2002Fest
BMW 2002 & Neue Klasse Annual Gathering
September 17-20, 2026 • San Simeon, California
September 17-20, 2026
Registration is open!
4
Days
3
Scenic Drives
2
Group Dinners
1
Amazing Community
⚠️ Host Hotel Sold Out
Coast Riders Inn is sold out for 2002Fest. Other lodging is available nearby; we recommend San Simeon Lodge, right next door.
Who Is This For?
2002Fest celebrates vintage BMW models from the golden era. This event is specifically for classic BMWs originally introduced in 1976 or earlier.
BMW 2002
1968–1976
All variations of the BMW 2002, including:
- • 1600-2
- • ti, tii, Turbo
- • Cabriolets
- • Touring models
Neue Klasse
1962–early 1970s
All BMW Neue Klasse models, including:
- • 1500, 1600
- • 1800, 2000 sedans
- • All Neue Klasse variants
Other Vintage
1976 or earlier
BMW models originally introduced in 1976 or earlier:
- • E9 coupes (3.0 CS/CSi/CSL)
- • E3 sedans ("Bavaria")
- • BMW 700, Isetta
- • Pre-war classics (328, 315)
Important: This event is specifically for vintage BMW models from 1976 and earlier. While we love all BMWs, 2002Fest focuses on celebrating the heritage and community around these classic models.
About 2002Fest
Join fellow BMW enthusiasts for a weekend dedicated to the passion for vintage BMWs, great drives, scenic views, and lasting friendships. 2002Fest celebrates the iconic BMW 2002, Neue Klasse, and other classic BMW models with four unforgettable days along California's Central Coast.
Hosted by the 2002FAQ community, this is the second annual gathering bringing together BMW 2002 owners and enthusiasts from across the country for scenic drives, technical discussions, a car show, parts swap, and plenty of time to connect with fellow enthusiasts.
Scenic Drives
Experience California's most beautiful coastal and mountain roads with fellow enthusiasts
Car Show & Swap
Display your pride and joy, find rare parts, and admire fellow members' cars
Community
Connect with passionate BMW 2002 owners and make friendships that last
2025 Event Highlights
Relive the memories from last year's incredible gathering of BMW enthusiasts, scenic drives, and unforgettable moments along the California coast.
What Attendees Say
Hear from the community about their 2002Fest 2025 experience
80+
Cars
100+
Attendees
3
Days
19
Sponsors
"Saturday's drive was wild up Naicimento Road! The Targa Florio of the West! The scenery of the entire trip was nothing short of amazing. The Tech Talks were amazing, so much was learned."
— Dono
"Still coming down from the excitement of this wonderful weekend! It was an absolute pleasure to meet you, and I loved sharing stories. I can't wait to see my '02 friends again in the future!"
— James
"Thanks for orchestrating such a great event, it had a very welcoming and relaxing vibe, and the balance between driving and hanging out was ideal. The raffle prizes were impressive!"
— Chris A.
"I enjoyed the 2002fest! I met new friends, broke my car and fixed it, fixed other cars and took some pics!"
— Markster
Relive 2002Fest 2025
Watch the excitement and read more stories from our community
2002Fest Sponsors & Donors
2002Fest is made possible by the generous support of these amazing sponsors and donors.
Turbo Sponsor
Cabrio
tii
Touring
Raffle Premier
Supporter
Become a Sponsor
We're still accepting sponsors and raffle prize donors for 2002Fest!
Visibility
Showcase your brand to passionate BMW enthusiasts from across the country
Community
Connect directly with vintage BMW owners and support a thriving community
Heritage
Help preserve and celebrate classic BMW heritage for future generations
View sponsorship tiers, raffle donation levels, and submit an inquiry
Event Schedule
Four days of BMW 2002 celebration with scenic drives, technical sessions, car show, and plenty of social time. Detailed schedule coming soon!
Thursday - Arrival & Welcome
- 12:00 PMCheck-in opens at Coast Riders Inn
- 3:00 PMShort welcome drive (optional)
- 6:00 PMDinner at local restaurant (individual checks)
- 8:00 PMInformal gathering and meet & greet
Friday - The Long Drive
- 7:30 AMCoffee & pastries
- 8:00 AMLong scenic drive departure (5-6 hours)
- 10:00 AMWine tour departure (alternative to long drive)
- 3:00 PMReturn from long drive, free time
- 5:00 PMReturn from wine tour
- 6:00 PMGroup dinner — sponsored by La Jolla Independent BMW (free)
- 8:00 PMTech talks with expert speakers
Saturday - Car Show & Celebration
- 7:30 AMCoffee & pastries
- 8:30 AMShort morning drive (2-3 hours)
- 2:00 PMCar show & parts swap begins
- 2:00 PMRaffle begins (ongoing throughout afternoon)
- 6:00 PMGroup dinner — sponsored by La Jolla Independent BMW (free)
- 8:00 PMTrivia
Sunday - Optional Departure
- All DayFlexible departure - no scheduled activities
- Optional informal breakfast for those staying longer
Friday Wine Tour
An alternative to the long drive — enjoy a guided wine tour through Paso Robles wine country with fellow enthusiasts.
