SEEKING YOUNG CAR ENTHUSIASTS TO TAKE THE WHEEL AS JUDGES AT CINCINNATI CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE
Hagerty Youth Judging Program Looking for the Next Generation of Car Enthusiasts at Premier Automotive Event
CINCINNATI, OH – May 14, 2026 – The Cincinnati Concours d’Elegance, an internationally recognized car show that highlights some of the most spectacular automobiles and motorcycles in the world, seeks to connect the next generation of automotive enthusiasts with car collectors through its Hagerty Youth Judging program for its June 14 event. The “Partnership for Youth”, in its fifteenth year, is a partnership between Hagerty, a company built by drivers for drivers, and the Cincinnati Concours.
During the 2026 Cincinnati Concours d’Elegance on Sunday, June 14, at Ault Park, Youth Judges, ages eight to fifteen, will have the opportunity to participate in an informative session on basic car judging skills & interact with the Chief Concours Judge. The Youth Judges will put their skills to the test, awarding three top finishers from a pre-selected group of display automobiles. “The Hagerty Youth Judging Program is designed to involve more young people in the automotive hobby. They will have the opportunity to speak directly with car owners, shadow the Chief Concours Judge, explore each vehicle’s history and unique details and evaluate them using established judging criteria,” noted Michael Kelly, long-time Cincinnati Concours volunteer who co-leads the Hagerty Youth Judging program. “What really stands out is how much the kids love being part of it. They’re engaged, curious and genuinely excited to learn about the cars and to share their opinions,” Mr. Kelly continued.
Youth applications are open now with twenty-five Youth Judges being accepted; the application deadline is May 30, 2026. Each Youth Judge will receive two tickets to the 2026 Cincinnati Concours d’Elegance (the parent or guardian bringing the Youth Judge may, but is not required to, accompany the Youth Judge during the judging process), as well as official Hagerty Youth Judging hat, t-shirt and scorecard; refreshments will also be provided for all Youth Judges. For more information on the Youth Judging program, visit https://ohioconcours.com/contact/hagerty-youth-judges/. Those interested in being considered for Hagerty Youth Judging should complete the online registration form, sign the release form and return it to contact Michael Kelly at Mkelly11@cinci.rr.com.
2026 Cincinnati Concours d’Elegance
The 48th annual Cincinnati Concours d’Elegance featured theme is “100 Years of Mercedes-Benz”. With over 200 cars and motorcycles on display in the historic gardens of Cincinnati’s Ault Park on Sunday, June 14, the internationally recognized automotive event will celebrate style and performance. The show also includes a Tribute to the cars featured in the movies Fast & FuriousTM and CarsTM, and Turbo Era Cars (1973-1993).
Tickets for all weekend events can now be purchased online at https://ohioconcours.com. Advance-purchase discounted car show tickets are available online through May 31, 2026; adult tickets are $40 each and $15 for each student ticket (with valid school ID). After May 31, tickets are available online or at the gate day-of-show at $45 each for adults and $15 for each student ticket (with valid school ID); children under 12 admitted free. Additional details about the weekend of events and the 2026 concours are available at https://ohioconcours.com. Proceeds from the event will benefit Juvenile Arthritis.
About the Cincinnati Concours d’Elegance
The Cincinnati Concours d’Elegance is one of the most anticipated classic car show events in the United States—a world-class exhibition of motoring excellence. The Concours consists of a weekend of events for car lovers and culminates in the Cincinnati Concours d’Elegance. Cars are displayed in the formal gardens of historic Ault Park, with a classic pavilion overlooking the show field, hosting a brunch. The Cincinnati Concours d’Elegance Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, manages the event with all proceeds benefiting the Arthritis Foundation, and a special focus on Juvenile Arthritis (JA). To find out more about the Cincinnati Concours d’Elegance, or to order tickets, call 513-321-1951 or visit http://www.ohioconcours.com. For more information about the Arthritis Foundation, go to http://www.arthritis.org/.