Published 8/16/24

As summer bids farewell, Ferndale’s iconic Main Street will transform into an open-air gallery of vintage motorcars for the Ferndale Concours on Main on September 15, 2024—a day that promises to captivate both car enthusiasts and casual spectators alike.

What is the Ferndale Concours on Main?

This is not just another car show; it’s a Concours d’Elegance, a term that harks back to 17th century France, when the aristocracy paraded their ornate carriages through the parks of Paris. Over time, these parades evolved, and today, the tradition continues with beautifully restored pre-1998 motorcars competing in an event where only the finest, most meticulously maintained vehicles earn top honors.

What makes Ferndale’s Concours on Main truly special is its unique setting. Unlike traditional Concours events held on manicured lawns, this event takes place on Ferndale’s historic Main Street. Known for its well-preserved Victorian architecture, the street itself becomes a living museum, where automotive history is displayed against the backdrop of a town seemingly frozen in time. The Victorian Village of Ferndale, with its rich history and scenic beauty, offers the perfect location for this prestigious event. Better yet, the general public may attend Ferndale Concours on Main free of charge!

A weekend of elegance and adventure

For competitors, the Concours on Main is more than just a single-day event—it’s an entire weekend filled with activities that will delight. Whether you’re a local resident or visiting from afar, this weekend offers a chance to immerse yourself in the charm and culture of Ferndale and the North Coast redwoods region. If you’re interested in entering, contact Ferndale Concours as soon as possible!

Our Tour d’Elegance begins mid-morning when we gather at the Frank Lloyd Wright Marin County Civic Center, San Rafael. From there, we head north, then east, past Sonoma Raceway to CA SR29, Napa Valley’s wine country highway. Headed north on 29, we stop for an early and leisurely lunch at the world-renowned Mustard’s Grill. Following lunch, we continue north to Calistoga, where 29 climbs Mount Saint Helena and produces one of NorCal’s best sports car roads. 29 ends at CA SR20, where we head west past Clear Lake and onto US101 north. From 101, we’ll escape onto CA SR 254, Avenue of the Giants, making several stops along the way, including a chance to drive through a living redwood tree! Returning to our path north, we’ll drive up the Wildcat mountain, overlooking the Eel River Valley, while coming up close and personal with inquisitive dairy cows! An early evening dinner at the VI Restaurant, located in Ferndale’s Victorian Inn, the Concours’ host hotel, concludes our day.
We’ll depart from Ferndale’s Firemen’s Park in mid-morning, taking (as much as possible) back-country roads to Eureka’s Sequoia Park Zoo for a guided tour of this five-acre zoological garden, located in a 60-acre redwood forest and boasting a biosphere walk through the giants. We'll then motor to Old Town Eureka, where we'll lunch, then board the M.V. Madaket for a one-hour narrated Humboldt Bay cruise. Next, we’ll spend time in Old Town, including a stop at Carl’s Car World, a boutique gallery of everything automotive. Leaving Eureka, we’ll explore the rural roads of Loleta, culminating at North Coast Hitching Post, where we’ll enjoy a wine/beer & hors d’oeuvre reception while overlooking breakers of the Pacific! Returning to Ferndale, we’ll close the evening with the Jimmy Dale (son of surf legend Dick Dale) Surf Trio, playing at The Old Steeple, just one block from the Victorian Inn.
Concours Day! “Gates” open at 7am for entrants and 10am for spectators. Best-of-Show is awarded at ~4pm. Taco bar dinner will be enjoyed at Main Street’s Tuyas Mexican restaurant.
“Hate to see you go” breakfast at the VI Restaurant.

Why you should attend

The 2024 Ferndale Concours on Main is a must-attend event for anyone who appreciates fine automobiles, history, and the unique charm of small-town America. Whether you’re an avid car collector, a history buff, or simply looking for a delightful way to spend a weekend, Ferndale offers an experience that is both enriching and unforgettable.

Mark your calendars for September 15, 2024, and prepare to be transported to a world where elegance, craftsmanship, and history converge in the picturesque setting of Ferndale, California. We look forward to welcoming you to the Ferndale Concours on Main—an event that promises to be as timeless as the town itself.