Air|Water Porsche Show Returns to California on April 25th
Cars

Air|Water Porsche Show Returns to California on April 25th

authorBy Henry Ford
DateApr 01, 2026
Read Time3 min
The Air|Water Porsche Show, a dynamic evolution of the iconic Luftgekühlt event, is poised for its highly anticipated return to Costa Mesa, California, on April 25th. This year marks its fifth overall installment and third at this specific venue. Co-founded by racing legend Patrick Long, the event aims to offer an inclusive experience for all Porsche aficionados, transcending the traditional focus on air-cooled models to embrace the full spectrum of Porsche's engineering marvels.

Experience Porsche's Legacy: A Celebration of Innovation and Design

Unveiling the Vision: From Luftgekühlt to Air|Water

Born from the creative minds behind Luftgekühlt, the Air|Water show carves out its own niche by extending the appreciation for Porsche vehicles beyond the air-cooled era. This expanded format welcomes both classic and contemporary models, allowing for a more comprehensive showcase of Porsche's storied history and technological advancements. The organizers' vision was to cultivate a vibrant, inclusive environment for a wider audience of enthusiasts.

The Genesis and Evolution of a Grand Showcase

The decision to launch Air|Water stemmed from a desire to broaden the existing Porsche event landscape. While Luftgekühlt meticulously honors vintage Porsche models, Air|Water aims to bridge the gap, bringing together a diverse collection that spans from the earliest designs to the latest innovations. This approach not only provides a platform for modern Porsche technologies but also engages new generations of fans, ensuring the brand's enduring legacy is celebrated in its entirety.

A Hub for Enthusiasts: Features and Future Aspirations

Air|Water distinguishes itself with engaging features such as live Porsche auctions and an expansive exhibitor hall trade show, designed to enhance the attendee experience. Co-founder Patrick Long articulates the show's objective: to dismantle any barriers to entry and establish a recurring annual meeting point for the global Porsche community. Looking ahead, Long expresses a keen interest in featuring the legendary Porsche GT1, an iconic model that epitomizes the transition from air-cooled to water-cooled engines, suggesting it could be a centerpiece of the 2026 event. The possibility of integrating track-based events in the future also hints at an evolving and dynamic future for Air|Water.

Return to Costa Mesa: A Familiar and Favored Locale

The OC Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa, California, once again plays host to the Air|Water Porsche Show. This venue has become synonymous with the event, marking its third occasion here. The choice of location underscores the organizers' commitment to creating a consistent and accessible gathering for the Porsche community, solidifying its place as a staple in the automotive event calendar.

Spotlight on Excellence: Patrick Long's Favorite and Future Desires

Patrick Long, a prominent figure in the Porsche racing world and a co-founder of Air|Water, shared insights into his personal highlights and future aspirations for the show. He particularly cherishes the 2013 Porsche 911 GT3R, especially when brought to life by the legendary Jorg Bergmeister. Long's ambition extends to showcasing the Porsche GT1, an engineering marvel that encapsulates the shift in Porsche's engine design philosophy. This highly coveted vehicle, with its rich racing heritage and limited street versions, represents a dream inclusion for future Air|Water events, potentially in 2026, further cementing the show's reputation for presenting extraordinary Porsches.

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