Tour Details
- Departs: 10:00 AM from San Simeon
- Returns: ~5:00 PM
- Duration: ~7 hours
- Region: Paso Robles wine country
- Stops: 3 wineries
What's Included
- ✓ Private vehicle with knowledgeable guide
- ✓ Visits to 3 Paso Robles wineries
- ✓ Bottled water
- ✓ Pickup & dropoff at San Simeon
Optional Add-On
- 🧺 Boxed picnic lunch — $25/pp (pre-order)
Pricing
$125
per person
Tasting fees paid at each winery
Min. sign-ups required · May cancel if not met
Official Merchandise
Merchandise can be added during registration and will be distributed at the event. Items ordered online will ship after the event (late September 2026).
2002Fest 2026
Unisex T-Shirt
$25
9 colors · XS–5XL
Women's V-Neck
$25
4 colors · S–2XL
Pullover Hoodie
$55
10 colors · S–3XL
Ceramic Mug
From $13
11 oz · 15 oz
Last Year's Merch
Location & Venue
Coast Riders Inn
Our host venue for 2002Fest is the Coast Riders Inn in beautiful San Simeon, California. The hotel is now sold out, but there are many other lodging options nearby.
Address:
9450 Castillo Drive
San Simeon, CA 93452
Phone: 805-924-6060
Getting There
By Air
Nearest airports:
- San Luis Obispo (SBP) - 45 miles
- Monterey (MRY) - 85 miles
By Car
San Simeon is located on Highway 1, approximately:
- 230 miles from Los Angeles
- 240 miles from San Francisco
🏨 Lodging Update
Coast Riders Inn, our host hotel, is sold out for 2002Fest.
There are many other hotels in San Simeon. We recommend San Simeon Lodge, which is right next door to the host hotel.
Book for September 17-20, 2026 (check-in Thursday, check-out Sunday).
Event activities remain at Coast Riders Inn
Staying at another nearby hotel will not affect your participation in 2002Fest.
Things to Do in and Around San Simeon
🏰 Tour Hearst Castle
A true California icon, Hearst Castle offers guided tours of its grand rooms, gardens, and art collection. Advance reservations are recommended.
Book a Tour →🦭 Visit Elephant Seal Vista Point
Just north of San Simeon, the Piedras Blancas Rookery offers a close-up view of elephant seals lounging, sparring, and sunbathing year-round.
View on Map →🌅 Sunset at Moonstone Beach Boardwalk
Drive a few minutes south to Cambria for a peaceful walk along the coast. The boardwalk is ideal for catching a Central Coast sunset.
View on Map →🥾 Hike the Coastal Trails
San Simeon offers scenic hiking trails with ocean views, wildlife, and peaceful natural surroundings for all skill levels.
Hiking Guide →🍷 Wine Tasting in Paso Robles or Cambria
The Central Coast is home to some of California's best wine regions. Explore nearby tasting rooms and vineyards for a relaxing afternoon.
🏘️ Explore Cambria Village
Just south of San Simeon, discover boutique shops, art galleries, antique stores, and local cafés in this charming coastal town.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I book my hotel room?
Coast Riders Inn, our host hotel, is sold out for 2002Fest. There are many other lodging options in San Simeon, and we recommend San Simeon Lodge because it is right next door at 9520 Castillo Dr. Call 805-927-4601 or visit sansimeonlodge.net. Book for September 17-20, 2026 (Thursday check-in, Sunday check-out).
What's included in registration?
Registration for 2002Fest 2026 is free and includes access to the scheduled drives, car show participation, tech talks, and social activities. Friday and Saturday group dinners are also free for registered attendees thanks to La Jolla Independent BMW; please reserve your dinner places during registration so we have an accurate headcount.
What's the weather like in San Simeon in September?
San Simeon has beautiful coastal weather in September with daytime temperatures typically ranging from 60-75°F. Mornings and evenings can be cool, so bring layers. The area is known for its mild climate, though coastal fog is possible in the mornings.
Is there parking for trailers?
Yes! We were able to accommodate trailer parking on the street in 2025. If you're planning to bring a trailer, this is available for those who need it.
What should I bring?
Bring comfortable driving clothes, layers for coastal weather, sunscreen, camera, and any parts you'd like to swap. Don't forget your car's maintenance essentials for the scenic drives!
Can I bring a guest or family member?
Absolutely! Guests and family members are welcome. Registration options include companion passes for non-drivers who want to participate in activities.
What if I can't make all four days?
While the full experience is four days, you're welcome to attend for whatever time works for you. Sunday is intentionally left flexible for departure.
Where can I find more information?
Visit the 2002FAQ community at bmw2002faq.com for more details, or check the registration page for specific event information.
Have more questions? Email events@2002faq.com or visit the 2002FAQ community.