The 2026 International Jaguar Festival Roars into the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix July 16–19
The International Jaguar Festival (IJF) will take place July 16–19, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as part of the internationally recognized Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix Motorsports Festival. Acclaimed Jaguar designer Ian Callum will cross the pond to serve as Grand Marshal, as Jaguar is honored as the 2026 Marque of the Year. A multiple-time nominee of the International Historic Motoring Awards, presented annually in London, the PVGP ranks among the world’s premier historic motorsport events.
Selected by the Jaguar Clubs of North America, the 2026 IJF will be fully embedded within the PVGP, the largest vintage motorsports festival in the United States and the nation’s only vintage street race. The event brings together classic and modern Jaguars for concours competition, driving events, car shows, and social gatherings, all benefiting autism and intellectual and developmental disability charities.
“The Jaguar Club of Pittsburgh is thrilled to host the 2026 International Jaguar Festival alongside the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix,” said Stu Benson, IJF Chairman. “With the Festival returning to the Mid-Atlantic area after many years, Pittsburgh is within easy driving distance of half the U.S. population. We anticipate an exceptional turnout and an unforgettable show.”
The Jaguar Marque of the Year Car Show and IJF Concours d’ Elegance will be held on Saturday at Schenley Park on the Bob O’Connor Golf Course during the PVGP International Car Show. Jaguars of all years and models are welcome. A $100 entry donation includes a weekend parking spot on the golf course beside the British Car Display, access to the Jaguar hospitality tent throughout the weekend, a PVGP race program, and an official Jaguar Marque of the Year poster, pin, and sticker. Registered Jaguars are displayed in the heart of the International Car Show, offering continuous views of vintage racing on the surrounding streets.
Concours d’ Elegance judging will take place on Saturday, July 18. Entries will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis by class, subject to space and judge availability. Concours vehicles are encouraged to be on the field by 8:00 a.m. to accommodate judging and event logistics. Ian Callum will personally present concours awards on Saturday afternoon.
Participants may also purchase an optional Saturday food-and-beverage package, served at the IJF hospitality tent. With Jaguars required to be on the show field between 7:00 and 8:00 a.m., the package includes breakfast offerings, served with coffee or a proper cup of British tea.
The PVGP International Car Show will feature 3,000 vehicles across multiple international displays, with Jaguars prominently showcased as Marque of the Year alongside live vintage racing throughout the day. The combination of concours judging, car show presentation, and wheel-to-wheel racing creates one of the most distinctive automotive settings in the world.
“This event exemplifies the history that all racers and fans of these fantastic machines represent,” said Mark Mayuga, 2025 President of the Jaguar Clubs of North America. “It continues to remind us of innovation, competition, and a more romantic era of gentleman racers and devoted enthusiasts.”
Visit the PVGP landing page for all Jaguar events – registration opens February 10. The Jaguar Club of Pittsburgh also has details on all activities.
Contacts
Dan DelBianco Stu Benson
Executive Director Chairman IJF
Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix (412) 491-1586
412 559-3500 delbianco@pvgp.org stubenson3@gmail.com
Jaguar Marque Show at Schenley Park – July 18/19 Weekend
The Marque of the Year Car Show is beside the British Car Display on the Bob O’Connor Golf Course. Registration is for the entire weekend. Park your Jaguar on the golf course in the middle of the International Car Show with a weekend view of the track.
Your $100 Entry Donation includes:
- Weekend Parking spot beside the British Car Display on the Golf Course.
- Jaguars of all years and models are welcome.
- Entry into the Hospitality Tent all weekend.
- PVGP Race Program, PVGP Jaguar poster and sticker.
You can purchase an all-day food and beverage package available at the IJF tent on Saturday, July 18. Since Jaguars for the IJF will need to be on the field by 7AM to 8:00 AM on July 18, breakfast sandwiches, fruit and pastries with coffee will be available and a wonderful selection of healthy and tasty lunch selections – including freshly grilled chicken and salmon with salad or brioche buns, along with appropriate side dishes. This is a deal too good to pass up. One must have registered for the Jaguar Marque of the Year/IJF to purchase this food package.
International Jaguar Festival Concours d’ Elegance Judging – Saturday, July 18
If you have registered for yourself and anyone accompanying you for the Jaguar Marque of the Year and you also wish to have your Jaguar entered into the Concours d’Elegance Judging for the IJF, you need to access the registration form when it is available, print it out, and then send it to Chief IJF Judge D. Bryan Williams, 222 Karen Drive, Elizabeth, PA 15037. Registrations may be limited by class size and the number of judges available. Registration entries will be tracked by date received, on a “first-come, first-served” basis.
Due to the size of the International Car Show, it is recommended that Jaguars in the Concours be on the field by 8:00 AM at the latest. Parking for the first 20 trailers is available nearby. Please advise on your registration that you will be bringing a trailer to Schenley Park, and identify the truck or cab pulling the trailer, as well as the length of the entire cab/trailer package, to plan parking.
Vintage Racing in Schenley Park – July 17-19 Weekend
We have a strong representation of British racing legends racing through the stone-walled streets of Schenley Park, including E-Types and XK 120s. This is the only vintage street race in the country and represents one of the most challenging tracks in the world.
We invite Jaguar race drivers to participate. Applicants must hold a competition license and be a member in good standing with a recognized racing organization. The PVGP will scrutinize cars that qualify within our Race Groups based on the vehicle preparation and safety equipment rules of their respective vintage race organizations.
International Jaguar Festival Dinner – Friday, July 17
You will not want to miss the official IJF Dinner, featuring Ian Callum as the keynote speaker. A sumptuous buffet will be served, featuring oven-roasted salmon with mango coulis and braised short ribs of beef, preceded by hors d’oeuvres and a cocktail hour and cash bar.
The Pittsburgh Golf Club is adjacent to the Bob O’Connor Golf Course, where all weekend activities will take place. Set amid rolling hills, the Pittsburgh Golf Club – one of the region’s most distinguished private clubs, known for its classic architecture, rich history, and refined hospitality. IJF Guests will enjoy an elegant dinner in a gracious setting that reflects the club’s long tradition of exceptional dining and attentive service. Participants arriving in Jaguars will be invited to park together in a special designated area, creating a striking display that celebrates the marque’s style and heritage. $90 per person.
IJF Slalom – Friday, July 17 (Tentative)
Details will be forthcoming. As currently envisioned, a slalom is expected to be held at a site convenient to the DoubleTree Hotel where IJF guests are staying. This event needs to be finished early enough in the day so people can clean up and travel to the Pittsburgh Golf Club in Schenley Park for the Friday evening IJF Dinner.
(Once details are finalized, we will need a registration/payment portal here as well as setting forth the amount being charged)
Grand Prix Garden Party at Phipps Conservatory – Thursday, July 16
The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix planted the seeds for a fabulous new event in Schenley Park at the Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens alongside the race track. The party showcases a variety of cars. Registered Jaguar owners will have their cars displayed in a dedicated area. This Garden Party features palate-pleasing food stations, wine, Helltown Beer and bar cocktails throughout one of the nation’s oldest and largest Victorian greenhouses. It promises to be an elegant and entertaining evening. Tickets are $295 per person. DETAILS
IJF Rally Thursday, July 16 (Tentative)
Details will be forthcoming for the morning Rally and afternoon lunch. As currently envisioned, participants can either participate in the time-and-distance rally or drive the same route as an enjoyable tour. A lunch stop (at each person’s own expense) will be scheduled halfway. This event needs to end early enough in the day so that attendees of the Garden Party at Phipps have time to clean up and travel to Phipps Conservatory in Schenley Park.