MOTOR VALLEY FEST RETURNS: FOUR DAYS IN THE HEART OF EMILIA- ROMAGNA’S MOTOR VALLEY, BETWEEN INDUSTRY, INNOVATION, CULTURE AND A PASSION FOR MOTORS
In Modena from 28 to 31 May. Conferences, exhibitions, car parades, circuits, company museums: allscheduled events.
Exhibitions of new models, international conferences, vintage car gatherings,talent talks, open museums and food-and-wine experiences. Modena is preparing to once again turn the spotlight on the Land of Motors. From 28 to 31 May 2026 Motor Valley Fest returns for its eighth edition.
Four days of events in the heart of Emilia-Romagna’s Motor Valley to celebrate the history of automotive design, with its historical and cultural value, industrial strength and the technological vision of Italian mobility.
From squares to theatres, from museums to circuits, the city will be transformed into a large open-air stage, bringing together industry and technology, culture and education, businesses and talent. A widespread programme, with the majority of events free of charge, designed for enthusiasts, families and young people, capable of enhancing one of the most well-known and appreciated automotive districts in the world.
The event was presented on 19th January in Bologna at the Regional Headquarters by the Vice-President with responsibility for Economic Development, Vincenzo Colla; the Regional Councillor for Tourism, Trade and Sport, Roberta Frisoni; the Mayor of Modena, Massimo Mezzetti; and the President of the Motor Valley
Association, Andrea Pontremoli. They were joined by the Director of the Motor Valley Association, Vittorio Brambilla; the Scientific Coordinator of Motor Valley Fest, Eugenio Razelli; and the SecretarycGeneral ofmUnioncamere, Stefano Bellei.
Association, Andrea Pontremoli. They were joined by the Director of the Motor Valley Association, Vittorio Brambilla; the Scientific Coordinator of Motor Valley Fest, Eugenio Razelli; and the SecretarycGeneral ofmUnioncamere, Stefano Bellei.
The programme
The Teatro Storchi in Modena will host, on Thursday 28 May, the inaugural conference entitled “Global Trends,
New Frontiers and Human Responsibility”, the event that will officially open Motor Valley Fest. It will be an international moment of discussion on the global challenges of the automotive sector and the technology industry. Artificial intelligence, the energy transition, digitalisation and human responsibility will be the central themes of the debate – involving institutions, experts, top managers and key players of the Motor Valley – to explore how innovation and values can coexist in a rapidly accelerating world. Young people will be protagonists with the Talent Talk events of the Innovation & Talent format, which will take place from 28 to 30 May 2026 at the Collegio San Carlo in Modena.
These meetings are designed to create direct dialogue between students and representatives of the top Motor Valley brands, the automotive sector and the world of education, fostering guidance, discussion and new professional opportunities.
From squares to theatres, from museums to circuits, the city of the Ghirlandina Tower will offer a rich calendar of free-entry events for motoring enthusiasts, families and young people, featuring dynamic experiences,installations and food-and-wine activities, along a route that will cross the beating heart of Emilia-Romagna.
Among the new features of the 2026 edition is the return of Best of Motor Valley within the courtyard of honour of the Modena Military Academy, where supercars, motorcycles and vintage vehicles from the most famous brands and circuits of the Motor Valley will be displayed. In the spotlight will be the excellences that have made the Motor Valley famous worldwide – Ferrari, Maserati, Lamborghini, Ducati, Pagani and Dallara – together with the regional circuits: Modena Autodrome, Varano de’ Melegari Autodrome, Misano World Circuit and Imola Autodrome. In a historic setting of extraordinary prestige, the Motor Valley once again expresses the very best of itself, bringing with it stories of passion, technology and expertise that have made this district unique in the world.
At the 2026 Fest, one of the most iconic and beloved elements for the public will not be missing: the exhibitions and museums of the Motor Valley, which will open their doors free of charge, offering visitors, enthusiasts and families a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the history, innovation and myth of Emilia’s motors. An extraordinary heritage, accessible to everyone, that makes the Festival a cultural and engaging experience, as well as a spectacular one.
Adding further spectacle to the programme will be gatherings and parades of vintage cars, true four-wheeled icons that will parade through the heart of the Motor Valley, transforming it into an open-air museum and giving the public the timeless excitement of the great masterpieces of automotive history.
During the festival weekend, as per tradition, the Concours d’Elegance Salvarola Terme Trophy will return for its 26th edition, featuring 60 exclusive high-end vintage cars. The 2026 Special Guest will be the Registro Internazionale Touring Superleggera. On the morning of 31 May, the competing cars will be presented before the prestigious Jury in Salvarola Terme. In the early afternoon, they will arrive in Modena, in front of the Ducal Palace in Piazza Roma, where class awards will be presented and the Best of Show proclaimed.
Motor Valley Fest thus confirms its nature as an open laboratory where a passion for motors meets research, sustainability and Italian creativity.
Motor Valley Fest is organised by the Emilia-Romagna Region, APT Servizi Emilia-Romagna, the Municipality of Modena, the Motor Valley Association, Muner and Meneghini & Associati, with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Unioncamere Emilia-Romagna, the Modena Chamber of Commerce and the Fondazione di Modena.