television personality and automotive enthusiast Jay Leno brought additional star power to the festivities.
Throughout the weekend, Leno participated in automotive discussions, sharing his passion for remarkable vehicles and the people who preserve them. His appearances helped introduce Newport’s celebrated automotive traditions to a wider audience.
Audrain Newport Concours 2026 Celebrates Automotive Excellence
Throughout the weekend, Newport welcomed an extraordinary collection of vintage automobiles, supercars, and historic racing vehicles. The festivities included automotive seminars, Cars & Coffee, special exhibitions, and the popular Tour d’Elegance.
The 2026 celebration marked an exciting chapter for Audrain, as the main concours moved to historic Fort Adams State Park. The waterfront venue welcomed 191 automobiles and more than 60 international judges.
For newcomers, a concours d’elegance celebrates exceptional automobiles through design, craftsmanship, history, and preservation. Unlike a traditional race, judges evaluate the vehicles’ elegance, authenticity, condition, and historical significance.
This year’s program also introduced the inaugural Audrain Supercar Concours d’Elegance on October 3rd. Held at Fort Adams State Park, the competition showcased exceptional supercars and hypercars.
A 1993 McLaren F1 XP4 Prototype, owned by Rob Kauffman, captured Best of Show honours.
The new competition brought another dimension to Newport’s celebrated automotive weekend.
A Magnificent Delahaye Takes Best of Show
The Audrain Newport Concours 2026 concluded Sunday, October 4th with 191 extraordinary automobiles competing before more than 60 international judges. Against the scenic backdrop of Newport Harbour, Fort Adams State Park provided a spectacular setting for the competition.
A stunning 1938 Delahaye 165 Cabriolet, owned by Fritz Burkard, earned the coveted Best of Show award.
The French automobile features dramatic Art Deco-inspired coachwork by Figoni et Falaschi. Its flowing bodywork and exceptional craftsmanship reflect the artistry of prewar automotive design.
Meanwhile, Richard Johnston’s 1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Convertible Coupe captured the People’s Choice award.
A Presidential Surprise at the Concours
Former President Joe Biden added an unexpected highlight to Sunday’s festivities at the Audrain Newport Concours 2026. Biden arrived with his treasured 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray Convertible, a wedding gift from his father.
Automotive enthusiast and television personality Jay Leno personally invited Biden to Newport, encouraging him to bring his beloved Corvette. The former president joined fellow car enthusiasts in celebrating automotive history, craftsmanship, and the stories behind these remarkable vehicles.
His classic Corvette received the inaugural Spirit of Audrain Award, recognizing its special connection to automotive heritage. Although the Corvette did not compete in the judged competition, its appearance added another memorable chapter to Newport’s celebrated automotive weekend.
Hospitality Notes: Newport Entertains in Style
Beyond the magnificent automobiles, Audrain Newport Concours 2026 celebrated another Newport tradition: gracious hospitality.
The festivities began Wednesday with a members’ cocktail reception at the Audrain Automobile Museum, setting the stage for an exciting weekend.
Thursday brought another round of memorable gatherings, including the women’s hat luncheon at Rough Point. Pranzi Catering treated luncheon guests to a delicious menu featuring lobster tails. Meanwhile, DJ Joe Del Buono kept the atmosphere lively throughout the afternoon.
Guests gathered beneath an elegantly arranged tent, enjoying shopping, conversation, and the beautiful waterfront setting. The thoughtfully planned celebration combined fashion, dining, and charitable giving while encouraging meaningful connections among guests.
Later Thursday, the invitation-only VIP welcome reception at Faxon Lodge continued the festivities. The evening offered another opportunity for automotive enthusiasts and guests to connect as Newport’s celebrated Motor Week unfolded.
From elegant luncheon tables to festive receptions, hospitality added its own distinctive character to the week. These gatherings demonstrated that memorable events extend beyond the main attraction. They also celebrate the people, conversations, and shared experiences that bring everyone together.
The Gathering at Rough Point
Friday’s popular Gathering transformed Doris Duke’s historic oceanfront estate into a lively celebration of automobiles, lifestyle, and hospitality. The well-attended garden party brought together automotive enthusiasts, collectors, and guests amid sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Beyond the remarkable vehicles, guests enjoyed complimentary food and beverages highlighting the flavours of Rhode Island and New England. Champagne, delicious bites, luxury displays, and spectacular automobiles created an atmosphere that blended Newport tradition with contemporary style.
The sprawling estate provided a memorable setting for socializing while exploring exceptional automotive craftsmanship.
Saturday Morning Cars & Coffee at Fort Adams
Saturday morning brought another opportunity for car enthusiasts to gather at Fort Adams State Park.
Cars & Coffee welcomed visitors from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m., offering a relaxed start to a weekend filled with automotive excitement.
The gathering added a casual, welcoming dimension to Motor Week, bringing people together through their shared appreciation of automobiles.
A Grand Finale at Fort Adams
On Sunday, the Audrain Newport Concours d’Elegance brought the festivities to Fort Adams State Park.
Alongside the magnificent automobile displays, guests enjoyed hospitality offerings throughout the waterfront venue. Food and beverage concessions provided refreshments, while VIP guests enjoyed dedicated hospitality areas with dining and beverages throughout the day.
The historic fort and sweeping harbour views offered a striking setting for the weekend’s grand finale. From elegant luncheon tables to oceanfront garden parties and waterfront hospitality, Newport delivered a memorable celebration.
Each gathering demonstrated that outstanding events offer more than impressive attractions. They create connections, shared experiences, and lasting memories.
More Than a Celebration of Cars
Beyond its remarkable automobiles, Audrain Newport Concours 2026 celebrated the people, traditions, and community connections that make Newport special.
The Audrain Newport Concours 2026 demonstrated how automotive culture connects with Newport’s broader community. Collectors celebrated exceptional engineering, while visitors enjoyed fashion, hospitality, history, and unforgettable waterfront settings.
The women’s luncheon brought an especially meaningful dimension to the festivities.
Through friendship, charitable giving, and community leadership, its participants helped expand the event’s story beyond the automobiles. Ultimately, Newport’s automotive celebration offered far more than gleaming chrome and powerful engines. It brought people together through shared interests, memorable experiences, and a commitment to preserving traditions.
And sometimes, the most unforgettable statement isn’t made beneath the hood. It’s made beneath a fabulous hat.