What began as a counterpoint to the formal elegance of Villa d’Este has rapidly become one of Europe’s most influential automotive gatherings in its own right. Held across a series of historic villas overlooking Lake Como in Italy, FuoriConcorso blends collector automobiles, motorsport heritage, design and fashion into an immersive cultural experience unlike almost anything else on the automotive calendar.
Founded by Italian entrepreneur Guglielmo Miani, the event intentionally positioned itself outside the traditional concours structure. The name itself translates roughly to “outside the concours,” signaling a departure from formal judging and static lawn displays in favor of thematic exhibitions and curated experiences.
The atmosphere reflects that philosophy immediately.
Rather than a single concours lawn, FuoriConcorso unfolds across multiple historic properties including Villa del Grumello and Villa Sucota. Visitors move between villas overlooking the lake while encountering everything from historic race cars and contemporary hypercars to bespoke commissions, concept studies and rare collector specifications.
Each edition revolves around a central theme, often tied to motorsport, coachbuilding or automotive innovation. Recent years have seen increasingly ambitious manufacturer participation as brands recognize FuoriConcorso’s ability to connect automotive heritage with contemporary luxury culture.
The result feels less like a traditional car event and more like the automotive equivalent of Milan Design Week – a similar shared interest week held just down the road in Milan weeks ahead of Como. That event clustering’s focus is design and for its own reasons also becoming a can’t miss gathering for key automotive and car adjacent brands.
In Como at FuoriConcorso, attendees mingle with architects, designers, photographers and fashion figures. Historic race cars are displayed alongside contemporary installations and luxury lifestyle activations. Aperitivo gatherings overlooking the lake transition naturally into conversations about design, craftsmanship and motorsport history.
The setting itself elevates the experience.
Lake Como’s narrow roads, historic villas and dramatic scenery create a uniquely cinematic backdrop. Throughout the weekend, the surrounding towns become extensions of the event as enthusiasts crowd waterfront promenades and ferries transport visitors between lakeside destinations. Simply arriving at the villas often becomes part of the spectacle itself.
Unlike many large-scale automotive gatherings, FuoriConcorso remains relatively intimate despite its growing global influence. The event’s compact geography encourages continuous overlap between collectors, manufacturers and enthusiasts, creating an atmosphere that feels unusually organic for a modern luxury event.
Increasingly, FuoriConcorso has become one of the defining expressions of where collector culture itself is heading. Perhaps that’s what attracts key marques such as Porsche to show off its special wishes Sonderwunsch services or Audi to take its place this year complete with a portfolio of racing cars representing the four rings’ multi-faceted racing dominance.
Heritage remains central, though no longer isolated from broader conversations surrounding design, fashion, travel and contemporary luxury. Motorsport icons share space with modern reinterpretations and limited-production commissions. Social media creators coexist alongside concours judges and veteran collectors.
And in many ways, that balance explains why FuoriConcorso has become such an important part of modern Como Week. They say a rising tide raises all ships. Well, there are no tides on Italy’s picturesque Lake Como where George Clooney maintains a home, but the rising growth of “Como Week” thanks to expansion through the creation of events such as FuoriConcorso definitely seems to raise the level of all gatherings afloat during that particular not-to-miss automotive week.
KEY INFORMATION
Event:
FuoriConcorso
Primary Venues:
- Villa del Grumello
- Villa Sucota
Region:
Lake Como, Lombardy, Italy
Typical Timing:
Late May annually
Nearest Airports:
- Milan Malpensa Airport
- Milan Linate Airport
Travel Notes:
Many FuoriConcorso exhibitions require advance registration or ticketing. Expect heavy road congestion around Como and Cernobbio during peak event days. Ferry transportation between towns is strongly recommended. Accommodations throughout the region book far in advance during Como Week.
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